Biography

Korean-Australian soprano Mariana has built an international career spanning opera houses and concert halls across Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Mariana is particularly known for her portrayal of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, a role she has performed at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, and throughout China with Opera Australia’s touring productions. She has also brought this character to life with Opera Queensland, West Australian Opera and State Opera South Australia. Cio-Cio-San has become Mariana’s signature role in demonstrating her exceptional versatility as an actress and singer in bringing to life this demanding role.

Operatic Repertoire

Her operatic repertoire encompasses a wide range of lyric soprano roles. Mariana has performed many of the major lyric soprano roles with Opera Australia, including:

Concert & Orchestral Work

In the concert repertoire, Mariana has performed as a soloist for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Italy and later with the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, Carmina Burana with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Missa Solemnis with Sydney Philharmonia and the Auckland Choral Society, and performances of both Mozart and Verdi Requiems. She also performed in Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Petite Messe Solennelle, and Poulenc’s Gloria. She appeared in numerous concerts and recitals in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Mariana has collaborated with esteemed conductors including Riccardo Chailly, Richard Bonynge, Richard Hickox, Patrick Summers, Johannes Fritzsch, Guillaume Tourniaire, Pietari Inkinen, Andrea Battistoni, Oliver Gooch, Jakub Hruša, Jonathan Darlington, Andrea Licata, Muhai Tang, and Romano Gandolfi across various productions and concerts.

Education & Recognition

Her musical education began at Hanyang University in Seoul, where she completed her Bachelor of Music in Vocal and Opera Performance. She subsequently studied in Italy, earning a Diploma in Opera Performance with High Distinction from the Conservatorium of Milan and pursuing further studies at the Vercelli Academy. During her time at the Conservatorium, she was invited by Maestro Riccardo Chailly to participate in his performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Mariana received recognition early in her Australian career, winning the Opera Award at the Australian Singing Competition and the MBS Young Performers Award. Her work has since been acknowledged through nominations for the Helpmann Awards and Green Room Awards.