Elaine Ortiz Arandes, Soprano

Since 1988 Elaine Ortiz Arandes has been part of the soloist ensemble of the Staatstheaters am Gärtnerplatz in Munich. She was born in Puerto Rico where she studied at the Conservatory under María Esther Robles. After her first vocal studies in her homeland she performed frequently as soloist with the National Orchestra and National Choir of Puerto Rico. Her artistic work included numerous art-song recitals, recordings of works by contemporary composers, chamber music concerts and she was deeply involved with the folklore of her country. In 1984 she won the Bruno-Walter Prize of the Metropolitan Opera House.

She moved to Germany in 1985 to refine her vocal technique under Ingeborg Müller. After a three year contract at the Opernhaus Krefeld-Mönchengladbach she moved to Munich and since 1988 has been one of the leading sopranos of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz. She has been featured in the roles of Violetta in La Traviata, Gilda in Rigoletto, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, and Norina in Don Pasquale. Other roles in her extensive repertoire include Pamina in The Magic Flute, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Cho-Cho-San in Madame Butterfly, Musetta in La Bohème, Gretel in Hänsel and Gretel, and Maria in West Side Story. She was in the voice faculty of the 2000 Mozarteum International Summer Academy in Salzburg.

During the last few years the Duo Arandes/Martínez has presented successful concerts in Germany and Austria concentrating on the Lieder of Brahms. Ortiz-Arandes has appeared as guest in concerts and opera houses in Austria, France, Holland, United States and Japan.