Violist Maureen Heflinger is a multifaceted performer and educator who feels equally at home premiering new works, leading an orchestra sectional and getting in and out of a headstand. Maureen grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she studied piano and violin before finally settling on the viola. Despite living in an igloo and riding polar bears to school, Maureen managed to move to Boston after high school. Now a two-time graduate of New England Conservatory where she studied with Marcus Thompson, she enjoys a varied freelance career in Boston (where she relishes the tropical climate year-round). When not playing for Symphony Nova or the Atlantic Symphony, Maureen the Director of Chamber Music at the Josiah Quincy Orchestra Program in downtown Boston, and teaches viola sectionals at NEC Preparatory School. As guest artist and string coordinator for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, Maureen teaches viola and Yoga for Musicians, and has premiered chamber works composed in Denali National Park. Maureen received a 200-hr Yoga Alliance RYT certification from JP Centre Yoga where she studied with Daniel Max, Magi Pierce, and structural integrator Marc Drobnick. As a performer and teacher, Maureen strives to offer authentic communication that honors the present moment.

Reviews:
“…the finale, which was a virtuoso showpiece that she brought off with most creditable flair and élan.”

(Regarding the Nix Ensemble) “Buttemer ably ported her graceful fluidity to the bass instrument with supple elegance, which was well matched by Heflinger.”

-Boston Musical Intelligencer