Isabel Álvarez studied singing and dramatic art at the Essen Volkwanghochschule and in Milan, with Rita Sreich and Carla Castellani respectively. On her return she founded, together with Antxón Ayestarán, and directed for six years the Singing School of Orfeón Donostiarra, leaving in 1989 to devote herself to a solo career. She has specialised in oratorio and early music, as well as in recitals, appearing in international festivals in Spain and abroad, often in collaboration with conductors of great distinction. She has undertaken major rôles in baroque, classical and contemporary opera, including works by Handel, Pergolesi and A. de Literes.