Laura Portune
Class of 1998
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Professional Opera Singer
"I did not originally plan to study music. The major, however, was supported by my teachers, and I felt that I had the talent to do this as my livelihood. My music professors at Notre Dame believed in me, supported me, and challenged me to improve. Participating in the Folk Choir impacted my love of music, my expression—and even my prayer life. Notre Dame significantly influenced me, and studying here only enhanced my work and my appreciation of music.
Now I sing professionally both in operas and concerts. I have sung with the San Diego Opera, Dayton Opera, Lake George Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Columbus, Lyric Opera San Diego, as well as with the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, and North Czech Philharmonic. I have performed in Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, and France.
Notre Dame may not be known as a music school to many, but it was the perfect fit for me. Small enough to have the special attention that I needed, yet diverse enough to give me the experiences and the challenges that I wanted. I am so thankful that I came to Notre Dame—for so many reasons—but majoring in music here was the best decision I could have made."
