Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Margaret Tranchida.
Hi Stefanie Margaret, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up as an Italian-American in metro Detroit, where two things were always incredibly clear to me: I wanted to perform, and I wanted to teach. I started studying music when I was nine years old, and from that point on, music and movement became cornerstones of my life. I played soccer just as seriously as I sang—both worlds taught me about discipline, teamwork, and joy.
When it came time for college, I found myself at a crossroads between service and the arts. I chose to pursue a degree in Social Work with a specialization in International Development at Michigan State University, a path that eventually led me to intern with the Nonprofit group “Equal Education” in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Reigniting my love for teaching (and traveling), I joined Teach For America after graduating. I began teaching Kindergarten in rural Louisiana, and it was there that I fell in love with small towns and the impact one could have on them.
After several years in Title 1 schools, I needed a change. I wanted to travel the world again, and connect to my Italian heritage. That desire took me to Italy, where I accepted a position at the International School of Trieste. There, I taught everything from Grade 1 to Physical Education and Health through Grade 13, and eventually served as Athletic Director. I loved the variety—creating order out of chaos, guiding students of all ages, and integrating my passions for music, movement, and mentorship.
Then came 2020. Like many people, I experienced a major shift during lockdown. I had started taking voice lessons again, and in that space, I realized something had been missing: music wasn’t just something I loved, it was something I needed. I left the classroom and enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Music Education at the Conservatorio G. Tartini in Trieste. I soaked up every opportunity—choral conducting projects, theatre, extra voice classes, volunteering for anything I could. It felt like I was making up for lost time, finally honoring a part of myself that had been patiently waiting.
It was also during lockdown that I met my husband—yes, in Italy, during one of the strangest times in recent history. Our first date was at the local grocery store, the only place people were allowed to be! He was finishing his cardiology fellowship, and when he matched at the Mayo Clinic, we packed up and moved to Minnesota.
Starting over in a new country and a new city was both exciting and humbling. I wasn’t sure what was next, but I knew I wanted to keep creating, keep building, and keep learning. That path led me to Lyle, MN, where I became the music and choir teacher for a small but mighty public school. I recognized how vital it was for me to grow and learn in any field, I need to teach in that field. For me, it is a reciprocal relationship. Additionally, teaching again reminded me of the joy in helping others grow. Around the same time, I began auditioning and performing locally, which led me to co-found Hometown Opera Company alongside some remarkable artists who believe, like I do, that opera belongs to everyone.
I eventually left the classroom completely, and found I could still fulfill the teacher in me through the arts. I now manage productions, direct, and vocal direct for Hometown Opera Company, and I recently began vocal directing for the Rochester Civic Theatre as well. I also give private voice and piano lessons, which allows me to connect with students one-on-one and nurture their growth in a really personal way. In many ways, this chapter feels like a beautiful blend of all the roles I’ve ever loved—educator, artist, collaborator, and developer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been full of twists, challenges, and steep learning curves.
One of the most difficult things I’ve ever done was earning my Master’s Degree in Italy—in my second language. I had to become fluent in Italian very quickly, and unlike the U.S., many of the exams are oral, which made it even more intense. The education system there is incredibly rigorous, and everything from the structure of the courses to the way students and professors interact was completely different from what I was used to as both a student and a teacher. Italian universities are no joke—it was a true test of resilience.
Starting over in the arts has also come with its own set of hurdles. I finished my degree at 32, much later than most of my peers in the field. I knew I wanted to perform, but I was surrounded by people who had been training seriously for years—and were a decade younger. I felt like I had to work ten times harder to catch up. Luckily, I had twelve years of teaching experience behind me, and many of those skills—lesson planning, leadership, communication, organization—translated beautifully into roles like vocal directing and production management.
Still, I knew I had to seriously develop my voice and stage presence. I was fortunate to find incredible mentors along the way: Pat Anderson, director of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra Chorale; Carla Thelen Hanson, whose guidance has been transformative; and Eric McEaney, an outstanding vocal coach with MNOP. I practice consistently, and teaching voice five days a week has helped me become a better technician—and a better student of my own instrument. When I understudied the role of “Girl” in Once with Calliope Theatre Company, I approached it as more than just a performance opportunity—it was a true learning experience. I knew I had a lot to develop in terms of stagecraft, musical storytelling, and confidence in a fully acted role. That production became a masterclass for me. I studied the actors around me, took in every note from the directors, and absorbed as much as I could. It stretched me in the best ways, and I walked away not only more prepared and more confident, but with a deeper understanding of how to grow as an artist.
Another challenge was starting over—again—when we moved to Rochester, Minnesota. I had spent seven years in Italy and had become deeply rooted in the community there. I left feeling truly Italian. Returning to the U.S. felt like culture shock. I had to rebuild my professional network, find new collaborators, and find my place in a community that didn’t yet know who I was or what I had to offer.
And of course, working in the arts is never easy. There’s still this lingering idea that it should be a hobby—that it isn’t “real” work. But I pour myself into Hometown Opera Company from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. It takes everything: time, creativity, persistence, and love. And still, there’s never quite enough time.
I have big goals, and the road I’ve chosen is far from easy. But every obstacle has made me stronger, more focused, and more committed to the work I love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a performer, director, and educator with a passion for connecting people through music and storytelling. My work spans opera, musical theatre, jazz, and folk music, and I specialize in making these art forms accessible to a wide range of audiences. I’m especially interested in creating performances that blend tradition with innovation—pairing timeless music with modern production techniques and meaningful community partnerships.
What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up. Hometown Opera started as a dream to bring high-quality, professional opera to a region where it didn’t previously exist. Now, we have a growing audience, a network of incredible volunteers, and productions that showcase both local and national talent.
Most recently, we presented New Media Opera Scenes—two evenings of fully staged opera exploring themes of female empowerment, friendship, triumph over adversity, and love. The performances featured a powerful mix of traditional and contemporary repertoire, with digital orchestration, projection design, and ballet. The cast included both emerging and established artists, and the response affirmed just how deeply audiences connect with stories told through a modern operatic lens.
We’re now preparing for an immersive summer production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at the historic Plummer House. The setting itself will provide the atmosphere—its architecture and history aligning beautifully with Puccini’s hilarious dramatic yet comic opera.
What sets me apart is my commitment to collaboration, development, and process. I love helping artists grow—supporting them in finding their voices, taking creative risks, and reaching their full potential. Whether I’m directing, performing, or teaching, I care deeply about cultivating a space that’s joyful, respectful, and artistically fulfilling. I recently served as the vocal director for Newsies and am currently working on Anastasia at the Rochester Civic Theatre. Across every project, I strive to build something meaningful—on stage and off.
In addition to my work with Hometown Opera Company, I stay active in a variety of musical projects. I sing with the Austin MN Symphony Chorus and the Rochester Symphony Chorale, and I also play keys and sing in the band Oliver Books and the Big Big World. I also love giving my all for intense workouts at CrossFit Purple–I am still an athlete at heart! Balancing these commitments can be a challenge at times, but each one feeds a different part of my creative life—and I’m grateful to continue growing as both an artist and a collaborator.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is not to let obstacles derail my momentum. There have been moments after an intense production when I’ve felt completely drained, or times when a challenging collaboration made me question whether I wanted to keep going. It’s tempting to step back and take a long break. But I’ve learned that the next opportunity, like a new audition, or an exciting project, is often just around the corner. I’ve come to understand that one difficult experience doesn’t define the whole path. Each production is its own world, with its own energy, and just because something was hard this time doesn’t mean it will be next time. Resilience and fortitude, for me, has meant holding onto that perspective and continuing to show up, even when it’s tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stefanietranchidasoprano.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hometown.opera.company/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hometownoperacompany
