Mezzo-soprano Maria Willis is a graduate from the Royal College of Music where she completed her Master’s degree as a Sheila Saam Memorial Scholar and supported by the Josephine Baker Trust. Since completing her studies, Maria has performed in the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus in their summer and autumn seasons (2023-2024).

During her studies, Maria performed the role of Un Pâtre in L’Enfant et les sortiléges & covered the role of La Duchessa in La bella dormente nel bosco (RCM Double Bill), Cupid in Orpheus in the Underworld, and covered Stewardess in Flight. Before attending the college, Maria graduated with a BMus (Hons first class) from Trinity Laban, receiving the TCL Silver Award for the vocal department. Roles include: Ronnie O’Sullivan (Gilbert Feathers/RCM), Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel/Waterperry Opera Festival), Dido (Dido and Aeneas/Waterperry Opera Festival), and 2nd Lady (Die Zauberflöte/Waterperry Opera Festival). Highlights from oratorio and concert performances include: Sea Pictures (Elgar), Durufle’s Requiem, McDowell’s Magnificat, Beethoven’s Mass in C, and Petite Messe Solennelle (Rossini).

Maria is delighted to be making her Opera Holland Park debut this summer as a Young Artist in their production of Itch in the role of Watkins.