Anna Barycz was born in Poland and graduated cum laude from the  F. Chopin Academy of Music in viola performance. She was a violist with the Warsaw National Philharmonic in Poland from 1977 to 1981. In 1981 Ms. Barycz won a position in the Orchestra Teatro dell’ Opera in Rome, Italy where she remained for seven years. She was also a founding member of the Miteva String Quartet which performed regularly for the International Chamber Ensemble concert series in Rome.

Since making Canada her home in 1988, she has been a freelance musician in the Toronto area, and toured with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra.  From 1990 to 2008, Ms. Barycz played with Orchestra London. Presently she is Principal Viola with the Peterborough Symphony. She is in high demand as a teacher of viola and violin and also as a chamber music coach.

Ms. Barycz is the mother of three sons who have achieved successful  careers in professional fields. She is married to professional tuba player and teacher, Claudio Engli and in their free time they love to travel, hike, read and play with their dog, Pinocchio.