Maria Tho-

Maria Tho. is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree while on music scholarship at Baylor University, and received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Louisiana State University, also with the reward of a music scholarship. She is currently pursuing a DMA at LSU in Vocal Performance with a minor in Vocal Pedagogy. While at Baylor, she studied with renowned voice teacher and pedagogue Dr. John Van Cura. She learned much of her teaching style during her time spent with Dr. Van Cura. She teaches a very thorough base for singing incorporating efficient, healthy breathing and posture. Maria uses her artistry and creativity to cater to the specific needs and learning specifications of each student, vocalists and pianists alike. Maria spent 2 consecutive summers with Des Moines Metro Opera. She has performed many roles, most recently the Sandman with Opera Louisiane. She has also performed Mimi in La Boheme, the title role in Vanessa, La Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro, and the title roles in both Floyd’s Susannah and Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Maria won 2nd Place at the Gulf Coast Regional Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in January 2010. Called by critics a “thoughtful, powerful and thrilling” singer, she has been awarded prizes in other competitions, including the Lois Alba Competition, NATS, Entergy Young Texas Artists’ Music Competition and Festival Note d’estate a Campolieto.