“Maya Amir (…) crosses all the ambitus and varieties of vocal colours (…) The deep timbre remains soft, the low register is achieved but also serves as a support for her high and shining notes.” — Charles Arden, Ôlyrix
Mezzo-soprano Maya Amir specializes in historically informed performance of Baroque operas from the 17th and 18th centuries. As a recitalist, she brings a personal dimension to the stage by integrating original compositions in her native tongue, Hebrew, influenced by Mediterranean and Eastern musical traditions. Her performances reflect a dialogue between early music and the vibrant cultural heritage that shapes her sound.
After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Studies under Efrat Ben-Nun at Tel Aviv University, Maya pursued a Master’s Degree in Opera Singing at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Leipzig, studying with Elvira Dreßen. During her time in Leipzig, she debuted in roles such as Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel), Rosina (Il barbiere di Siviglia), and the title role in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.
Winner of Third Prize 2018 Froville International Baroque Singing Competition and Silver Prize of 2018 Manhattan International Music Competition, the mezzo took part in the 2019 Carnegie Hall master classes of Joyce Didonato and became a member of the Académie Musicale Philippe Jaroussky from 2021 until 2022. After meeting countertenor Andreas Scholl in 2017, she considers him one of her appreciated mentors.
In 2019, she moved to the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis to complete a second Master’s Degree in Voice Pedagogy under the guidance of Rosa Dominguez, graduating in 2021. While in Basel, she performed roles including Piacere in Handel’s Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, as well as the title roles in Rodelinda and Alcina. Her portrayal of Alcina brought her back to Israel for a performance with the Barrocade Ensemble, marking the beginning of an enduring collaboration.
In 2024, Maya founded her ensemble Avventura Barocca in Basel, dedicated to cross-cultural dialogue between Baroque and Eastern musical traditions. That same year, she debuted in the staged role of Abra in Vivaldi’s Juditha Triumphans at the Znojmo Music Festival and launched the ensemble’s debut album Tessitura di Amanti, recorded live at Andreas Scholl’s “Friendship 7” studio.
She has performed at venues such as Teatro Ristori Verona and Santa Maria della Pietà in Venice in a concert dedicated to Vivaldi, as well as La Seine Musicale, Arvo Pärt Center, and Bach Archiv Leipzig. Maya collaborates with leading ensembles including Barrocade, Czech Ensemble Baroque, Ensemble La Phoenix, and Hortus Musicus. Festival appearances include Festtage Alter Musik Basel, Abu Gosh Festival, Glasperlenspiel, Varaždin Baroque Evenings, and Znojmo Music Festival.
In 2022, Maya released her first live album Night on the Waters, which presents Mediterranean compositions influenced by classical, Spanish, and Arabic music, written and composed by her mother, Aviva Amir, and the singer herself.
Moreover, Maya continued to collaborate with her mother in composing music. One of the latest songs, “Maim Haim,”was composed by Aviva Amir with Maya’s contribution and is performed by Maya Amir alongside Avventura Barocca. The song is part of her upcoming album, scheduled for release in 2026.
Upcoming highlights in 2025/26 includes a concert tour of Italian Baroque alongside countertenor Andreas Scholl and Barrocade Ensemble, an Iberian recital at the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, and a concert tour fusing Baroque and Middle Eastern music with Avventura Barocca.
