Hänsel und Gretel, Indiana University-2022

Malinda Wagstaff Metro is a soprano with a gleaming voice and a passion for storytelling.

Malinda recently earned her master’s degree from Indiana University under the guidance of esteemed soprano Carol Vaness. 

Malinda is an avid and active performer. In 2023, Malinda was featured as Annina in “La Traviata” with Inland Northwest Opera. She also performed as Mutter in Indiana University’s production of “Hänsel und Gretel” and the titular role in “Tosca” in Heidi Grant Murphy’s Opera Workshop.

Previously at IU, Malinda has performed as First Lady in “Die Zauberflöte” and in the ensembles of “Falstaff,” “La Rondine,” and the world premiere of “Anne Frank” by Shulamit Ran. In Carol Vaness’s Opera Workshop, she performed the role of Manon in act two of “Manon Lescaut.”

Malinda earned her bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the Eastman School of Music with an Arts Leadership Certificate, where she also prepared the role of Beggar Woman in “Sweeney Todd” and performed as Angel More in “The Mother of Us All” with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Recent awards include a first prize award in the Musicfest Northwest Young Artist competition, an encouragement award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Oregon District, and a first prize award in the Coeur d’Alene Symphony’s Young Artist Competition.

Malinda has participated in the Prague Summer Nights Festival, Harrower Summer Opera Festival, and the Mediterranean Opera Studio Festival. That festival work included role preparation of Suor Angelica (cancelled due to Covid-19), a performance as Effie in “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” Czech opera scene work, and ensemble performances in “Don Giovanni” and “Le Nozze di Figaro.”

Malinda also serves as a teaching artist and the vice president of the non-profit “What is Opera, Anyway?”