Renowned International Pianist to grace the Corpus stage
On the evening of 22 March, the Caroline Payne Theatre at Corpus Christi College will be filled with the sounds of Marialena Fernandes, a renowned pianist with an international reputation.
Fernandes was born in Mumbai and has been recognised as an artist on the international scene for several years. She has an impressive background, having acquired her Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) and completed her education from the Mumbai University in Psychology. Fernandes then went on to the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where she received her Diploma in Piano and Chamber Music Performance with unanimous distinctions.
Fernandes has performed solo, chamber music, and orchestra concerts in most European capitals, as well as in the United States of America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. In addition to her performance career, Fernandes is a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where she has been teaching since 1991. She conducts workshops and masterclasses around the globe and serves as a jury member at international competitions.
One of Fernandes' most notable achievements is her work as an artistic director and international program curator in crossover projects, which incorporate classical, jazz, and world music fusions with an emphasis on improvisation. These projects facilitate intercultural exchange between students, teachers, and audiences. Since 2007, she has been involved in a series cycle called "Uno, Due, Tre" in Musikverein Vienna.
Fernandes has also initiated several projects with women composers and gender themes. In 2008, she received the MIA Award for Woman with international background in the field of Art and Culture. In 2013, Fernandes attained the PhD degree from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with her title "The Konkani Song – Roots – Development – Documentation." Since 2015, she has conceived a project called "The Quest for Passion," which involves incorporating musicians from Europe and India in dialog with each other, discussing diverse artistic themes and involving talented youth.
Marialena Fernandes will be playing on a lovingly restored Bechstein Piano during her upcoming performance at the Caroline Payne Theatre. The piano was assembled out of pre-made parts around 1931 and is believed to have been ordered by Musgrove's Perth. It has a unique history and was likely housed in Winthrop Hall and used for ABC Orchestra concerts. Corpus Christi College is privileged to have such a special piano for the performance.
