Faces of Music & Sound

Maria McGarry

Piano, Ireland
Career Development Residency

Maria McGarry first came to The Banff Centre for the three-week International Keyboard Festival in 2003, following the completion of her Artist’s Diploma in Performance from the Juilliard School. After a brief but wonderful experience in Banff, she knew she had to return. Following a Wigmore Hall debut, Maria returned to The Banff Centre in 2005 for the three-month Winter Career Development Residency. Performing regularly in major venues in Europe, North America, and Asia, Maria’s flourishing international career includes performances as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, among others, and numerous prizes and awards from international piano competitions, as well as a scholarship from the Fulbright Commission.

During the residency, Maria was hard at work in her studio for countless hours every day, preparing an array of repertoire for upcoming performances and competition auditions. She also took advantage of the audio engineering facilities and numerous performance opportunities, having recorded a demo CD for future auditions and performing on various concert stages at The Banff Centre and in neighboring Canmore.

Maria found the residency program to be “unique in the level of support it offers to professional musicians.” She remarked that “The Banff Centre provides the opportunity to immerse in your artistic endeavors and accomplish new goals and projects in an incredibly supportive and inspiring environment.” Best of all, Maria completed the residency having enhanced her music – and her joy of music: “I am delighted with the developments I have seen in my playing.”

Following her Banff residency, Maria has had a busy performance schedule with concerts in Ireland including a concerto performance of Manuel de Falla's Nights in the Gardens of Spain with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, which was broadcast live on LyricFM.

Listen to a clip of Maria performing Liszt/Schumann’s Liebeslied during her Winter 2005 Banff Centre residency.

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