Bio

Mahina (She/They) is a musician currently residing in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She completed a bachelor of music with a focus in viola from Memorial University in 2021 and a Master of Arts in ethnomusicology in 2024. Originally from Calgary, Mahina moved to St. John’s in 2016 and has found a home within the vibrant St. John’s music scene. Mahina has performed with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra since 2017. She has also freelanced and worked contractually with Kittiwake Dance Company and Untellable Movement Theatre. In her spare time Mahina performs as an improvisational musician, pushing the boundaries of herself and her instrument. Beyond her musical endeavours, Mahina is a dedicated community volunteer, working for various local and provincial festivals. She has also served on the boards of the Newfound Music Festival and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra committee. Since 2021, Mahina has been working as a bartender at the ECMA award-winning performance venue, The Ship Pub.

Fun Facts About Mahina

When did you join the NSO?

2017.

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My older sisters whose music lessons I would shadow when I was a baby.

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

My favourite piece is Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov! I performed it in the Calgary Youth Orchestra and it was one of the first times I really fell in love with orchestral music.

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

The list is too long to write out! but if I picked one now it would be Laufey.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I craft bits and bobs, I swim and hike, and I bake goodies.