Biography

Mike Bell

In 2021 Maria was offered a scholarship to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where she is now in her 4th year, studying singing with Louise Crane. During her studies, she has won the John Ireland Prize alongside the Boulanger Trio and second place in the Edward Brooks English Song Prize. Maria was one of two singers chosen from her year to represent the conservatoire in the Kathleen Ferrier Bursary Competition in 2023 held at the Royal Academy of Music. This year, she officially became a Student Scholar with Ex Cathedra - a leading UK choir based in Birmingham - having worked with Jeffrey Skidmore in his Scholars Ensemble for over two years.

Since 2022, she has given yearly lunchtime recitals in Winchester Cathedral and was recently selected to give one at RBC, with her exceptional duo partner Bianca Vancea. Maria's opera credits include 1st Spirit in Die Zauberflöte (Hurn Court Opera); Fox Cub, The Cunning Little Vixen; Sylvie, The Letter Under the Door (Opera Scenes); Chorus, Cendrillon; Anne Truelove, The Rake's Progress (Opera Scenes); Polly, Die Dreigroschenoper (Opera Scenes); Marguerite, Faust (Opera Scenes); Puppet Quartet, Fête Galante.

Maria started singing and playing piano at a very young age, encouraged by her musical family. Initially interested in musical theatre, she was cast in two professional productions during her childhood: performing as Young Eponine in Les Miserables and in Oliver! at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Prior to her degree, she passed her ARSM Singing Diploma with Distinction as well as her Grade 8 Piano.

Later this year, Maria will be releasing an album of classical songs by 20th century British composers, with Bianca Vancea accompanying - to include pieces by John Ireland, Elizabeth Poston, Liza Lehmann, Arthur Bliss and Benjamin Britten.