Josephine Barstad

Josephine Barstad, soprano, is lauded for her glorious and expressive voice. Her artistry has recently been displayed as La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro at Wichita State University and in her Graduate Recital, where she showcased 20th century art songs and arias. Her other recent roles are the title role of Suor Angelica at both Wichita State University and Spotlight on Opera. She juxtaposed this with comedic timing as La Ciesca in a reimagining of Puccini's beloved comedy Gianni Schicchi. Last seen in Duluth, Minnesota, she joined Lyric Opera of the North in their chorus for Puccini's La Bohème.

 

With a flexible voice and sensibilities in a variety of styles, her other recent engagements include Damon in Acis and Galatea at WSU and her professional debut as Mrs. Gleaton in Susannah, with the Wichita Grand Opera. 

 

Recently, Ms. Barstad was a winner of the WSU Concerto-Aria competition and performed with the University’s Symphony Orchestra. Her other awards include taking third place in St. Croix Valley Opera's Opera on the River Competition, being a finalist for the Naftzger Young Artist Auditions and Awards, and winner of the Minnesota NATS competition. She was a Shera Barton Memorial Fellowship recipient and Graduate Teaching Assistant at WSU. In 2022, she graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance, where she performed the role of Rosalinda in an excerpt of Die Fledermaus, as well as Antonia in excerpts of Les contes d’Hoffmann. She has most recently completed her Master of Music in Opera Performance at Wichita State University where she studied with Dr. Cristina Castaldi.  

 

When not in rehearsal, Josephine can be found crocheting and listening to audiobooks at home with her partner Andy and four cats.