BIOGRAPHY
British-Iranian soprano Soraya Mafi is fast becoming one of the most sought-after lyric coloratura sopranos of her generation. Renowned for her dazzling technique, radiant stage presence, and expressive musicality, she has garnered critical acclaim across major international opera houses and festivals.
The 2024/25 season saw Soraya make a series of major role debuts, including Pamina in Die Zauberflöte (Opera North) and Gilda in Rigoletto (Welsh National Opera and Irish National Opera) in two new productions. Her portrayal of Gilda was widely lauded, with David Nice (The Arts Desk) hailing it as “the operatic performance of the year… breathtaking,” while The Spectator described her interpretation as “fearless, impulsive, and vulnerable, but always glowing.” The Irish Times praised her “incredible comfort and sweetness” in Verdi’s demanding vocal writing. She concludes the season with her role debut as Michal at Glyndebourne Festival debut in Barrie Kosky’s renowned production of Handel’s Saul.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, Soraya takes on two thrilling new roles: Cunegonde in Candide (Welsh National Opera) and Nitocris in Handel’s Belshazzar (Komische Oper, Berlin) in a new production. She also returns to the recital stage for the Oxford International Song Festival, performing a program inspired by her Iranian and Irish heritage, featuring works by Schubert, Wolf, Ina Boyle, Britten, and a world premiere by Emily Hazrati.
Future seasons include highly anticipated house debuts in the USA as well as exciting role debuts in Europe.
Soraya’s career spans a diverse range of repertoire, with past highlights including Gilda (Seattle Opera) Tytania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Glyndebourne Festival, Opéra de Rouen and English National Opera), Morgana (Alcina, Glyndebourne Festival), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro Seattle Opera, Welsh National Opera & Glyndebourne on Tour), Nanette (Falstaff, Garsington Opera) Ismene (Mitridate, re di Ponto, Garsington Opera), and Valencienne (The Merry Widow, Glyndebourne Festival).
A sought-after concert and song recitalist, she has performed with leading ensembles including Arcangelo and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and Royal College of Music and has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Susan Chilcott Award, The Peter Hulsen Orchestral Song Prize. the Maggie Teyte Prize and, Second Place in The Kathleen Ferrier Awards. Soraya is an inaugural Honorary Associate Artist of the RNCM.
