GGPAA Show - June 14, 2025

 

 

 

Emma Pennell, who fondly remembers the trees in the forest of their northern Ontario community as their first audience, is the 2025 recipient of the RBC Emerging Artist Award. The 27-year-old soprano will receive the $25,000 cash prize from RBC, the presenting sponsor, during the weekend celebrations for the 2025 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 identifies as two-spirited. “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.”
 
Pennell was chosen by a committee of artistic leaders at the National Arts Centre who have a pulse on rising Canadian talent. The award is based on merit and impact on the community. Daphne Burt, Senior Manager of Artistic Planning for the NAC Orchestra, nominated Emma.
 
“This is a star on the rise. Despite their relatively young age, they have already demonstrated an ability to sing a wide variety of repertoire. A singer’s instrument takes decades to mature so for them to already have this range suggests a very exciting trajectory,” explained Daphne Burt.
 
The life of an aspiring opera singer involves travel for auditions and attire for the stage, no small financial undertaking especially for emerging artists at the beginning of their artistic journey. Pennell says the recognition and the financial support from RBC is of crucial importance.
 
“It's a life-changing amount of funding. With opera, specifically, if you don't have the money, it's almost like you can't do it because it's just so expensive to audition,” added Emma Pennell.
 
RBC's Emerging Artist Award is now in its third year of helping talented performing artists continue to strive to reach their potential. 

“At RBC, we know the creative community makes meaningful and important contributions to our communities and our economy – it’s why we are proud to support this award year after year. Congratulations to operatic soprano Emma Pennell, the recipient of the 2025 RBC Emerging Artist Award,” shared Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Impact, RBC. “Emma is a trailblazer whose work as an Indigenous activist, champions Indigenous musicians, and inspires us all. Thank you for your contributions to the arts and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition – we look forward to seeing how you will continue to use your remarkable gifts.”

Pennell will receive the award at a special event on June 14^th, part of the weekend of celebrations for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.