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ABOUT LAURYN
Chicago-based mezzo-soprano Lauryn Nelson is making a striking impression on the opera scene. She is praised for her rich timbre and commanding stage presence. She recently earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, following a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University.
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Lauryn’s artistry has garnered numerous accolades, including Second Place in the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (Central Region), First Place in the 2024 Illinois District, and Encouragement Awards in both the Illinois and Minnesota Districts (2023). She also received the 2023 National Opera Association's Legacy Award and the Farwell Trust Award from the Musicians Club of Women Competition.
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Currently serving as the Mezzo Studio Artist at The Florentine Opera, Lauryn is embracing a season filled with role debuts and a diverse array of concert performances throughout Milwaukee. She previously honed her craft as an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, performing scenes from favorites such as Aida, Edgar, and Così fan tutte.​
"A promising sign of the festival’s recent growth: even bit parts were securely cast. Lauryn Nelson wielded a pure mezzo-soprano as Mrs. Nolan, a skeptic-turned-believer who comes to depend on Madame Flora’s séances."
Chicago Tribune / Hannah Edgar
​Recent operatic highlights include role debuts as Mrs. Nolan in Menotti’s The Medium and The Singer in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut with The Opera Festival of Chicago. She also made her company debut with The Florentine Opera, portraying The Mother and covering the role of Suzuki in Madama Butterfly. Other notable performances include The Medium in Christopher Cerrone’s In a Grove, Second Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina. Upcoming engagements include Pipetto in Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma!, Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen, and Antonia’s Mother in Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann.
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Beyond the opera stage, Lauryn’s versatility shines as the Alto Soloist in Vivaldi’s Gloria with the North Shore Choral Society and as a featured singer with The Adrian Dunn Singers, a celebrated gospel ensemble currently touring the United States and Europe. Her repertoire spans a rich spectrum—from Verdi and Brahms to Massenet, Heggie, Donizetti, Tchaikovsky, Price, and Magogo—reflecting her dedication to championing a diverse range of composers and styles.
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A passionate advocate for Black storytelling in opera, Lauryn is committed to elevating narratives that celebrate and amplify Black voices. Her artistry, depth of interpretation, and unwavering dedication continue to distinguish her as a rising force in the operatic world—an artist to watch.