Golden Gate Opera - Marin County Opera

Mezzo soprano Lori Willis began her musical career as a violinist, receiving scholarships from the University of California, Berkeley Young Musician’s Program and a scholarship award to attend Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. Instead, after obtaining a B.A. in Political Science from U.C. Berkeley, Ms. Willis gained recognition as a vocalist and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from California State University at East Bay. She appeared as Maria, Strawberry Woman and Lily in Oakland East Bay Symphony’s production of Porgy & Bess and was a soloist for their performances of the Messiah and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Ms. Willis also appeared as Mrs. Grose in Oakland Opera’s Turn of the Screw, Ella in Malcolm X and Dama in Berkeley Opera’s Macbeth. Most recent appearances include member of the choral ensemble in San Francisco Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess and a guest artist with the Sacramento Philharmonic for their Signature Series.