Maria Vekilova-Desmet
Born in 1992 in Moscow, Maria Vekilova started learning piano at the age of five and graduated from her music school with high distinction in 2006. The same year she discovered the organ.
After completing her secondary studies in musicology and organ Maria entered the Brussels Conservatory in the organ class of Bernard Foccroulle in 2012. She obtained her Master's degree in 2017 and her Specialized Master's degree in 2018 with the highest distinction.
Maria won the First Prize and Audience Prize at the 5th International Organ Competition “Pierre de Manchi- court” in 2014.
In 2018 Maria represents the young talents of Belgium at the BOZAR PROJECT “ORGAN NIGHT FEVER”.
In 2020, together with Bernard Foccroulle, Benoît Mernier, Arnaud Van de Cauter, Roland Servais, Maria will represent Belgium in a European project carried out by the ECHO (European Cities of Historical Organs) and Nico Declerck.
“A European Organ Concert”, which brought together some of the best organists from all over Europe, is broadcast on the ECHO ORGANS Asso- ciation's YouTube channel, as well as other videos.
Maria has collaborated with Andreas Scholl, Asmik Papian, Priscila Olegario, Sergei Suvorov, Aleksander Rudin, Eduard Topchyan, the Russian National Orchestra, Moscow Virtuosi, InAlto Ensemble and others.
The present album “Hell und Dunkel” is Maria's first CD recording.
Maria plays recitals all over Europe and in Russia.
