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. Noted for her “ sumptuous mezzo tone and impressive vocal agility”, Marion’s operatic roles include Carmen and Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and the title role in Toronto Masque Theatre’s The Lesson of Da Ji. On the concert stage Marion has performed with the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, National Ballet of Canada, Portland Baroque Orchestra, CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble, The Elmer Iseler Singers, San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra, Kingston Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia, Elora Festival Singers and the St Lawrence Choir. Her extensive repertoire includes Handel's Messiah, De Falla's El Amor Brujo, Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, Mozart's Coronation Mass, Beethoven Ninth Symphony, Copland's In The Beginning and Bach's St. John Passion, Magnificat, and Cantata no. 4. Marion has performed in many world premieres of several operas/chamber works that speak toher First Nations identity, including the 2017 premiere of Jennifer Butler’s Klee Wyck Woman with Emily Carr String Quartet at ISCM World New Music Days in Vancouver and the role of Dr. Wilson in the premiere of Marie Clements and Brian Current’s powerful Missing with City Opera Vancouver/Pacific Opera Victoria. Recent engagements for Marion include Regina Symphony in their Forward Currents Festival. Marion premiered Bramwell Tovey’s song cycle “Ancestral Voices” with Vancouver Symphony, touring to Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa. Marion looks forward to her debut with Edmonton Opera as the Mother in Hansel and Gretel in 2019 and to the premiere in the title role of Shanawdithit with Tapestry Opera/Opera on the Avalon.
