The USA International Harp Competition is deeply saddened to announce the passing of harpist Maria Casale, Gold Medalist of the 1st USA International Harp Competition in 1989.

Maria Casale received numerous awards for her performances throughout the world, and her solo debut recital in 1990 at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, brought her critical acclaim.  She was a featured soloist at the 1990 World Harp Congress in Paris and the 1999 World Harp Congress in Prague. She performed as soloist with many major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Santa Barbara Symphony, and San Diego Symphony.  She was Professor of Harp at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Maria began her harp studies at the age of six with Sister Emerentia at Marylhurst College in Portland, Oregon. In 1980 she entered the Juilliard School of Music, studying under Susann McDonald, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master Degrees.

Maria was devoted to her husband, Christopher Hanulik, principal bassist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and her two children, Nicholas and Isabella.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 2:30pm at the St. Francis de Sales Church, 13360 Valleyheart Dr., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.