Marion Newman

Marion Newman is Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations with English, Irish and Scottish heritage. Marion grew up immersed in and embraced by her community and culture. She is one of Canada’s most accomplished singers in repertoire ranging from Charpentier to Chacon and operatic roles including Carmen and Rosina (The Barber of Seville).

Marion created the role of Dawn with the Welsh National Opera in the 2022 world premiere and UK tour of Migrations (Todd), with stories by six writers based on their personal experiences of migrations and working with refugees. Also with Welsh National Opera, Marion starred in the premiere of The Shoemaker, a fusion of Latin American, Persian and Western classical musical influences.

Recently, Marion portrayed Miss Chief Eagle Testickle in Kent Monkman and Dustin Peter’s The Miss Chief Cycle at Bourgie Hall in Montreal, and the role of Sacajawea - Nu Nah Hup (Abrahamson/Edwards/Ralls) with Opera Theatre Oregon. The story of Sacajawea from her point of view, with her direct descendent as librettist. In 2027, Marion stars as Flo in Empire of Wild, an operatic adaptation (Cusson/Dimaline) of the novel by Cheri Dimaline, with The Canadian Opera Company.

Confronting existing power structures at every turn, using every opportunity she can to elevate, empower, and promote new voices, particularly from Indigenous and other equity-seeking communities, Marion is sought as a leader, consultant and performer who always demands accountability from herself and others. Marion is Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Victoria’s School of Music and is the host of CBC’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera on national radio.