Marion Newman, whose traditional name is Nege’ga, (Kwagiulth & Stó:lō First Nations with English, Irish, Scottish heritage) is one of Canada’s most accomplished singers in a wide range of repertoire. Operatic roles include Carmen, Rosina, Maddalena and she has had many roles written specifically for her by composers and librettists who are telling compelling stories about Indigenous life and history. Dr. Wilson in the opera Missing, she toured as Dawn in the Welsh National Opera’s production of Migrations and she was nominated for a Dora Award for her portrayal of the title role in Shanawdithit. 

Marion is proud to have been included as a composer in volume 2 of the North American Indigenous Songbook. Composing has been a side interest since she was five and she is always overjoyed to discover talented Indigenous musicians to champion. Marion is an assistant professor of voice at the University of Victoria in Canada. She is also the host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, a weekly show on CBC National Radio.