Maria Bucka has been a professional musician in Minneapolis, MN for over 60 years. She did her undergraduate/graduate work as a double major in piano and organ at the University of Minnesota. Teachers have included Dr. Bernhard Weiser, Paul Manz, Daniel Chorzempa, Heinrich Fleischer, and Larry Smith.
Ms. Bucka is a past first prize winner in the Schubert Club Organ Competition and was a finalist in the WAMSO Piano Competition. From 1971-1976 she was a piano instructor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Mn.
Maria has been Organist /Director of Music for Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities for 44 years and she is Founder and Artistic Director for the Bethlehem Music Series which is celebrating its 40th Season in the fall. This series is the longest running music series of its kind in the Twin Cities, having featured many local, national, and international artists including VOCES8, Canadian Brass, Chanticleer, Paul Jacobs, Rachel Lauren, The American Boychoir and countless others. The Bethlehem Music Series’ mission is to present high quality & eclectic music to the community, free of admission charge.
During her long career at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of the Twin Cities she has also created two hymn supplements, established a choir school, and managed a music staff of 6 people.
Ms. Bucka was Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Twin Cities Chapter from 1991-1996. Prior to that, she also served on the Program Committee and the Professional Development Committee. Her articles in the monthly Pipenotes magazine for the chapter included many pertinent essays on professional issues that are common to us all.
Recent Comments