Susan Stoderl, a native of Southwestern Kansas, began the study of piano at the age of four and voice
at the age of twelve. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Wichita State University
and 36 graduate hours in musicology, she earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The
Peabody Institute of Music of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. While at Peabody, she
received both a scholarship and the Dushak Memorial Voice Award. Further graduate study was conducted
at the Brahms Haus in Baden-Baden, Germany. As a singer she performed in operatic and concert venues
in Kansas, Colorado, California, Maryland, New York and Massachusetts. She was a member of the
Washington Opera chorus and was an apprentice at Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, New York.
Ms. Stoderl has worn many musical hats in her evolution from singer to composer. From 1997-2001, Ms.
Stoderl was the Executive and Music Director of what The New Yorker referred to as … that spunky little
downtown opera company, Opera Nova. As a conductor, Ms. Stoderl received notice by Bill Zachariasen,
writing in the Chelsea Clinton News (2000): Resourceful work by conductor Susan Stoderl.... Her work as
an arranger was noted when Mr. Zachariasen wrote in the Westsider (2001): ... the use of two synthesizers
taking the orchestral part in the Mad Scene originally composed for the glass harmonica came across with
a chilling presence. ("Lucy, Vampire of Lammermoor” adapted from Lucia di Lammermoor)
Ms. Stoderl first began composing at the age of 50. To see a list of her musical compositions, please visit the
MUSIC link above. In addition, she is currently researching a novel.
at the age of twelve. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Wichita State University
and 36 graduate hours in musicology, she earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The
Peabody Institute of Music of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. While at Peabody, she
received both a scholarship and the Dushak Memorial Voice Award. Further graduate study was conducted
at the Brahms Haus in Baden-Baden, Germany. As a singer she performed in operatic and concert venues
in Kansas, Colorado, California, Maryland, New York and Massachusetts. She was a member of the
Washington Opera chorus and was an apprentice at Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, New York.
Ms. Stoderl has worn many musical hats in her evolution from singer to composer. From 1997-2001, Ms.
Stoderl was the Executive and Music Director of what The New Yorker referred to as … that spunky little
downtown opera company, Opera Nova. As a conductor, Ms. Stoderl received notice by Bill Zachariasen,
writing in the Chelsea Clinton News (2000): Resourceful work by conductor Susan Stoderl.... Her work as
an arranger was noted when Mr. Zachariasen wrote in the Westsider (2001): ... the use of two synthesizers
taking the orchestral part in the Mad Scene originally composed for the glass harmonica came across with
a chilling presence. ("Lucy, Vampire of Lammermoor” adapted from Lucia di Lammermoor)
Ms. Stoderl first began composing at the age of 50. To see a list of her musical compositions, please visit the
MUSIC link above. In addition, she is currently researching a novel.
Artist Statement
In my fifty odd years I have experienced life in many guises. I worked as a
waitress and legal secretary, ran a non-profit organization, sang opera,
directed opera, arranged music, wrote books and stories, and finally began
composing at the age of fifty. I now, in addition to writing and
composing, work in the healing field, particularly as it applies to performing
and creative artists. These are all the things I do or have done, but who I
am is a work in progress.
From my earliest awareness, I have questioned why people repeat their
miseries individually and as a society. What, if anything, could transform
this futile cycle of destruction and pain into one of compassion and
understanding?
In my fifty odd years I have experienced life in many guises. I worked as a
waitress and legal secretary, ran a non-profit organization, sang opera,
directed opera, arranged music, wrote books and stories, and finally began
composing at the age of fifty. I now, in addition to writing and
composing, work in the healing field, particularly as it applies to performing
and creative artists. These are all the things I do or have done, but who I
am is a work in progress.
From my earliest awareness, I have questioned why people repeat their
miseries individually and as a society. What, if anything, could transform
this futile cycle of destruction and pain into one of compassion and
understanding?
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Through all my work, I wish to present a world which may be unknown to the individual, and to stimulate
and entice that individual, regardless of their background, into allowing him or herself to feel and think, and
moreover, to share those thoughts and feelings with others.
and entice that individual, regardless of their background, into allowing him or herself to feel and think, and
moreover, to share those thoughts and feelings with others.