Biography

The American soprano, Marlaina Owens, a native of Los Angeles, has concertized throughout Austria, France, Germany, and the United States. Her operatic credits include Adele and Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Nella in Gianni Schicchi, Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte, Lover in Il Tabarro, and the title role in Suor Angelica. Equally home in both theater and music, Owens’ performance artistry is shaped by her captivating stage presence, stylistic versatility and keen sense of dramatic timing. Her engagements in the 2021-22 season include playing Anastasio in Long Beach Opera’s production of Handel’s Giustino, and a young artist position with Opera Santa Barbara Chrisman Studio Program. She will also join Chicago Lyric in their productions of Puccini’s Tosca and Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

 She spent summer 2021 in Germany and France, training with various professionals, like operatic sopranos, Annick Masis, Roberta Alexander, and Janet Williams. In the 2020-2021 season, her focus was the role of Denise in Long Beach Opera’s imposing new work, Creative in Me. Most impressively, this operatic work has been adapted to be performed virtually, and in its entirety, via Zoom. Marlaina also collaborated on a virtual film exhibit with Long Beach Opera and the Museum of Latin American Art. For the 2019-2020, Marlaina enjoyed soloist opportunities with the LA Opera League and the Shivers Concert Series in Colorado Springs. She was a finalist in the historical NAMN Marian Anderson Voice Competition in Chicago, and an emerging artist with the Berlin Opera Academy. She holds a Master’s degree in Voice from University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Loyola Marymount University.