 |
The Cuban-born soprano, Mayra Pena, is known for her brilliant bell tone and coloratura. She received her degree in music-fine arts and studied voice under Todd Duncan, the original Porgy from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess". She has over ten years performance experience including opera, concert stage, musical theater, and ceremonies.
|
Mayra has performed a variety of operatic and musical theater roles and or scenes including: Queen of the Night (understudy) from "The Magic Flute", Mother from "Amahl and the Night Visitors", Susanna (scenes) from "The Marriage of Figaro", Gypsy (scenes) from "Carmen", Hudel from "Fiddler on the Roof", and Mrs. Adams from "1776".
Mayra is also well versed in the concert stage. She appears regularly in concert with the Masterworks Choral Ensemble (MCE) where she recently performed as soloist in the production of Sir John Rutter's "Mass of the Children" as well as collaborating with the MCE and conductor Gary Witley, for the performance of the Brahms “Requiem” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana”.
She also performs operatic favorites with the Opera Pacifica and has sung the soprano solos to Handel's Messiah for two seasons under Opera Pacifica's conductor, Claudia Simpson-Jones. Mayra has also been involved in original multi-media performances including "Al Andalus" for the opening ceremonies of the Puyallup Horse Show, and numerous benefits including two invitations to the National Benefit for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with husband, Guustaaf Damave.
"Mayra Pena gave her usual stunning performance. Her voice easily handled the often-difficult vocals. When she sang, she evoked powerful emotions in the audience and deftly demonstrated the love and sacrifice of a mother's heart."