Stephanie Pfundt

Born and raised on a small island in Alaska, Stephanie Pfundt holds performance degrees from Pacific Lutheran University and Boston University. Finding a home in the repertoire of Verdi, Strauss, and Mozart, she represents the USA at the Elizabeth Connell Prize in London this year. Most recently, she was a 2022 Washington District Laffont Competition Winner.

Previously a district winner (2018) and an encouragement award winner (2021) in the same competition, she has competed as a finalist in multiple contests across the country. In June of last year, she was named the 2022 Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist. Her award recital in Anchorage Alaska, entitled Ethereal Synthesis, showcased the songs of Mozart, Strauss, Grieg, Lili Boulanger, Rachmaninoff, and her own compositions.

A vivid actress, the 2021-22 season saw Ms. Pfundt sing the roles of Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, and Ma Zegner in Missy Mazzoli's Proving Up with the acclaimed Boston University Opera Institute. Other previous roles include Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro, and 2nd Handmaid in Dido and Aeneas.

Ms. Pfundt’s first song cycle, Ocean Airs, was finished and premiered in 2020 while a graduate student. Her compositional style utilizes elemental minimalism, a musical context which allows the vast land and seascapes of Alaska to become rich sound worlds infused with her own poignant poetry. An accomplished pianist, she enjoys philosophy and theology, and relishes the opportunity for her many interests to come together as a composer and lyricist.