Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations, English, Irish and Scottish mezzo soprano Marion Newman is firmly established as one of Canada’s most accomplished singers in works ranging from Vivaldi to Vivier. Nominated for a Dora Award for her leading role in the world premiere of Shanawdithit (Nolan/Burry) with Tapestry Opera, Ian Ritchie wrote “she invests her character with towering dignity and courage”. Operatic roles include the Mother in Edmonton Opera’s Hansel and Gretel, Rosina in Barber of Seville (Opera Lyra Ottawa) and Carmen, (Opera 2005 Ireland).

Marion portrayed Dr. Wilson in the premiere of Missing (Clements/Current) with Vancouver City Opera/Pacific Opera Victoria, which gives voice, in English and Gitxsan, to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women, and starred as Tsianina Redfeather in Jani Lauzon’s music-drama I Call Myself Princess at Regina’s Globe Theatre.

Concert highlights for Marion this season include Mozart’s Requiem with Canadian Opera Company and performing Ian Cusson’s Five Songs on Poems of Marilyn Dumont with New Orford String Quartet. Marion debuts with Anchorage Opera in a new production of Missing and creates the role of Dawn with the Welsh National Opera in the upcoming world premiere of Migrations, with stories by five writers based on their personal experiences of migration and their work with refugees.

In addition to her performing career Marion is a Co-Founder of Amplified Opera and is an often – invited guest for Masterclasses and diversity in opera speaking engagements. Her newest role is as dramaturge for Namwayut / We Are All One, an Indigenous led opera in creation with IBPOC artists and Calgary Opera.