Laurin Talese is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer, actor, and educator whose crystalline tone and captivating presence have enchanted audiences from an early age. A Cleveland, Ohio native, she honed her craft through classical training at the Cleveland Institute of Music and The Cleveland School of the Arts before earning a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her artistry seamlessly blends jazz, classical, and contemporary styles, illustrating her curiosity, creativity, and dynamism.

Laurin’s debut album, Gorgeous Chaos (2016), showcases her distinct voice as both a vocalist and composer. Garnering widespread praise from NPR and DownBeat Magazine, the album features an exceptional roster of musicians including Christian McBride, Robert Glasper, and award-winning co-producers Adam Blackstone and Ulysses Owens Jr. In 2018, she achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning the prestigious seventh annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Renowned for her linguistic versatility, Laurin Talese captivates audiences by singing in multiple languages, including Portuguese and Spanish, reflecting her deep appreciation for music’s cultural diversity. A natural storyteller, she imbues profound depth into every note, whether on the theatrical stage, in concert halls, or in intimate jazz clubs. Her performances have graced the world’s most prestigious stages, such as the Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As an Arts Envoy with American Music Abroad—an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs—she follows in the footsteps of legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, sharing her artistry and leading masterclasses across Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe.

Laurin’s innovative spirit shines in her original works. In 2021, she debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing her composition “This Love” under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The following year, she premiered Museum of Living Stories, a chamber work commissioned by Chamber Music America. In 2023, Laurin made a dazzling theatrical debut as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, reprising the role in 2024 at the Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY.

Deeply committed to her community, Laurin serves on several boards, including the Recording Academy’s Philadelphia Chapter, where she was Vice President, and Jazz Philadelphia, where she is Vice Chair. As an educator, Laurin inspires the next generation of artists to embrace their unique voices and narratives.

With her dynamic talent, boundless passion, and unwavering dedication, Laurin Talese continues to illuminate the world of music and arts. Whether through her breathtaking performances, transformative compositions, or heartfelt mentorship, she leaves an indelible mark, proving that music is a universal language that unites and inspires.