About
Maria is a Sydney based singer and musician who has performed in a variety of settings from community music making in Churches and Nursing Homes to the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House and beyond.
Maria has a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance (SCM, USYD) and a Master in Creative Music Therapy with Distinction (WSU).
Maria is an early career composer whose compositions have been performed by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and broadcast on 2MBS FM.
Composer
Maria’s compositions are largely tonal with noticeable jazz influences. As a self-taught, emerging composer Maria has found musical outlets for her creativity within the music community she belongs. To date, three of Maria’s choral works have been premiered by the Chamber Singers under the baton of Brett Weymark. “You Are the Apple Tree” for SSAATB and soloists was commissioned by Judith Pickering and premiered at a book launch in 2019.
“My Life Flows On” for SSAATTBB and 12-piece string ensemble, was commissioned by Weymark for the Sydney Philharmonia Choir’s centenary commissioning project, “One Hundred Minutes of New Music” and performed at St Andrew’s Cathedral in July 2022.
Her art song setting of Edward Lear poem “The Jumblies” for soprano and piano was premiered on 2MBS FM as part of their “Fine Music Showcase” program performed by the composer and her husband jazz pianist Kevin Hunt in 2023. In 2024, a resetting of “The Jumblies” for SAATB and piano directed by Dr Elizabeth Scott was recorded for radio broadcast.
Maria’s chamber music output includes flute and piano works, flute ensemble material, a “Trio Suite” for flute clarinet and piano, three folk song settings for soprano, clarinet and piano.
“100% Australian Made” with Julie Simmonds, will focus on Maria’s compositional output broadcast date 1pm, May 4, 2026 on 2MBS FM.
Singer
Maria has performed as a soloist in recital with Kevin Hunt for Music at Manly, the Roseville Music Club, a guest artist in the “Painted Piano Concert” program featuring Kevin Hunt and Simon Tedeschi at the “Salt Festival” Port Lincoln, the Hub Springwood and the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
Maria has sung as a soloist during her time as a chorister with the Chamber Singers (SPC) since 2015.
In 2016, Maria sang the cameo alto solo in Haydn’s “Die Shopfung” under the baton of Maestro Masaaki Suzuki with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Maria sang in the Barcelona Festival of Song 2018.
→ Hear Maria sing her art song setting of Edward Lear’s “The Jumblies” with pianist Kevin Hunt
Flautist
As a flautist Maria has been involved in recital and benefit concert work. She has enjoyed performing chamber music in music club and nursing home settings. Maria has achieved her AMusA and LMusA with Distinction and her LTCL diploma.
Maria has played a variety of styles including classical flute repertoire and collaborated in improvisation-based ensembles including a duo with a sarod player Sahdool Singh. A highlight of Maria’s flute playing career includes performing the world premier of Australian composer Miriam Hyde’s “Nocturne” for flute and piano.
Maria had the opportunity to record this work with the composer for the “Anniversary Bouquet” MBS 34 CD.
Teacher
Private music teaching has been a privilege and a joy for Maria over many years. She has worked within the private and state school systems supporting the school music communities as a flute tutor. She also has a music studio at her home.
Maria teaches students of all ages and abilities, from beginner to diploma level. She enjoys tailoring an individual approach to helping students discover a love of music making.
Producing a beautiful, expressive tone is central to Maria’s approach to flute tuition. Maria has conducted flute ensembles and founded a community flute choir.