Originally from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, she is recognised as one of Mexico’s most important voices, with a solid artistic career spanning over 30 years. She began her vocal training at INBAL’s Escuela Superior de Música and later refined her technique at the Manhattan School of Music, studying under renowned teachers such as Marlena K. Malas, Ruth Falcon, James Demster, and Enrique Patrón de Rueda.

Her international debut came in a leading role —Violetta in La Traviata— with the Pittsburgh Opera. She has sung on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as venues across Europe, Russia, and Latin America, sharing the stage with artists such as Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Rolando Villazón, Ramón Vargas, Juan Gabriel, Lila Downs, and Guadalupe Pineda. Her discography includes over ten albums, most notably Bésame mucho, España, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Ranchera Music Album.

She has received numerous honours, including the Mozart Medal, the Agustín Lara Medal, and the Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Medal. She was awarded the Keys to the City of Sacramento and named a Cultural Ambassador of Mexico. She has also been honoured by Unión de Críticos de Teatro y Música and COMEDEP, who inducted her into their Hall of Fame.

She founded the Olivia Gorra Cultural Centre in Mexico City (2015) and the Olivia Gorra International Singing Competition, and currently serves as President of the civil association Vive Cultura Viva.