Described by the eminent pianist and teacher Bela Siki as one of the most talented pianists of her generation, Dr Marilyn Meier-Kapavale’s extraordinary critical acclaim established her as one of the foremost interpreters of the piano.
Born in Camden NSW, Marilyn began piano studies at the age of four with Pat McKee, then with Neta Maughan in Sydney and chamber music with William Primrose. She also worked with Ludwig Hoffman in Germany and in master classes with Jorge Bolet, Sergei Dorensky, Kendall Taylor, Ronald Smith, Andre Michel Schub and Guido Agosti.
At age fifteen, after winning the ABC-TV Quest 78, Marilyn went to the USA to study with Bela Siki at the University of Washington, Seattle, and then the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati where she received the degree of Bachelor of Music (Hons), and Graduate Artist Diploma. In 1985 she won the City of Sydney Piano Scholarship in the Performing Arts Challenge.
As well as piano Marilyn studied chamber music with such notable artists as the LaSalle Quartet, Beaux Arts Trio, Dorothy Delay and the London Trio. She also studied harpsichord with world acclaimed Japanese artist Eiji Hashimoto.
While in the USA, she broadcast extensively on radio and television, won prizes in the National Beethoven Competition, the American Music Scholarship International Competition, and the Piano Teachers Congress of New York International Debut Competition. Marilyn performed as soloist with Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Youth and the Cincinnati Philharmonic.
Marilyn continued her studies with Hans Leygraf at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, where she was awarded the Performance Diploma and finalist in the Mozart International Competition held in Salzburg.
On her return to Australia, Marilyn was named as an Australian Achiever, Finalist in the 1988 Young Australian of the Year Award and winner of the Channel Ten-TV Young Achiever’s Arts Award. She has performed with the ABC Symphony Orchestras, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and in recital and chamber music in Australia, Japan, Europe, USA and the South Pacific.
Marilyn held the degree of Doctor of Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong, and held Lecturer posts at the University of Wollongong, Wesley Institute of Performing Arts, Sydney and James Cook University, Townsville. Most recently, Dr Meier-Kapavale was Lecturer in Music (Specializing in Piano) at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.
Marilyn performed regularly as a soloist and chamber musician and was an examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board.
Marilyn released three CDs: Just Chopin, Liszt Legends and Country Gardens.
