Catching Up with a 2024 Fellow: Maeve Berry

After the inaugural Fellowship of the Song in May 2024, we thought we’d check in with a few of the artists who joined us in Cincinnati for a week of inspirational study, coaching, and performance. Here’s our conversation with pianist Maeve Berry.

Can you share with us why you decided on this path and what excites you about the field?

I am obsessed with poetry and its connection to the music in art songs. The Fellowship of the Song afforded me and the other Fellows the opportunity to explore more languages outside of the most common ones we see in the literature. I also think this is a very intimate way of making music, and I love how art songs tell a story.

What drew you to the Fellowship?

I LOVE art song and working with Margo Garrett was an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss! I also enjoy learning through watching others learn, so it was amazing to be at this program with other brilliant pianists who were all in different parts of their careers!

What have you been up to since the Fellowship?

I was invited, spur of the moment, to be the fourth pianist at Toronto Summer Music Art of Song festival in July and I started my resident artist contract at Pittsburgh Opera! I have also finished my DMA :)

“I enjoyed being able to play in masterclasses that involved different pairings of singers and a variety of repertoire. I think the best part about these classes, though, is watching everyone else get to work and experiment together.”

What features were most enjoyable to you and how was this a unique experience?

I enjoyed being able to play in masterclasses that involved different pairings of singers and a variety of repertoire. I think the best part about these classes, though, is watching everyone else get to work and experiment together. This fellowship was unique to me in that it felt more professional rather than educational; albeit, this was still a HUGE learning experience, I felt the caliber of the musicians around me were of an extremely high level, as most of them have been out in the real world doing the thing!! It was inspiring to be one of the youngest members of this year’s cohort because of that.

Can you tell us how your time as a Fellow has changed the way you approach your artistry and music?

My time with Margo Garrett really changed the way that I think about using the piano - this could be from the pedals to the way I set the keys down under my fingers. It’s very important to have a strong plan as a pianist not only for one’s own sanity, but also to be a supportive entity to the singer and overall atmosphere. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thanks for this opportunity and experience!!!