Emma Pennell is a trailblazing operatic soprano and poet with Mi’kmaw roots from Ktaqmkuk (Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland). Hailing from the village of South River in rural Northern Ontario, they recently achieved 2nd prize in the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio Centre Stage Competition, showcasing their remarkable vocal talent and artistic presence. Additionally, they were honored with the RBC Emerging Artist Award at the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, recognizing their significant contributions to the arts as an emerging talent and their commitment to advocating for Indigenous voices in the cultural landscape.

Their recent performance with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) further highlights their rising prominence in the operatic world. During this engagement, they captivated audiences with their powerful voice and expressive interpretation, solidifying their reputation as a leading soprano and demonstrating their ability to connect deeply with the music and the audience.

Emma graduated from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music this year, where they studied under the esteemed mentor Stephanie Bogle. They previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Voice Performance and a minor in Indigenous Studies from Western University. Emma also holds an advanced diploma in Voice Performance from Cambrian College of Advance Arts and Technology in Sudbury, Ontario.

As an unwavering Indigenous activist, they work to carve out spaces for Indigenous voices in music. They have made significant contributions through foundational advocacy, including co-authoring the Indigenous Policy Paper for the Ontario Universities Student Alliance and founding the Faculty of Music Indigenous Leadership Initiative at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, aiming to elevate Indigenous representation in music education and performance.

Emma has taken the stage in various roles, including Miss Alice Ford in Verdi’s *Falstaff*, The Skater in Ka Nin Chan’s *Ice Time* at The Glenn Gould School, and Lia in Debussy's *L'Enfant Prodigue*. Recently, they completed an artist residency at The Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, where they workshopped the roles of Kitty and Bernie in Ian Cusson and Royce Vavrek’s new opera *Indians on Vacation*, further contributing to contemporary Indigenous narratives in the operatic sphere. They also made their debut at Koerner Hall alongside renowned throat singer Tanya Tagaq to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, exemplifying their commitment to bridging cultural divides through music.

As they embark on new endeavors following their graduation, Emma continues to make waves in the operatic world while advocating for Indigenous representation in the arts. For the latest updates and insights into their journey, you can follow them on their social media platforms.