Mary Lopez

Mary Lopez is arguably Australia’s most awarded female in the Music and Entertainment Industry. In a career spanning 50 years, Mary has devoted much of her time to nurturing, developing and showcasing talented Australians of all ages.

Mary’s flair for capturing the spirit of Australia through themed productions, huge cast variety spectaculars and ceremonial events is legendary. She has a unique talent for bringing together a dazzling range of musical and dramatic performers. These include eminent Australian performing artists alongside outstanding youth performers, symphony orchestras, massed choirs, combined bands and special effects displays, most notably apparent in the Schools Spectacular created by Mary in 1984, in which she still plays a vital role as Emeritus Director, Artistic Director for soloists and consultant.

Mary has continually shown that she is devoted to providing an equitable chance for all talented Australians to follow their music and entertainment dreams; this passion and commitment has helped to shape the current Music and Entertainment Industry and is reflected in the almost 60 significant and spectacular productions she has staged over her career. This passion for equity also led Mary to create the Talent Development Project (TDP) and the Bound For Broadway Scholarships which gives all gifted youth, regardless of background, a platform to develop and showcase their talent.

For her incredible creativity, innovation and dedication to Australia’s iconic Music, Entertainment and Events culture Mary has been the recipient of many honors, namely, the Australian Event Awards ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ (2013); The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Awards ‘Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music’ (2012); Qantas Credit Union Arena (formally Sydney Entertainment Centre) ‘Diamond Appreciation Award’ and place in their Hall of Fame (2011);  University of Western Sydney ‘Honorary Doctorate of Letters’ (2010); Variety ‘Humanitarian of the Year Award’ (2007); Australian Government Honor ‘Member of the Order of Australia’ (1999). The ‘Mary Lopez Medal’ was also created in 2014 by the Department of Education and Communities to be given annually to a recipient(s) in recognition of their contributions of Outstanding Significance to the Schools Spectacular.

You would be hard-pressed to find another individual who has sustained such a strong commitment to the performing arts, or who has provided more opportunities for the creative expression of young Australians.

“Mary Lopez is a wonderful Australian and a generous giver. She has given her efforts and energies relentlessly and productively to promote young people in a way that breaks down cultural, ethnic, geographic and age barriers.”

Alan Jones AO

Broadcaster, Radio 2GB
Chairman of the Talent Development Project Board

Read more Testimonials