SVS Pelham Faculty
Valeria Girardi Kostner-
Voice Teacher
Soprano Valeria Girardi Kostner hails from New Rochelle, N.Y. She began her vocal training at age 15 and quickly began winning competitions only a few years later, including the MacAllisterFoundation Awards, Queen’s Opera Competition, Young Patronesses of Opera/Florida Grand Competition. She earned a BA in Theater at Iona University, and went on to become the first-place national winner of the Bel Canto Opera Seminar where she received a full scholarship to study at Northwestern University under the guidance of Georgio Tozzi and Martina Arroyo. During her time there she was invited to study with Mignon Dunn in NYC, and later her longtime teacher, Armen Boyajian. Under their tutelage she acquired a solid technique and learned the fine art of singing. This is exactly what she wants to pass on to her students: guidance on developing a healthy technique which will allow them to achieve a free sound in whatever style they choose. Highlights of her career have included numerous appearances with New York Grand Opera as a mezzo-soprano. She made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Amneris in the triumphal scene of AIDA and returned to sing Zuma in Verdi’s rarely performed opera ALZIRA. Other roles with the company have included Preziosilla in LA FORZA DEL DESTINO, Maddalena in RIGOLETTO, Meg Page in FALSTAFF, Emilia in OTELLO, and Flora in LA TRAVIATA. Described for her portrayal as “an operatic force to reckon with,’ Ms. Girardi sang the complete role of Amneris in AIDA at Central Park under the baton of maestro Vincent La Selva, and was represented in Opera News magazine as a featured artist with the company.Mrs. Girardi Kostner has performed in both opera and oratorios throughout the US. Other works have included Mrs. Ott in SUSANNAH, Prince Orlofsky in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Mother Marie in DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES, Verdi’s Requiem and Bach’s St. Mathew Passion. After her above triumphs as a mezzo-soprano she changed fach in recent years to become a soprano. She made her company debut as a soprano with New Jersey State Opera singing excerpts of IL TROVATORE, LA TRAVIATA, DON GIOVANNI, TURANDOT, AND ADRIANA LECOUVREUR. She has been a leave replacement music teacher in the New Rochelle public school system and has prepared students grades 1 thru 5 for their winter concert, taught in neighborhood music schools ages four years to adults at the professional level, and maintains a private studio. She is interested in students who are driven to study and practice, and aims to bring out the best potential in each individual.