All About Ariana

Ariana Horner Sutherland, a lyric soprano hailing from the chilly town of Nome, Alaska, is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, serving as a Teaching Assistant. In addition to her work at UCSB, she is on the faculty at Ventura Community College, teaching voice. Ariana holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Alaska and a Master’s in Vocal Performance from Sam Houston State University.

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As a dedicated advocate for music education and American music, Ariana blends her passion for teaching with a vibrant performance career. Her recitals have taken her across the globe, with performances from South Africa to the remote corners of Alaska.

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Under the mentorship of Dr. Isabel Bayrakdarian at UCSB, Ariana made her operatic debut as Pamina in the 2022 chamber adaptation of The Magic Flute, a collaborative project between UCSB and the New York City Opera. In the spring of 2023, she earned second place in the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation competition. Ariana’s performances as an Opera Santa Barbara Chrisman Studio Artist include her portrayal of Clara in Opera Santa Barbara’s 2023 production of The Light in the Piazza by Adam Guettel and Micaëla (Cover) in Carmen by Georges Bizet.

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A passionate advocate for music education and American music, Ariana continues to inspire through her performances and teaching. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she shares her love for music and empowers the next generation of musicians.