Did you get a chance to see our fabulous MusicFest 2023 Young Artists in concert with the Spokane Symphony? Since this wonderful concert, our Young Artists have already taken the next steps in launching their music careers into action! One such alumnus who has hit the ground running since MusicFest 2023 is singer, Malinda Wagstaff! After graduating with a master’s degree from the renowned Eastman School of Music, Wagstaff joined MusicFest as a participant in the Young Artist division, where she won gold and performed with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Her favorite memory from MusicFest 2023 was the opportunity to engage in a masterclass given by the wonderful Byron Jones, where she remarked that it was great to see the common themes that everyone could work on.

Malinda has recently been appointed as an instructor at Holy Names Music Center, where she loves working with her students of various ages. She also serves as an artist in the Studio Artist Program for the Puget Sound Concert Opera, where she will be covering Medora in Verdi’s “Il Corsaro” in Spring of 2024. Malinda will also be stepping up in local venues, performing with the Spokane Symphony in “A Sea Symphony”, and their annual New Year’s concert featuring Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Spokane Symphony Chorale.

When asked how MusicFest impacted her, she noted that the festival helped to hone her performance skills and gave her the confidence to move forward in her career. Her advice to our participants in 2024 is to always go in with an open mind and tune in to the feedback given to the other participants. Wagstaff regards MusicFest as a steppingstone in her career and an opportunity to learn how to achieve her goals at the highest level. If you or someone you know is looking for exceptional guidance and vocal instruction, check out Malinda at the Holy Names Music Center! We at MusicFest are proud of you, Malinda!