Mary Box is a conductor and pianist who has been on music staff for over 50 opera productions across the United States, including residencies at The Dallas Opera and Minnesota Opera. In Houston, Mary is currently the assistant conductor for Mercury Chamber Orchestra and made her debut conducting the Houston Women’s Chamber Orchestra in March. Last June, Mary conducted the world premiere of the orchestration of Dave Ragland’s “Creation” featuring GRAMMY-winning baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. and the Juneteenth Chamber Orchestra. Since 2021, she has conducted orchestras in seven different countries.

Mary is the founder and executive director of the Montrose Project, a 501©3 organization which celebrates works by women composers through research, recordings, and performances in Houston. In 2025, Mary received a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies to help guide Montrose Project’s future.

Mary holds a master’s degree in vocal coaching from Rice University, a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Houston, and a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music.