top of page

BIOGRAPHY:

Cuban-American soprano Laura León is swiftly establishing herself as a rising star on the operatic stage, captivating audiences with a voice that "sparkles, seduces, and languishes." Renowned for her portrayal of the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute and for performing all four heroines in The Tales of Hoffmann, she demonstrates a remarkable versatility in both vocal technique and dramatic expression.

Her recent accomplishments include performing the role of Rose in the world premiere of The Factotum with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dulcinea in La Ruta de Don Quijote in Spain (premiered) , and Ana Maria in the world premiere of Zorro with Opera Southwest. She also portrayed La Catrina in El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego with Opera Omaha and returned to the Queen of the Night with Florida Grand Opera in December 2024. A passionate advocate for innovative productions, Ms. León particularly enjoys performing operas that explore the experiences of Latinos and the immigrant struggle in the U.S.

Opera News has praised Ms. León as a rare dramatic coloratura, noting her impressive range—from a solid mid-range to plush high notes—and her impeccable technique, with spot-on roulades and dazzling staccatos. Her performance of the Queen of the Night’s second-act aria "almost stopped the show," according to critic Robert Croan.

Born in Cuba, Laura emigrated to the U.S. in 2005, where she began her formal music studies. Last season, she appeared in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The Factotum, performed Ana Maria in Zorro with Opera Southwest, sang the role of the Moon in Before Night Falls with Opera Southwest and Catrina in El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego with Opera Omaha. She finished the season with a dazzling performance as Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Florida Grand Opera.

In addition to these roles, Laura’s performances include Adina in L’elisir d’amore with Opera in Williamsburg, Woman I in Frida with El Paso Opera and Opera Southwest, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi with On Site Opera, and the four heroines in Les Contes d’Hoffmann with Opera Louisianne. She has also performed. Other notable engagements include Norina in Don Pasquale, Amore in Orfeo ed Eurydice, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, and Musetta in La Bohème.

In the concert realm, Laura has appeared as a soloist in major works, including Mozart's Mass in C and Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music at Carnegie Hall, Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart’s Missa Solemnis. She has also performed in the Ernesto Lecuona International Festival with Alba Productions.

A recipient of numerous accolades, Laura was a finalist in the 2019 and 2018 Jensen Foundation Competition and the 2019 Giulio Gary Competition. She also earned 2nd place in the Deborah Voigt Rising Stars Competition and 1st place in the Metropolitan National Council Competition (Florida District) in 2018. Other honors include 1st place in the Zarzuela de las Américas Competition (2015) and the Concerto Competition at Florida International University (2015).

Laura holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Florida International University, a Bachelor of Arts in Voice Performance from Nyack College, and an Associate in Arts in Music Education from Miami Dade College. She currently serves as an adjunct voice professor at Miami Dade College.

ARTISTIC RESUME:

© 2022 by Laura Leon. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page