Naomi Yanova Adaskin

Naomi Yanova Adaskin, better known publicly by her stage name Naomi Yanova and also known by her maiden name Naomi Granatstein and her married names Naomi Adaskin and Naomi Godden, (May 6, 1908 – March 1, 1996) was a Canadian pianist, music educator, music editor, writer on music, and music critic.

Life and career Born Naomi Granatstein in Toronto, Yanova began her professional training as a pianist at the Hambourg Conservatory of Music in her native city. After completing her studies at that school, she pursued further education; first at the Toronto College of Music (now The Royal Conservatory of Music) where she was a pupil of Healey Willan, and later the University of Toronto. She also studied under Mona Bates from 1928 through 1938 and with E. Robert Schmitz from 1941 through 1944.

Yanova made her debut as a concert pianist at the age of 12 at Massey Hall. On December 28, 1934, she married the cellist John Adaskin who was the younger brother of Murray Adaskin. She was a frequent partner of her husband in concerts both before and after their marriage in the years 1929 through 1938.

In 1939 Yanova joined the piano faculty of the Toronto College of Music; teaching there through 1944. She then worked as a music critic for the Toronto Daily Star and also contributed articles on music to Star Weekly, Chatelaine, and The Globe and Mail. She also worked as an editor for the publisher Ginn & Company; editing music texts written for schools from 1965 through 1969. She later worked in the same capacity for McGraw Hill during the 1970s.

Personal life Adaskin's marriage to John Adaskin ended upon his death in 1964. They had two daughters, Tamar (b. 1944) and Susan (b. 1946). She later married the pianist Reginald Godden in 1979.

Naomi Yanova Adaskin died on March 1, 1996, in Toronto.