Born in Brazil, Mariana Farah received her Bachelor of Music in conducting from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas - SP, as a student of Henrique Gregori. While in her native country, she appeared several times as guest conductor of the University Orchestra. She also worked for the Universidade de São Paulo as the conductor of Grupo Lauda and Canto do Campus. Mariana left Brazil in 2000 and came to the United States to study with Drs. Timothy Stalter and Richard Bloesch at the University of Iowa, where she received her master’s degree in choral conducting. In 2008, she completed her doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City under the supervision of Drs. Scott Anderson and Charles Robinson. Her research focuses on Ernani Aguiar’s a cappella choral works, including his famous setting of Psalm 150. Aguiar has greatly helped her collect and study his music and she expects to introduce more of his unknown literature to the United States through performances and future publications. In 2005, Farah became the conductor and founder of the UMKC Women’s Chorus, Bella Voce. Under her direction, the ensemble successfully performed at the 2007 Missouri Music Educators Association Convention in Tan-Tar-A and at the 2008 Southwestern Division of the American Choral Directors Association Convention in Kansas City. While at UMKC, she also taught the undergraduate choral conducting and choral literature courses and helped supervise student recitals and independent research. In addition to her work at the Conservatory, Mariana was sectional leader and assistant director of the Chancel Choir at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, where she assisted conductor Charles Bruffy. She also appeared as the clinician for several choral festivals, including the 2008 KC Metro 9th-10th Grade District Honor Choir and the 9th-10th Northeast District Choral Festival in Moberly, MO.