Toronto-based independent opera company Amplified Opera is announcing the recruitment of two new Co-Founders, mezzo-soprano Marion Newman and tenor Asitha Tennekoon. Newman and Tennekoon are poised to help Amplified grow as an organization with core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“Imagine a space where you don’t have to fit into any boxes before walking into the room. Especially for artists from communities not traditionally associated with opera. A space where creators and administrators work together to discover the most effective ways to share unique stories and perspectives,” says Asitha Tennekoon. “This idea of holding space for voices traditionally muted or misrepresented by opera and emboldening them to take control is fundamental to AO‘s mandate. I can’t overstate how much this approach resonates with my own hopes and aspirations for the future of the art form.”
“It is important to include other perspectives at the leadership level,” says Aria Umezawa, stage director and member of Amplified Opera’s current artistic team. “Marion and Asitha are both active and thoughtful voices in the Canadian Opera scene, and leaders when it comes to fostering inclusivity and equity as performers. With their input, I’m confident we will create an arts organization built on a strong foundation of listening, learning, and respect.”
Jenna is the editor and co-creator of Schmopera. She also writes for The Globe and Mail and Opera Canada. She’s a pianist and vocal coach, and working with singers is how she fell in love with opera.
