Bridging Cultures Through Music and Education:
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Fernandes’ passion for music as a bridge between cultures remains her defining hallmark
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Her innovative approach to blending styles and fostering transcultural dialogues creates new avenues of excitement for audiences worldwide
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She exemplifies the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform
Dr. Marialena Joan Fernandes, a distinguished member of the Indian diaspora in Austria, has been conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025.
This accolade, the highest recognition bestowed upon overseas Indians, celebrates her outstanding contributions to education and her transformative impact in Vienna.
The award, presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, underscores Dr. Fernandes’ unwavering dedication to equality and well-being.
Early Life and Education
Born in Mumbai, India, Dr. Fernandes embarked on an extraordinary journey in music and education. She earned her Licentiate Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) and pursued a degree in Psychology from Mumbai University. Her passion for music led her to the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where she received her Diploma in Piano and Chamber Music Performance with unanimous distinctions.
A Global Musical Career
Dr. Fernandes’ illustrious career spans continents, with solo, chamber music, and orchestral performances in major European capitals, the United States, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Her artistic versatility shines through her annual television and radio broadcasts. A pioneer in crossover music, she integrates classical, jazz, and world music, creating innovative fusions with a focus on improvisation and intercultural exchange.
Academic and Artistic Leadership
Since 1991, Dr. Fernandes has been a Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, shaping the next generation of musicians through workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship. She has also served as a jury member at international music competitions. From 1988 to 2006, she was a professor of piano and chamber music at the Joseph Haydn Conservatory in Eisenstadt, Austria.
As the Artistic Director and International Program Curator, she has spearheaded numerous projects emphasizing intercultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. Her Series Cycle “Uno, Due, Tre” at Musikverein Vienna, ongoing since 2007, reflects her commitment to blending diverse musical traditions.
Advocacy for Women and Cultural Heritage
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Fernandes has championed projects highlighting women composers and gender themes, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic and cultural narratives
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In 2008, she was honored with the MIA Award for her contributions as a woman with an international background in art and culture
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Her PhD dissertation, “The Konkani Song – Roots, Development, Documentation,” completed in 2013, stands as a testament to her dedication to preserving cultural heritage
Innovative Projects and Collaborations
A visionary in global artistic endeavors, Dr. Fernandes launched the “Quest for Passion” project in 2015, bringing together musicians from Europe and India. This initiative fosters dialogue between talented youth and seasoned artists, exploring diverse themes in cities like Goa, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Pune. Collaborators include acclaimed ensembles such as the Austrian folk quartet “Hotel Palindrone” and the Polish trio “The ThreeX.”
Her collaborations extend to groundbreaking events like the Beethoven Improvisation Symposium at MIT in 2014, and her work with the woodwind ensemble “Trio Viennair” continues to captivate audiences globally.