MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Described as a “velvet-voiced soprano,” Marlaina Owens, a native of Los Angeles, has concertized throughout Austria, France, Germany, and the United States. A 2022-2023 Fulbright scholar with a Fondation des Etats Unis Music Residency, Marlaina thrives on the genre versatility required of a professional musician in LA.

Marlaina’s operatic credits include Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola, Anastasio in Handel’s Giustino, Adele and Rosalinda in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, Nella in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Lover in Puccini’s Il Tabarro, Second Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and the title role in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Equally at home in both theater and music, Owens’ performance artistry is shaped by her captivating stage presence, stylistic versatility, and keen sense of dramatic timing. 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.

Alongside her vibrant performance career, Marlaina has cultivated a passion for teaching. She has been an educator for several years and recently opened her own private voice and piano studio, Birdsong Studios. She specializes in classical and speech singing technique, which is a combination that creates a gateway to all genres, if harnessed correctly. She provides a nurturing and inspiring environment for students to grow in their musical journeys, combining her performance expertise with her dedication to mentorship.