Composer Conversation Series: Maria Schneider

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Maria Schneider is a Grammy-award winning composer and arranger. She became known in 1994 with her first album Evanescence. Since then she's worked with orchestras and ensembles around the world, including: Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, Monterey Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet, Dawn Upshaw and our very own St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Her work has received nine Grammy nominations, and two awards (Cerulean Skies in 2007 and Concert in the Garden in 2004).

Schneider is passionate about water conservation, and has an affinity for birds and ornithology. She was in St. Paul the last week of September recording her new album with the SPCO and Dawn Upshaw (the Australian Chamber Orchestra will also be on the album), as well as conducting her Carlos Drummond de Andrade Stories for two SPCO performances.