Sony Music Masterworks, a division of Sony Music Entertainment is delighted to announce that it has signed an exclusive agreement with British/Maltese harpist, Cecilia De Maria.
The new partnership will see Sony Music Masterworks release a range of new works written especially for this talented and versatile musician, including works by composers of the moment, together with unique arrangements of classical pieces for harp, all performed by Cecilia De Maria and produced by multi Award-winning music producer, Anna Barry.
Born in the UK to Maltese parents, Cecilia De Maria was first encouraged in music as a child by wanting to emulate her older sister, who played violin and piano. She originally started her musical life as a pianist before moving to the harp at the age of eleven. A year later she was accepted into The Purcell School of Music and thereafter studied at The Royal College of Music, where she gained a First Class (Honours) degree. De Maria recently completed her Masters degree with Distinction at the Royal College of Music where she was an ABRSM scholar, studying with Daphne Boden.
During her career, Cecilia De Maria has performed at many prestigious venues, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House, all in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales. She has also performed in recital in venues as varied as Wigmore Hall, St. James’ Piccadilly, King’s Place, Tate Modern, the Maltese High Commission and the Victoria and Albert Museum and has a residency at the Natural History Museum. In 2008 she made her concerto debut at the Barbican with the London School Symphony Orchestra and in the same year was a string finalist in BBC Young Musician of the Year, where she was honoured with the award of the Walter Todds bursary. She performs regularly at international venues around the world. Hertelevision appearances reflect her sense of fun and versatility, including The BRIT Awards in 2010 with Dizzee Rascal and Florence and the Machine and The Royal Variety Performance (2014). She has also played in a Walkers’ Crisps advert for Comic Relief (2011) alongside Stephen Fry and Gary Lineker.
A natural educator, Cecilia De Maria is dedicated to music education and to exploring the beneficial effects of music on all aspects of personal well-being. She is a passionate champion of the harp.
The Head of Sony Music Masterworks in the UK, Sarah Thwaites noted: “Cecilia is an extraordinarily talented performer and has the ability to instantly captivate any audience with her stunning musicianship and wide range of repertoire. I’m very excited to work with Cecilia and to help share her artistry with the world.”.
Cecilia De Maria added: “I am honoured and extremely excited to have been given this wonderful opportunity by Sony Music Masterworks. I look forward to working together with the Sony team to release a variety of original and exciting projects, all showing the harp in a new light”.