A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to sing Wagner’s Brünnhilde, in Jaclyn Grossman’s own words.
Memory, presence, and power collide. Brünnhilde’s voice and image fill the space, impossible to ignore. Die Walküre (2025) | Nanc Price Photography
As Edmonton Opera prepares for Siegfried, we connected with soprano Jaclyn Grossman to reflect on stepping into one of opera’s most demanding roles: Brünnhilde.
Part of Der Ring des Nibelungen, Wagner’s four-part epic is performed far less frequently than most operas due to its scale, duration, and the extraordinary demands it places on both artists and audiences. Brünnhilde stands at the centre of that world, a role that requires not only vocal power, but endurance, precision, and deep emotional range.
In Die Walküre, Jaclyn first took on the role. As she returns to Brünnhilde in Siegfried, she reflects on the experience of preparing for Wagner, and what it takes to grow into a role of this magnitude.
At the beginning of that process, she started journaling, capturing the highs, the challenges, and everything she learned along the way.
Now, she shares ten reflections from that journey.
Jessica Osber Photography
About Jaclyn Grossman
Hailed as an “exciting dramatic soprano” (Opera Canada), Jaclyn Grossman has performed with companies across Canada in roles ranging from Wagner to verismo. Highlights include Freia in Das Rheingold with Edmonton Opera, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and recent performances with Opera Kelowna and Against the Grain Theatre. A recipient of the 2023 Career Blueprint Award from Opera America, she trained at McGill University and the Royal Conservatory of Music.
When I started preparing my first Brünnhilde for Edmonton Opera’s Die Walküre last spring, my very, very smart friend suggested I start journaling about the adventure, and I’m so glad I did.
Taking on this role was a huge step in my career and a personal milestone. There was so much joy and excitement along the way, along with plenty of nerves and learning curves. I was incredibly lucky to be supported by wonderful friends and mentors who shared invaluable insights, and I also learned so much from the experience.
Now back in Edmonton, returning to my fave gal Brünnhilde, this time in Siegfried, I thought I’d share a few of the things that helped me most along the way.
Before the lights, before the costume, before the audience. The work begins in the room, building the world piece by piece. Die Walküre (2025) | Image provided by Jaclyn Grossman
Stamina takes practice… and patience
Stamina takes real time to build and even more intention to maintain. In true Wagnerian fashion, my desire to build stamina comes with endless longing, which never feels quite resolved (and there’s no proof it’s working until it’s over!). Like building any muscle, we can always get stronger, but we have to trust the process.
Trusting my voice is an exercise in radical forgiveness
I love a mantra, so here’s a favourite of mine: my voice is capable of more than I know. It’ll rise to meet the challenge. I must give myself the chance.
Between intensity and myth, there is play. Even Valkyries get moments to laugh during the rehearsal process. Die Walküre (2025) | Image provided by Jaclyn Grossman
I can’t always imagine the finish line
The version of you that signs the contract isn’t the one who will perform the role. Pacing, intention, artistic choices, and everything else still have to be built one step at a time.
When I focus too much on a finish line, everything feels more daunting. So I take baby steps and remind myself that I don’t have to run the full marathon today (thank God). Just take one step at a time, and I’ll get there!
I can do hard things
Some things are just genuinely challenging, and that doesn’t mean we’re inadequate or did something wrong. We’re just doing something hard and rising to the occasion.
Choice has consequences. In this moment, Brünnhilde faces the cost of following her own moral compass. Die Walküre (2025) | Nanc Price Photography
Community is everything
Surrounding yourself with an amazing team and building community wherever you go is everything. People to celebrate and laugh with, lean on, and support in return—it’s the whole thing.
It takes a full company to bring a world to life. Every voice, every role, every detail shaping the story together. Die Walküre (2025) | Sydney Reid
The only way out is through
Performance anxiety is a real thing that almost everyone deals with. It means we care about the thing a lot. It was so helpful for me to hear a mentor say that it was okay to be scared, but that didn’t mean I could avoid doing the work.
Stillness before the storm. Even in silence, Brünnhilde carries the weight of what’s to come. Die Walküre (2025) | Nanc Price Photography
Every performance is different
We singers inhabit very human bodies… so of course nothing is ever exactly the same. Each day feels different, warm-ups need change, performances shift, and what we feel in our bodies is never quite the same.
I try to meet myself where I am each day and be patient with my voice and body. I tell myself it’s not something to fight, and instead, try to embrace it.
The moment it all lands. After carrying the emotional weight of the story, Brünnhilde meets the audience in a wave of applause. Die Walküre (2025) | Image provided by Jaclyn Grossman
Perfect is boring and stupid
A great line from a great mentor!! Not everything goes perfectly, especially in long, demanding roles like Brünnhilde. And in performance, if something doesn’t go the way I want, I have to let it go and keep moving forward.
The audience came to see a live performance! Give ’em one.
Do the show for specific people
Dedicating the show, or even each individual performance, to a specific person makes it more meaningful. Whether that person is there (thanks, Mom) or not, it’s a great motivator and makes the performance feel alive and personal.
There’s a first time for every role
Performing something new comes with so many joyful, exciting moments… but also challenges. Talking to so many amazing artists helped me realize how common it is to feel like a failure for not being perfect on Day 1 (especially in a new role).
The first time you do something is just… harder. Because you’ve never done it before. It’s normal… duh.
A warrior, a daughter, a defiant force. Brünnhilde steps forward, caught between duty and her own sense of truth. Die Walküre (2025) | Nanc Price Photography
As Jaclyn returns to Brünnhilde in Siegfried, these reflections continue to shape her performance, offering a glimpse into the discipline, vulnerability, and humanity behind the role.
Experience Brünnhilde’s next chapter live on stage in Siegfried with Edmonton Opera.
Join us for Siegfried
A bold, intimate adaptation of Wagner’s epic, Siegfried follows a young hero on a journey of discovery, forging his path, confronting fear, and awakening love.
Performed in German with English surtitles, this production brings a monumental story into an up-close theatrical experience, where every moment feels immediate, powerful, and deeply human.
Get your tickets and experience the final chapter of Edmonton Opera’s 2025/26 season.