“Early in my training, I was told that I am a dramatic soprano and would one day sing Wagner. At the time, I knew very little about opera, but I quickly immersed myself in Wagner’s Ring Cycle and felt an immediate connection to the music and to the extraordinary heroines at the heart of his stories. From that moment on, I dreamed of one day singing this repertoire and experiencing the Bayreuth Festival. Thanks to the generosity of the New York Wagner Society, my dream has now become a reality!
Being in Bayreuth was absolutely thrilling: to have the rare opportunity to tour the Festspielhaus, Haus Wahnfried, and the city’s many museums, and to deepen my understanding of Wagner’s writing and legacy. Of course, best of all were the unforgettable performances in the Festspielhaus itself, which have already had a profoundly positive impact. Just as meaningful was being surrounded by 220 Stipendium holders from around the world who share this same love for this music, and the incredibly kind and knowledgeable Wagner Society of New York members. I felt welcomed, inspired, and connected to a community it seemed I had been waiting to find for years.
Attending Bayreuth has given me invaluable perspective as I begin performing this repertoire myself. Experiencing the acoustic of the Festspielhaus was extraordinary—the clarity of each voice, the vivid colors of the orchestra, and the perfect balance between them was beyond anything I had imagined. Watching world-class artists create bold vocal colors, embrace the full dramatic range of their characters, savor every word, and perform fearlessly was a masterclass in itself. This experience could not have come at a more exciting moment in my own artistic journey. In June, I sang my first Brünnhilde in Die Walküre with Edmonton Opera, and in 2026 I will continue their Ring Cycle as Brünnhilde in Siegfried. Seeing Catherine Foster in this same role was especially meaningful, as I now begin preparing that role for next season.
I am leaving Bayreuth inspired, invigorated, and ready to dive even deeper into the music that has long been my passion. This week was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will continue to shape my artistry for years to come. I am endlessly grateful to the Wagner Society of New York for making it possible.”
Learn more about Jaclyn’s work at jaclyngrossman.com