Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Maria Schleuning is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a violinist, chamber musician, and educator. Born in 1970 in Dallas, Texas, Schleuning grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her father was a professional cellist, and her mother was a pianist and music teacher. Schleuning began playing the violin at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Schleuning's early musical education was guided by her mother, who taught her the basics of violin technique and music theory. She also studied with several local violin teachers and participated in youth orchestras and chamber music groups. In 1988, Schleuning graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, where she had received a rigorous education in music and other arts. After high school, Schleuning attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with David Cerone and Donald Weilerstein. She also participated in masterclasses with renowned violinists such as Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman, and Itzhak Perlman. In 1992, Schleuning graduated from the Cleveland Institute with a Bachelor of Music degree. Following her graduation, Schleuning began her professional career as a violinist. She joined the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, where she played under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. She also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, Schleuning joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as a full-time member, where she has remained ever since. In addition to her work with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Schleuning is also an active chamber musician. She has performed with numerous chamber music groups, including the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, the Cliburn Concerts Chamber Music Series, and the Dallas Chamber Music Society. She is a founding member of the Voices of Change contemporary music ensemble, which has been praised for its innovative programming and performances. Schleuning has also been recognized for her solo performances. In 1999, she won the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Young Artist Competition, which led to her solo debut with the orchestra. She has also performed as a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Plano Symphony Orchestra, and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. In 2005, Schleuning released a solo album, "American Souvenirs," which features works by American composers such as Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and John Corigliano. Throughout her career, Schleuning has received numerous awards and honors. In 2001, she was named the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Associate Concertmaster, a position she held until 2018. In 2006, she was awarded the Meadows School of the Arts Distinguished Alumni Award from Southern Methodist University. In 2010, she was named the Artistic Director of the Voices of Change ensemble. In 2018, she was appointed the Director of Chamber Music at Southern Methodist University's Meadows School of the Arts. Schleuning's contributions to the classical music world extend beyond her performances as a violinist. She is also a dedicated educator and mentor to young musicians. She has taught at several universities and music schools, including Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

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