Dr. Carolena Lena
Carolena Belle Lara is a mezzo-soprano from the Houston area. She completed her
Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian at the
University of Oklahoma. Afterwards, she attended the Eastman School of Music in
Rochester, NY for both her Master’s degree (2018) and her Doctorate degree (2022) in Vocal
Performance and Literature, where she studied under Kathryn Cowdrick.
During Dr. Lara’s time at Eastman, she was awarded Honorable Mention for her lecture recital Modernizing Spanish-Language Vocal Music, which highlights Latin American song and dialects, and
analyzes Irma Urteaga’s Canticos para soñar (Canticles for Dreaming). Dr. Lara has a deep
passion for research, teaching and performing. Her most recent performing engagement includes
becoming a resident chorister with the Houston Grand Opera for their 2022-2023 season.
Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian at the
University of Oklahoma. Afterwards, she attended the Eastman School of Music in
Rochester, NY for both her Master’s degree (2018) and her Doctorate degree (2022) in Vocal
Performance and Literature, where she studied under Kathryn Cowdrick.
During Dr. Lara’s time at Eastman, she was awarded Honorable Mention for her lecture recital Modernizing Spanish-Language Vocal Music, which highlights Latin American song and dialects, and
analyzes Irma Urteaga’s Canticos para soñar (Canticles for Dreaming). Dr. Lara has a deep
passion for research, teaching and performing. Her most recent performing engagement includes
becoming a resident chorister with the Houston Grand Opera for their 2022-2023 season.