Mari spent most of her childhood in choir rehearsal rooms, as her parents were members of several choirs. So no wonder her musical interests started at an early age! She followed a musical path throughout her childhood and education, which led her to win best recital in her degree at Bangor University.
Although she studied as a singer at Bangor University, she decided that instead of furthering her studies in London, she would focus her musical interest on working with young people. After studying for her Masters in Cambridge, Mari worked as a music therapist before re-establishing Anglesey Youth Theatre in 2002 and then Anglesey Youth Choir in 2006.
Without a doubt, CĂ´r Cymru is her biggest achievement, when she won the award for Best Conductor of the Competition with them. Since then the Anglesey Youth Choir has won many awards. In 2009, the choir won a very special award in the National Music for Youth Festival and as a result, won the opportunity to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in the Schools Prom.
Recently, Mari has started a new job as Director of Service for William Mathias Schools and loves every moment of it as she continues to extend access for youth to the world of music.
“I’m so happy that Codi Canu is back - and in a new format! The challenge is very different this time - I’m looking forward to it!” And the biggest challenge:
“Teaching Neil ['Maffia' Williams] how to conduct. It’s something that comes so naturally to me, I just don’t know how I’m going to transfer that skill to Neil!”
© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales