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. Currently in Duluth, Minnesota, she’s joining Little Opera of the North  in their touring production of Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale in the title role. 

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 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.