Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Maria holds an M.A. Degree in vocal solo performance from the Conservatory of Music "S. Cecilia", Rome, Italy and from the Escuela Superior de Canto, Madrid, Spain.

Maria has a won a number of international music festival awards and scholarships for her vocal interpretive design of chamber and recital music from Italy, Spain, Canada and the United States. Her exquisite interpretive strength and ability has led her to first world performances of the Spanish composers Nelson de Macedo, Carmelo Bernaloa and Canadian composers Grace Dansereau and Randy Scott.

In 1986, Maria moved from New York City to Niagara-on-the-Lake and not only continued to perform but also was asked to direct the Grace United Church and Canadiana Choirs. She developed vocal programes for Niagara College and the Niagara District Seconday Performing Arts School.

As founder of the Niagara Oratorio Society, she has performed both oratorios and recital works in both Canada and the United States. Maria has a number of C.D.'s the most recent is Christmas with Maria Rekrut and friends.