Stefanie Tranchida

About

Education: M.M., Music Theory/Composition, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, B.A., Music/English, Luther College, B.A.,

Full lyric soprano Stefanie Margaret Tranchida, originally from metro Detroit and now based in Rochester, Minnesota, has been praised for her “rich and enchanting” voice and versatility across opera, musical theatre, art song, oratorio, and jazz. She has performed widely in the United States and in Europe, with appearances in Trieste, Italy, and Croatia. Recent solo credits with professional orchestras and choruses include Handel’s Messiah, Rutter’s Requiem, Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, Kassler’s Out of Eden, and the Rochester Pops Orchestra’s Journey to Ireland. On the operatic and theatrical stage, she has appeared as Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Nicola in Kinky Boots, and Eamon in Once. Upcoming  performances include The Miller’s Daughter with Opera Athena in Minneapolis.

In addition to her performing career, Tranchida is an accomplished director. She serves as Artistic Director of Rochester, Minnesota’s Hometown Opera Company, overseeing its productions, educational programming, and artistic vision. She additionally serves as vocal director for Rochester Civic Theatre productions, including Newsies, Anastasia, and the upcoming Frozen.

A dedicated teacher with more than a decade of classroom and studio experience, Tranchida is known for her warmth, clarity, and high expectations, balancing supportive guidance with a commitment to nurturing each student’s unique voice and artistry. Her studies at the Conservatorio di Musica G. Tartini in Trieste deepened her knowledge of vocal technique and pedagogy, shaping her approach to both artistry and instruction. Her diverse background in education gives her a strong understanding of the body and how voices develop, which informs her emphasis on vocal health, longevity, and solid technical foundations. She fosters growth at all levels and encourages students to take positive risks, creating an environment where exploration and confidence thrive.