Mezzo-Soprano Marlena Kleinman Malas has Died, Aged 87

Malas cultivated a reputation as one of the nation's finest pedagogues, and served more than 30 years at the Curtis Institute

The mezzo-soprano Marlena Kleinman Malas, who taught at the Curtis Institute of Music for over 30 years, has passed away at the age of 87.

An alumna of Curtis, Malas began performing with the Metropolitan Opera Studio upon her graduation in 1960. She was also affiliated with opera companies in New York City, Santa Fe, Boston, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee — and appeared as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Malas cultivated a reputation as one of the nation's best singing teachers, and in addition to her position at Curtis, she taught at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. She was also the opera conservatory director at the Chautauqua Institution.

In addition, she served as a consultant and teacher for the Canadian Opera Company, the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Program, the English National Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Castleton Festival, and Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Young Artist Program.

"She was a truly world-class artist and singing teacher who has deeply influenced countless students and audiences for decades," said Miloš Repický, Curtis's Chair in Vocal Studies. "These talents were surpassed by her profound ability to connect with people and create a genuine community wherever she went. That is a legacy we will always treasure and strive to continue in her honor."