Ori Marcu is a mezzo-soprano based in Rochester, NY, studying with Katherine Ciesinski. Ori recently placed 2nd in the Friends of Eastman Opera Competition and has made many appearances in Eastman Opera Theater’s recent seasons, including the roles of Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina and Tara in Anthony Davis’ Lear on the 2nd Floor. In 2022 Ori appeared in Amherst Early Music Festival’s production of Daniel Purcell’s The Judgement of Paris as Mercury under the direction of Grant Herreid and Julianne Baird. She also sang Cherubino in Matador Opera Workshop’s Le Nozze di Figaro and in 2021 premiered the role of Lena in Ben Moore’s new opera Gene and Tate. Ori takes pride in her involvement with opera not only as a performer but as a crew member, having recently worked as assistant stage manager for Eastman’s production of Florencia en el Amazonas and as assistant director for Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rigoletto. When not working, Ori enjoys spending as much time as possible with her cat, Duck.