Mariah Rae Maglalang ‘18, a soprano vocalist and music major and journalism minor at LMU, was honored with a Grammy win last month as part of the vocal ensemble Tonality, which was featured on the album “So She Howls,” by Carla Patullo. The album took home the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. Tonality is a professional vocal ensemble that uses choral music as a catalyst for advocacy, social justice, and change.
Maglalang’s story is an inspiration for current and future LMU students, illustrating the heights that can be reached with dedication, talent, and a commitment to making a difference through art. Her achievements with Tonality and beyond serve as a vivid reminder of the transformative power of music and the vital role it plays in fostering dialogue, understanding, and healing.
Reflecting on her achievements, Maglalang shares her astonishment and gratitude, stating, “Joining Tonality has given me an incredible community and countless opportunities. Patullo’s album is a raw musical journey about grief, healing, and recovery after confronting death. We were thrilled to be nominated and attend the ceremony and were completely over the moon when we won. It was a deeply special moment, and I felt honored to be in the room with brilliant artists and musicians.”
Following her graduation from LMU, Maglalang went on to earn her master’s degree in music from Cal State University Long Beach Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (BCCM), and through Tonality has sung with the Kronos Quartet, Björk, Lina Lapelyte, and Michael Giacchino. During her time at LMU, Maglalang was deeply involved in the music department, participating in the Consort Singers and Sinatra Opera Workshop, attending the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival as a featured soloist in Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Puccini’s Suor Angelica, participating in the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s summer program in Salzburg, and traveling to France on tour with the LMU Choirs. She was awarded ‘Music Department Program Scholar’ at LMU, and the ‘Outstanding Creative Activity’ Graduate Commencement Award at BCCM.
The Grammy honor not only underscores Maglalang’s vocal prowess but also her commitment to projects that resonate with deep emotional and societal themes. This accolade is a reflection of her journey from her academic studies to the professional stage, embodying CFA’s goal of preparing our students for professional success upon graduation.
“After graduating, I knew I would continue singing professionally in some capacity. Never did I imagine I’d be at the Grammys a few years later as part of Tonality’s group nomination and win. I am so grateful to continue doing what I love, and to build upon the foundation I got as a music major at LMU.”
