ABOUT

     Kansas City-based soprano Lauren Stokke is a versatile young professional actively pursuing the operatic stage. Acclaimed for her "stunning" stage presence and "agile" vocal production, she finds the stage to be a source of both self expression and of healing. This summer she will revisit the role of Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte (Greater Opera of Chicago). Other recent performances include Pamina in Die Zauberflöte (UMKC Conservatory Opera, Fall 2023), Anna Maurrant from Street Scene with Varna International (Summer 2023), Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream (Miami Music Festival, Summer 2022), and Despina in Così fan tutte (UMKC Conservatory Opera, Spring 2022).
     Through her personal struggles, music has been essential to her inner peace and serves as a beacon of hope for the souls she encounters. Lauren is not only a passionate opera singer but also a dedicated advocate for the therapeutic power of music, particularly in enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals facing dementia and memory loss. She engages in one-on-one sessions with patients, witnessing firsthand the profound impact that music can have on their emotional well-being and cognitive function. Her commitment to this cause is fueled by her belief in music as a universal language, capable of evoking memories and fostering connections, often illuminating moments of joy and recognition in those who struggle to remember. Through her artistry and compassion, Lauren continues to inspire and uplift the lives of the elderly, transforming her passion for music into a meaningful mission of care and connection.
     Lauren holds a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from UMKC Conservatory where she studied under Dr. Aidan Soder. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Memphis, where she received a BM in Vocal Performance. Previous mentors include Gregory Buchalter, Mo Zhou, Daniel Fung, Dr. Marc Callahan, and Manny Perez.