Seven-Time GRAMMY Award Winner Maria Schneider Brings World-Class Jazz Residency to WAAPA
Friday, 09 October 2026
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) will welcome internationally acclaimed composer, conductor and seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Maria Schneider to Perth next week for a landmark residency featuring public performances, workshops and professional development events at ECU’s city campus.
Presented as part of WAAPA's Premier Visiting Artist Program, Schneider's residency gives students, musicians, educators and audiences a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in contemporary large ensemble music. The program is proudly supported by WAAPA's Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation, through the Premier Visiting Artists Fund. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative composers of her generation, Schneider's music has been described as evocative, majestic and beyond categorisation. Blurring the boundaries between jazz and classical traditions, she is among the few artists to have received GRAMMY Awards in multiple genres, with honours spanning jazz, classical music and her work with David Bowie.
From acclaimed recordings such as Concert in the Garden, The Thompson Fields and the Pulitzer Prize finalist Data Lords, to her most recent cinematic project American Crow, Schneider's work explores themes of nature, technology, listening and human connection through richly textured and emotionally resonant musical storytelling.
A celebrated composer, educator and advocate for artists' rights, Schneider has guest conducted more than 90 ensembles across 30 countries and has testified before the United States Congressional Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on issues affecting creators and the future of the music industry.
Free Public Events
As part of her residency, Schneider will participate in two free public events designed for musicians, composers, educators and arts practitioners.
Beyond the Score: A Conversation with Maria Schneider (US)
Tuesday 13 October, 12.00pm
McCusker Recital Hall, Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence
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Big Band Rehearsal Techniques and Q&A with Maria Schneider
Thursday 15 October, 11.00am
McCusker Recital Hall, Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence
Public Concerts
The residency culminates in two major public performances featuring Schneider conducting the WAAPA Big Band.
Maria Schneider: Live at ECU City
Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October
McCusker Recital Hall, Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence at ECU City
Music Directors: Maria Schneider and Jeremy Greig