Minnesota-based soprano Elsa Swanson (she/her) is a recent Master of Music graduate of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis where she studied with Mary Wilson. Opera roles studied and performed at the University include Suzel (L'amico Fritz,) Mimì (La Bohème,) and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni.)  She is a 2019 graduate of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she studied with Darci Bultema, Michael Skyles, and Marla Fogderud. In her time at NSU, Ms. Swanson frequently appeared as a soloist with university ensembles, as well as the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony and the South Dakota Intercollegiate Band. On the stage with Northern State Opera Theatre, Elsa appeared as Nella in  Gianni Schicchi and Lola Markham in Gallantry. 

 

Other roles performed include Suor Dolcina in Suor Angelica (Opera Memphis,) Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel (Luke A. Housner Summer Opera Workshop,) and Woglinde in Das Rheingold  (Luke. A Housner Summer Opera Workshop)

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Elsa was an Upper Midwest regional finalist in the 2018 and 2019 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and received an encouragement award at the 2019 Regional finals.