Specializes in: Violin

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas in Colombia

Maria Bernal is a violinist from Colombia with a deep passion for both performance and music education. Throughout her career, she has performed in renowned venues across the globe and collaborated with distinguished musicians and conductors. Maria began her musical journey in Colombia, where she quickly developed a love for the violin.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas in Colombia. After completing her undergraduate studies, Maria moved to the United States to further her musical education. She earned a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from New Mexico State University (NMSU), where she studied under the guidance of Simon Gollo. Later, Maria moved to Chicago to continue her studies, earning an Artist Diploma in Violin Performance under the renowned violinist Almita Vamos. She completed the program in 2023 and continues to develop her artistry under her mentorship.

Maria’s performance experience is diverse and includes master classes with distinguished violinists such as Maxim Vengerov, Rachel Barton Pine, Anne Akiko Meyers, and Robert Chen, among others. She has attended prestigious festivals, including the Montecito International Music Festival (2016) in Los Angeles, the Esmeraldas International Music Festival (2016) in Ecuador, and the Cartagena International Music Festival (2014) in Colombia.

Maria has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including first place in the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University Concert Cycle (2013-2014) and the Young Performers Competition (2014) of Banco de la República in Colombia. As a soloist, she performed with the Bacatá Orchestra (2018) in Colombia and the NMSU Philharmonic (2020) after winning the university’s solo competition. In 2021, she earned third place in the Jackie McGehee Young Artists’ Competition for Piano and Strings, and in 2024, she was a finalist in the Chicago International Violin Competition.

As a member of the Youth Philharmonic of Colombia, Maria has toured extensively, performing in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia. She has worked with acclaimed conductors like Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Rafael Payare, and Lawrence Renes. Through this orchestra, Maria also participated in a teaching initiative, bringing music education to children in underserved communities throughout Colombia.

Maria is deeply committed to music education and has served as a teaching assistant at NMSU and as a faculty member of the Las Cruces Youth Orchestra (2019). In 2021, she was invited to serve as a faculty member for the Classical Music Institute in San Antonio, Texas.