Maria Jagusz – 2019 Vocal Adjudicator

 Maria Jagusz trained as a dancer before taking up a place at the Royal Northern College of Music where she was awarded the Ricordi Prize for Opera. Further scholarships enabled her to continue her studies at the National Opera Studio. As a singer Maria has worked as soloist for most of the leading opera companies in the U.K and Europe. Her roles include Carmen, Cherubino, Orlofsky, Hansel, Dorabella and Rosina. She has performed with many of the world’s leading singers including Domingo, Carreras, Freni and Dame Felicity Lott. She is a keen recitalist and a regular soloist for choral societies in the U.K.

As a teacher Maria has specialised in training students who are hoping to have professional careers in the world of opera and musical theatre. In order to give them the experience they need to succeed in this cutthroat industry she formed MJ-UK Music and Arts. As part of their training Maria believes that getting as much performing experience both in concert and on stage is vital for the development of young talent. She arranges many concerts both in the Cotswolds and in Cornwall where young singers can get the chance to perform in a safe welcoming environment.

Maria has worked for the education department for Longborough Festival Opera for the past ten years. She has just completed over thirty workshops introducing opera to schoolchildren.

She has been awarded honorary chairman of the Silurian Consort for her contribution to music in the Cotswolds.