Indigenous opera singer Emma Pennell wins $25K emerging artist award
Indigenous soprano Emma Pennell has won a $25,000 emerging artist award.
The 27-year-old opera singer will receive the RBC Emerging Artist Award during weekend celebrations for the 2025 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
Pennell was chosen by a committee of artistic leaders at the National Arts Centre.
Daphne Burt, senior manager of artistic planning for the NAC Orchestra, nominated Pennell, describing them as a star on the rise.
Pennell says the award is a life-changing amount that would help cover the expensive costs of opera auditions, which often involve travel and stage attire.
Pennell will receive the award at a special event on June 14th, part of the weekend of celebrations for the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
'Not many people who come from places that I come from have these opportunities and so I owe it to all the Indigenous people that I've met along the way,' said Pennell, who has Ktaqmkuk Mi'kmaq roots and is from the village of South River in rural Northern Ontario.
'Our voices, our art, our performances and our bodies belong on these stages just like everybody else. I actually have no idea how the National Arts Centre found me, but they did! It's just amazing.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
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