Maria Zhdanovich began learning to play the flute at the age of 6 in her hometown of Saint Petersburg. After moving to Australia at the age of 8, Maria studied with Alison Rosser, Elizabeth Koch AM, and Julia Grenfell, before commencing her studies with Alison Mitchell at the Australian National Academy of Music in 2023.
Maria has won numerous awards and competitions such as the Adelaide Eisteddfod Concerto Competition, David Cubbin Memorial Prize and 5MBS Young Virtuoso Award. In 2021, she was honoured to be a nominee for the Freedman Fellowship, as well as completing her Bachelor of Music Performance (Advanced Degree) at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Some highlights from her time studying were performing the Lukas Foss Flute Concerto with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, and travelling overseas as part of a study tour to London to attend classes at Guild Hall, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, and Trinity Laban.
Maria is also passionate about her role as a teaching artist. She has worked on projects like the Nest: Connecting the Dots in Music and When We Speak workshops, as well participating in an Artist Development Residency which featured classes led by Eric Booth and Thomas Cabaniss.
In 2022, Maria was undertaking her Honours Degree in Classical Music Performance, as well as earning a Casual Position with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
After completing the performance aspect of her degree, Maria spent time exploring her interest in improvisational based performance practices, collaborating with cross-disciplinary artists from South Australia.
Outside of music, Maria has represented Australia overseas as part of the National Junior Fencing Team.
Maria is excited and honoured to continue her second year of training at ANAM under the guidance of Alison Mitchell, and is looking forward to developing further as a player and artist.
FROM: Adelaide, SA. Lands of the Kaurna peoples
Maria is supported by ANAM Syndicate donor Ruth Ball, Annabelle Lundy Watson.
Photo by Pia Johnson