marlena malas obituary and marlena malas MSM
Manhattan School of Music Mourns the Loss of Beloved Vocal Professor Marlena Malas
The esteemed Manhattan School of Music (MSM) community is grieving the loss of one of their most legendary and influential vocal arts professors, mezzo-soprano Marlena Malas, who passed away on December 5th, 2023 at the age of 87. Malas taught at MSM for over four decades, joining the faculty in 1982. Her warmth, wisdom, and masterful teaching skills produced some of the world’s most acclaimed opera singers and left an indelible legacy at MSM.
A Prodigious Performer Turned Pedagogue
A graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard School, Malas built an accomplished career as an opera and concert mezzo-soprano, performing with noted companies like the Santa Fe Opera and making appearances at illustrious festivals including Marlboro. Transitioning from performer to educator, Malas brought her technical prowess and intimate understanding of the voice to the classroom. She joined the MSM faculty in 1982, bringing over 40 years of insight to the Vocal Arts Division.
Shaping Extraordinary Careers
As a professor, Malas applied her exacting yet compassionate teaching style to train some of the biggest names in opera, including Grammy-winning mezzo Susan Graham (MM ’87, HonDMA ’08). Her roster of distinguished pupils also includes MSM Board Chair Lorraine Gallard and President James Gandre, who called Malas his “last teacher” and credited her with bringing him to MSM in 1984. Beyond influencing legions of students at MSM, Malas also taught at Juilliard, Curtis Institute of Music, and led masterclasses globally.
A Lifelong Learner Dedicated to Her Craft
Even in her late 80s while battling cancer, Malas never stopped learning or passionately training new generations. President Gandre reflected on a lesson just a few months ago where Malas instantly analyzed a student’s Aspen Music Festival performance with laser precision, exemplifying her tireless commitment to the art of teaching. Earlier in 2022, Malas helped coach Gandre to perform at the reopening gala for the renovated Neidorff-Karpati Hall - demonstrating her lifelong generosity.
A Teacher Who Changed Lives
The outpouring of grief from the MSM community pays tribute to Malas’ immeasurable influence. She nurtured every student with supreme care and wisdom. Her empathy, humor, and warmth created special bonds that supported singers throughout their careers. In 2021, Malas received MSM’s President Medal for Distinguished Service - just one recognition of her invaluable impact.
While the school deeply mourns Malas’ passing, her legacy will undoubtedly reverberate for generations to come in the countless singers she trained, colleagues she mentored, and students she inspired to see their own potential. The world has lost a giant in classical vocal education, but heaven has gained a supreme artist and teacher.
