MARIA OKUNEV, Soprano

Maria Okunev is an opera singer, recitalist, pianist and choral conductor. Maria was born in Moscow, Russia in 1978. She graduated with distinction from Moscow Youth Music College in 1993 majoring in piano and choral conducting. The same year her family moved to Sydney, Australia. In 1997 Maria was the dux at the completion of her High School Certificate. She was also invited to perform a piano solo at the Sydney Opera House HSC encore concert. In 2001 Maria completed her performance degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She majored in piano and voice. In 2002 Maria completed certificate IV in Music Management. In 2003 she undertook Masters of Creative arts at the Newcastle Consevatorium majoring in opera performance, which she completed in August 2005. Maria’s current voice teacher is Catherine Carby – principal mezzo-soprano, Opera Australia.

Maria has already performed a number of principal operatic roles: Musetta – La bohème -Puccini, Guadelina – La Perichole --Offenbach, Madam Silberklung – Der Schauspieldirektor -Mozart, Self – The Impossible Body- Katrina Pring. Donna Elvira – Don Giovanni, Mozart.

In October of 2004 Maria starred in the principal role of world premier production The Impossible Body, Katrina Pring. The opera was a Newcastle Conservatorium production.

Maria’s oratorio performances included Mozart’s Exultate Jubilate and Haydn’s Nelson Mass. Maria also premiered a composition by Robert Constable for solo soprano, choir, organ and orchestra, at the Newcastle Cathedral Festival in October 2004.

Maria gave recitals in Sydney, Canberra and Perth. Some highlights include recitals in Russian embassy (Canberra) and Russian consulate (Sydney); charity concert for the Beslan Tragedy appeal, concerts for Cameraygal festival, Lane Cove Music Club, Opera & Arts Support Group fund-raisers, recital at the Carisbrook Historic House (Burns Bay). Maria’s recitals encompass a large scope of vocal repertoire, ranging from classical, to musical theater and jazz.

In June 2004 Maria competed in Klassik Mania – International Opera Competition - Vienna, and reached semi-finals. Her journey was generously sponsored by the Opera and Arts support group. Maria was selected to represent Australia in Shizuoka International Opera Competition – Japan, this October.

Maria is a busy music educator. She runs a large private studio where she teaches voice, piano, musical theory and vocal ensemble. She is a Director of Music with the Australian Youth Choir. Maria was also a choral director at the Scone Shire Youth Music Camp 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Maria is the most recent addition to the Sirens of Song show directed by Tarita Botsman-Carbo.