Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Maria (Yun-Hsuan) Wang is a versatile cellist and music teacher. Maria began her musical journey with the piano and later switched her focus to the cello at age 13. In 2008, she received a full tuition scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at West Virginia University, USA. Maria relocated to Victoria with her family in 2012 and continued studying cello for a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance at the University of Victoria with Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, the cellist of the renowned Lafayette String Quartet.
Maria has been actively teaching private music lessons and directing music programs. She has been the director of String and Wind Ensembles at Brentwood College and the SD62 Sooke String Orchestra and the headteacher of strings at the Harmony Project Sooke.
Hosting studio recitals and group coachings regularly, Maria encourages students to actively participate in performance opportunities, such as RCM music exams, school talent shows, and music festivals. Many of her ensemble groups have been awarded recognition at Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, Vancouver Island Concert Band Festival, and MusicFest Canada the National. Working with students of all ages, from toddlers to senior adult students, Maria is passionate about seeing students’ progress and finding their confidence through music.
Aside from teaching, Maria enjoys performing with various orchestras and chamber ensembles. She has been the principal cellist of the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018. One may also find her playing contemporary music as the founding cellist of the Breakwater Quartet and touring in the interior BC with the La Cafamore Ensemble.