Music has always played a central part in Maria’s life and before her work at The Bridgewater Hall, she was General Manager at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival during a period which saw an increase in attendance of 19% and box office income of 40% (1997-1999), and a successful bid for £140,000 in Arts For Everyone funds for opera commissioning and audience development.
Maria reported to the festival’s founder Richard Steinitz and the board, and oversaw delivery of the artistic programme, finance, funding, marketing and education activity, managing a talented freelance team. Richard programmed a rich tapestry of unforgettable world premiere performances with visits from many international composers including Steve Reich, Brian Eno, Arvo Pärt, Iannis Xenakis, Elliott Carter and George Crumb.
