This mezzo-soprano has enjoyed the good fortune of a variety of performing opportunities.  Leonard Bernstein said of her, “She has the voice of Jennie Tourel and the comic timing of Rosalind Russell!”.  This praise after her presentation as Dinah in the world premiere of Stephen Wadsworth’s Bernstein Revued.  “Hofflander possesses an excellent voice and acting talent.” said Hal Prince after working with her in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. 

She has performed numerous operas and symphony orchestra concerts nationwide, including The Cunning Little Vixen, The Merry Widow, Street Scene and Pirates of Penzance with Lyric Opera of Chicago, L’Italiana in Algieri with Chicago Opera Theater, Il Barbieri di Siviglia with Minnesota Opera. (view repertoire list) 

Her symphonic work is marked by Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Choral Fantasie, Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor and Solemn Vespers as well as Bernstein’s Symphony #1, “Jeremiah” with orchestras such as Minnesota Orchestra, Florida Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Symphony and others. (view repertoire list) 

Equally comfortable in music theater, she was privileged to play Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, the Old Lady in Candide, performed the role and sang on the American recording as Ida in the Olivier Award winning show, HONK.  Recently, Twin Cities audiences have observed her performances as Nettie Fowler in Carousel with Nautilus Music Theater and as the main soloist and Lady in Waiting in the 2007 Guthrie Theater production of Merchant of Venice. (view theatrical resume)

Susan graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Northern Illinois University and her graduate studies at American Conservatory of Music, Chicago Conservatory of Music and Roosevelt University in Chicago.  Being cast in several TV commercials is among her accomplishments as well as guest solo appearances singing on “The Hour of Power” at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove CA. 

Susan continues to be favored with performing engagements as they arise.  Currently, she’s collaborating with Jerry Rubino for the launch of a new group, Voice 360 . 

Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church has provided Susan with an opportunity to worship as she is employed as a Praise Team member, serving as a soloist and choir section leader since 1996.