Marie Searles

John Ma (Baroque Violin, Viola, d'amore)

Fortepiano

Harpsichord

Piano

Splatterfester

The Musician

Inspired and mentored by some of Australia’s leading collaborative pianists, Marie Searles has built her performance career as an engaging and sensitive pianist with a focus on Chamber Music. She is a sought-after collaborator for both instrumentalists and singers.

Equal to Marie’s passion for Chamber Music is her interest in Early Music. After almost two decades in The Netherlands playing early music on both fortepiano and harpsichord, Marie returned to Australia and, together with her husband, John Ma, launched the Early Music group, Apeiron Baroque.

Marie is a versatile musician whose interests and experiences have enabled her to enjoy a varied performing life. Always eager to learn and develop new skills, Marie has also explored the improvised accompaniment of dancers and is currently taking jazz piano lessons!

Press

"devestatingly capable..."

"high degree of musical skill, yet kept comfortable and welcoming..."

"...played with great poise and skill."

"haunting, melodic work... played beautifully"

"Quietly anchoring the ensemble throughout was Marie Searles at the harpsichord, whose sensitive continuo playing provided both structure and subtle colour, a steady presence... and an essential part of the concert’s success."

it was clear that Ma and Searles were having immense fun with this music..."

"... this summery afternoon’s beautifully assembled and precisely executed performance finished with Daniel Purcell’s Chaconne from The Unhappy Penitent: sweet and longing in minor mode, in the style of variations around a central melody, complete with a final mischievous, improvised flourish"