Hasalala Danxalax: Marion Newman & Friends brings Indigenous operatic voices to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Mezzo soprano to be joined by soprano Melody Courage, tenor Asitha Tennekoon and baritone Jonathon Adams

SPONSORED POST BY The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Critically acclaimed mezzo soprano Marion Newman. Photo by V. Tony Hauser

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia has announced the first in a new series celebrating the work of Indigenous artists, guest-curated by critically acclaimed mezzo soprano Marion Newman.

On November 20 at the Chan Sun Concert Hall, Hasalala Danxalax: Marion Newman & Friends will feature four powerful operatic voices: Newman, alongside soprano Melody Courage, tenor Asitha Tennekoon, and baritone Jonathon Adams for a sweeping program of art song, operatic arias, and ensemble pieces. Joining the vocalists on stage are flutist Jessica McMann, violinist Parmela Attariwala, and pianist Perri Lo.

The program pays tribute to the diverse, ever-growing repertoire of Indigenous composers and librettists, from Ian Cusson to Marie Clements. It will also reinterpret and reframe works from the Western and European canon and confront the devastating impact of colonialism on the lives, cultures, and art of Canada’s First Peoples.

Newman, who has sung with organizations from the National Arts Centre Orchestra to Pacific Opera Victoria, is an artist of Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations, English, Irish, and Scottish heritages.

You can find tickets and information here. 

This post was sponsored by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts