Maria at the Conservatorio di Musica di Vicenza “Arrigo Pedrollo”

Introducing Maria, one of the young participants in the JERUS-IT-ARTS project. Maria, 20, was born in Babrujsk, Belarus. Last year, she spent a period in Vicenza studying vocal chamber music at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Pedrollo.” «Music has been a big part of my life since childhood—it makes me feel happy and alive,» she told us in one of the interviews featured in this video. Speaking about her move to Italy, Maria added, «Honestly, it felt like a dream to study abroad. For me, Italy isn’t just another country; it’s the birthplace of music and the art of singing.» The first weeks in Vicenza were challenging: new language, new culture. «But the conservatory community—students, teachers, even the office staff—were so welcoming. Their warmth helped me feel at home within a month.» As for her ambitions: «I want to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and eventually teach, because I love working with children. I also have a small dream of conducting a choir. In general, I’d like to join international vocal projects and perform both around Europe and back in my home country.»