Praised by The Globe and Mail for “… his silky, emotional presence on stage–both vocally and dramatically…”, Sri Lankan tenor Asitha Tennekoon has established himself as one of Canada’s most versatile singing artists. In 2017, he drew critical acclaim and received a Dora Award for his portrayal of Paul in Tapestry Opera/Scottish Opera’s Rocking Horse Winner. Asitha is sought after for performances spanning from Baroque to experimental repertoire.

This season, Asitha looks forward to his debut with Symphony Nova Scotia (Handel’s Messiah), and to Britten’s War Requiem with Vancouver Bach Choir. Asitha continues to expand his reputation as an impressive interpreter of J.S. Bach’s Evangelist, and will be featured this season with the Grand Philharmonic Choir in St. Matthew’s Passion. Asitha will perform with pianist Steven Philcox in Belonging, a solo recital for the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto, featuring works by Cusson, Vaughan Williams, Loren, and Muhly.

On the operatic stage, Asitha will be featured in re:Naissance Opera’s world premiere of Eurydice Fragments (Kasahara/Hathaway), an immersive reimagining of the Orphean myth, and sings the role of Bill in Vancouver Opera’s production of Jonathan Dove’s Flight.

Recent roles for Asitha include Peter Quint in Turn of the Screw (Opera 5), Tamino in The Magic Flute (The Little Opera Company), Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte with Edmonton Opera, and Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Vancouver Opera. Asitha has performed principal roles with Pacific Opera Victoria, Canadian Opera Company, Opera Kelowna, Opera de Montréal, and Opera Lafeyette.

Asitha is a Co-Founder of Amplified Opera, a Toronto-based indie opera company committed to placing artists at the centre of public discourse. He makes his home in the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver, B.C.).

As Peter Quint in Turn of the Screw with Opera 5: “In Asitha Tennekoon we have the ideal Canadian successor to interpret the Britten ‘Pears’ roles.” – Gianmarco Segato, La Scena Musicale

As Tamino in The Magic Flute with The Little Opera Company: “Asitha Tennekoon infused his role with requisite nobility, with his tenor voice as silky smooth as his princely attire.” – Holly Harris, Opera Canada