The international opera community mourns the death of Marlena Kleinman Malas, today. Malas was a mezzo soprano, and voice teacher.   A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she began teaching at the Curtis Institute in 1986, and at the Juilliard School in 1989. She was the director of the Chautauqua Institution’s Opera Conservatory, previously known as the School of Music Voice Program.  Some of opera’s biggest names have benefitted from her mentorship, including Susan Graham, Lyne Fortin, Jean Michel-Richter and Florie Valiquette. Share your memories about Marlena Malas and her teaching: send an email to [email protected]