Maria Manousaki is a violinist, composer, and educator known for her work in jazz and world music. Here’s an overview of her career and contributions: –

Background and Education

Born in Johannesburg to parents of Greek and South African descent, Maria Manousaki has lived and worked in various parts of the world, including New York, where she has been based for some time, and Crete. She completed her violin studies at the English Royal School of Music before graduating from the Greek Conservatory Filippos Nakas with a Jazz Violinist Degree. She then went on to study at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship, earning an Honors Degree in Professional Music in 2002.

Musical Style and Career

Manousaki is celebrated for blending different musical traditions, notably integrating Cretan music with jazz elements. Her music style can be best categorized within the jazz and world music scene. She has performed extensively both as a solo artist and with her band, “Maria Manousaki Quintet,” across America and worldwide. Her performances have taken place in prestigious venues like the Perth Concert Hall in Australia, the Frank Sinatra School of The Arts in New York, and she has opened concerts for artists like Sting at Lincoln Center. –

Projects and Collaborations

Cretan Jazz Project: This project involves collaboration with musicians playing traditional Cretan instruments, mixing original compositions with Cretan tunes. –
Stephane Grappelli Project: A tribute to the famous jazz violinist, performing works by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. –

Drumvoice: A percussion-heavy group where she plays the electric violin, performing at significant events like the Pescara Closing Ceremony for the Mediterranean Olympic Games in 2009. –

Albums

She has released albums like “From South To The Moon” and “Sole Voyage,” the latter highlighting her innovative approach of weaving Cretan melodies with jazz and polyrhythmic percussion. –

Cultural Contributions

Maria founded the Cretan World Music Festival in 2014, held in Hania, Crete, aiming to bring together musicians from different genres and local folk musicians. She also curates the Vlatos Jazz Series, enhancing the cultural landscape of Crete with jazz music. –

Recognition and Presence

Her work has been recognized in various international music scenes, performing at events like the International Film Festival in Dubai and for royal weddings in Qatar. Her presence in the music world extends to being a versatile freelance musician, covering diverse musical genres for high-profile events globally. Maria Manousaki’s career exemplifies a fusion of cultural influences, showcasing her skills not only as a violinist but also as a composer and curator of music events, significantly contributing to the global music community.