LAURYN MCKENZIE NELSON

Chicago-based Mezzo-Soprano Lauryn McKenzie Nelson is rapidly garnering attention for a voice with a uniquely rich, alto tone, matched with a full-body connection that makes her high notes soar over an orchestra. A blossoming dramatic voice that suits itself to full baroque rolls like Queen Ottavia from Monteverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea, to Erda from Wagner’s Das Rheingold.

Lauryn received her Bachelor of Music in classical vocal performance at DePaul University in the summer of 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in vocal performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.

She has performed in venues worldwide, including Chicago, Colorado, Urbino, Fermignano, and more. Lauryn made her lead debut as Lidio in Cavalli’s L’Egisto with DePaul Opera Theater in 2019. She recently took the stage as 2nd woman in Jake Heggie's If I Were You with Northwestern Opera Theatre this past winter. She has also had roles in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring as Florence Pike, Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s Frida as the Calavera, and many more. In 2019, Lauryn had the opportunity to sing alongside world-renown Soprano, Ana María Martínez in concert with the DePaul Opera Theater. Her repertoire consists of Verdi, Brahms, Massenet, Heggie, Donizetti,  and Barber. 

Lauryn has almost 5 years of experience being a cantor for masses, funerals, quinceaneras, memorials, weddings, and more. She is known for being a force of nature on the stage and giving her all in every performance she gives.