AWARDS
Latin Grammy-Award, Nomination, Best Children's Recording in The Americas
The Miami Herald, The Order of the Silver Knight
Pennsylvania Commission for Women, Hispanic Role Model
YWCA Racial Justice Award, Voices Role Model Book
Parents Choice, Gold Award, Lullabies of Latin America
Parents Choice, Silver Honor, Universe of Song
Ben Franklin Award- Publishing Marketers, Family Circus
NAPPA Gold Award, Lullabies of Latin America
Rotary International, Living Treasure Award Ojai, CA
Parents Choice Silver Award, The Peanut Man
Carnegie Centennial Award, Harlem Residency Program
Parents Council Selection, Lyric Language
Woman’s Millennial Peace Conference United Nations Geneva, Switzerland Delegate Performer representing the Children of the Americas
"Maria Del Rey is the real thing!"
The Los Angeles Times
"Del Rey delivers...She is a stellar talent."
Amazon.com
"For those of us that are privileged to know a little more about her, she is also a well-organized producing, writing, and marketing machine. Most important of all, she is a warm ray of sunshine in any room she enters."
Jim Shaw Producer Songwriter, Buck Owens, Ringo Starr, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood
“Hampton - Brown, a publisher of educational materials for bilingual and ESL students, asked Maria Del Rey to contribute to its new Elementary ESL program. What began as an ordinary project became an extraordinary collaboration between a sparkling talent and a demanding industry. Maria's unflagging energy and commitment to the project resulted in a product that exceeded expectations. Her songs and recordings transcend their educational purpose, bringing joy as well as learning into the classroom. It would be enough that Maria's creative talent soars above the ordinary that it is as infectious as one of her Latin rhythms, but it exceeds even that. Working with Maria is like opening a surprise package filled with delights. She enriches the imagination and the heart. She is the song she sings.”
Shirley Ann Costigan, Hampton Brown Publisher
"As the executive editor of Living Language, a division of Random House, Inc., which focuses on producing and publishing text and audio materials for language learners. "I've had ample opportunity to work with Maria Del Rey. Maria's professionalism, her ever-present enthusiasm for her work, her sensitivity to our specific needs, and her impeccable style make it a pleasure to do business with her. Maria never hesitates to go the extra mile to please her customers, and therefore I do not doubt that she will succeed in any endeavor she may embark upon."
Helga Schier Ph.D. Executive Editor, Living Language, Random House
“…Your legacy as a role model for young girls will help to assure a future filled with impressive women leaders throughout the commonwealth."
Leslie Stiles, Former Director, The Pennsylvania Commission for Women
"Maria Del Rey underscores the notion that beautiful music knows no language barrier!"
Publishers Weekly
"Maria Del Rey's Universe of Song - In which we find the millennium bringing us kids songs in English and Spanish as the urban dweller gets to give their kids a head start on interacting in the real world. Expertly presented by Maria Del Rey, Kids like to have fun in any language, and this is a sweet reflection of it."
Mid West Record Recap
"Here is a music production that is truly an important work for any collector; Lullabies of Latin America by Maria Del Rey sang in both Spanish and English with 28 titles in total."
(Translated from the Spanish article)
Luis Felipe Marsans, Diario de las Americas
"Maria Del Rey's Lullabies of Latin America is a perfect beginning for a whole new generation of bilingual babies."
Booklist
"Recommended as one of the top three gifts for Mother's Day."
The Miami Herald
"Music that you and your baby will adore."
Shape Fit Pregnancy
I recently had the great pleasure of working with artist Maria Del Rey in preparation for her performance of LOVE IN ACTION at the Ware Center of Millersville University. Maria was an utterly amazing partner in community outreach. She willingly gave of her time, talent, energy and enthusiasm, sharing all of this with individuals at a variety of local organizations ranging from the young children at a Head Start Center to the adult leadership of the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program. Watching Maria interact so freely and so charmingly with all of these different folks, and seeing their excited response to her music and her person, was simply lovely to behold. I’ve worked with many artists over the years, but few have demonstrated the kindness and commitment of Maria. Her passion and zeal is without equal.
Barry Kornhauser, Assistant Director Millersville University Office of Visual & Performing Arts
Starting at lunch time, I’ve been trying to create a quiet, peaceful ambiance to change everyone’s mood, getting ready for the big afternoon unwind and slumber. Being with a younger squad, I get to finally break out my favorite lullabies( again!!) created, thoughtfully, by one of my favorite mentors and human beings, Maria Del Rey:) I think I need this transition time as much as the little people, especially now, more than ever.
Kendra Villa, Pre School Educator Founder of Kendragarten
"I believe Maria Del Rey has the drive, vision, and products to do very well as an entrepreneur. Her spirited energy and her creativity serve and inspire her and her colleagues. I am glad that I had an early opportunity to invest in her, and I wish her well."
Private Philanthropist
"We are fortunate to have talented visionaries like Maria Del Rey, creating real magic in the media. She makes such a difference in the lives of our children, our communities, and our world."
Private Philanthropist
"When I evaluate an investment, I begin with the people. Having known Maria for some years before investing, I have repeatedly observed her ability to manifest her goals. She understands all aspects of her projects and repeatedly brings them to fruition. In addition to her integrity, she can create win/wins that are extraordinary."
Private Philanthropist
"Maria is an extraordinary multi-dimensional woman, mother, performer, chief visionary officer, and strategic planner. At one point in her career, I invested in a CD and was delighted to receive a nice return on my investment. Since then, Maria has impressed me with her vision and actions, and I would suggest to anyone considering funding or working with Maria to move ahead. Only good can come from an association with Maria."
Philanthropist
"The performances ignited the imaginations of our students and family audiences as they traveled through Latin America with Maria and her beautiful songs, dances, and music as their guide. Our audiences were thrilled with Maria's warmth, energy, interaction, and memorable music."
Jason Holland, Orange County Performing Arts Center
"That was a most delightful morning. I can tell from your reviews, accolades, awards, and such that you do not lack from pats on the back, but I'm going to give you another one anyway. You deserve, have earned, each scintilla of praise you receive. Not only was I impressed with your obvious talent, but also with your knowledge and study of the many interwoven aspects you cover (music, teaching, children, multiple languages and cultures, interpersonal communication) and your ability to not only know communicate eloquently and with ease on such a breadth of topics but to embody them in the whole of your presentation. You spoke of empowering and nurturing, and this you did for everyone at every age and intellectual level, which was there in attendance. You are a shining example of all you profess. It was, in short, delightful. On behalf of all those in attendance and from all six campuses, my sincerest thanks."
Royston Thomas Associate Dean, Special Projects Los Angeles Community Colleges /CREATE LA
"Maria Del Rey was a joy to have in the state of Nebraska. She is a professional producer and vibrant personality that brought many different towns and communities together to celebrate through music and stories. Her time in Nebraska, especially, for the children she inspired, will never be forgotten." (15-concert Nebraska state ambassadorial concert and school residency tour)
Laura Kendall, Executive Director Morrison Center for the Performing Arts