About
Featuring arias by Métis composer Ian Cusson and selections from Louis Riel and evocative pieces by Serbian-Canadian composer, Ana Sokolović, Emma Pennell, one of Canada’s rising opera stars, brings the depth of her expressive soprano voice to each piece, reflecting both personal and cultural narratives. This performance is a testament to the power of music in honouring and amplifying Indigenous voices and stories.
About Emma Pennell
Emma Pennell is a Two-Spirit Mi’kmaw soprano from South River, Ontario, and a rising star in Canadian opera. A graduate of Western University with a BMus in Voice Performance and a minor in Indigenous Studies, they are pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music. Pennell’s notable roles include Alice Ford in Verdi’s Falstaff and Kitty in Ian Cusson’s Indians on Vacation. In 2024, they secured Second Prize in the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio Competition. Pennell is also a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in the arts.
About David Eliakis
As a sought-after voice coach, host, and lecturer, pianist David Eliakis continues to expand his musical offerings both on the concert stage and in the lecture hall. His performances have taken him to the stages of Brazil, across Europe and Canada as pianist and musical director for Against the Grain Theatre’s national tour of La Bohème. Eliakis divides his time between the Royal Conservatory of Music, where he is a Voice Coach and lecturer, and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. He has also collaborated with Tapestry Opera, the Canadian Opera Company, Opera in Reach and Amplified Opera.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Dates & Times
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