Jul 23, 2024

AGM RECAP: 2023/24 SEASON A SEASON OF FIRSTS

The company announced at its 2023/24 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Centennial Concert Hall Tuesday, July 9, that the year ending May 31, 2024, was a year of firsts artistically, educationally, and with community engagement programs.  

Artistically, Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, which opened the season in November, was the first Indigenous-led creation on a Canadian opera mainstage, and Carmen, held in April, was the first opera that was both cancelled and returned post-pandemic. The season created space to celebrate Métis culture and welcome Indigenous communities to the Centennial Concert Hall, while also using traditional repertoire to help with audience rebuilding.   

“The 2023/24 season showcased Manitoba Opera’s dedication to artistic innovation, community engagement, and education,” said Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “Through a diverse array of productions, educational initiatives, and community programs, the company reinforced its role as a cultural cornerstone in the region, bringing the transformative power of opera to a wide and varied audience.” 

“We are deeply grateful to the opera community and all our supporters as we continue our recovery and rebuilding journey post-pandemic,” commented Judith Chambers, Chair, Board of Trustees. “The work we undertake to present great art, engage the community, and offer education programs to students, as well as emerging professionals, would not be possible without the generous support of our individual donors, corporate partners, funders, and investments from all three levels of government.”  

With Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, the company prioritized the inclusion of Indigenous artists and focused on Indigenous leadership throughout the process. Sixty-five percent of the 218 cast and crew identified as Indigenous. However, Li Keur was not just a performance, but a significant cultural event that extended its impact beyond the stage. The production required meaningful engagement with the Métis community which included assembling a 12-member advisory committee, engaging production ambassadors to perform excerpts from the opera at numerous events, and providing community workshops and initiatives that further enriched the audience’s experience. Métis Elders also played a crucial role performing ceremonial duties before performances to honor cultural traditions.   

Notably, the Manitoba Métis Federation listed Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North as the second most impactful achievement in advancing the Red River Métis in 2023, only behind the official recognition of Louis Riel as the first premier of Manitoba. Li Keur served as one important step in the company’s journey toward reconciliation.   

The 2023/24 Season saw the Opera Access program grow by 300%. This program provides free or subsidized tickets to social service organizations that distribute tickets to people who might not attend an opera otherwise. Ninety organizations received 865 tickets for Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North and over 550 tickets were distributed to 24 organizations for Carmen.   

The 2024/25 Board of Trustees was also announced at the AGM. Members re-elected were Ray Karasevich, Terence Sakohianisaks Douglas, Flavia Ferndez Fabio, Lana Maidment, Judith Chambers, Keith Sinclair, and David Folk. Returning trustees in mid-terms are Sandy Chahal, Nupur Kamari, John Pacak, Charlene Ord, and Grant Suderman. Nominated for the first year of a first two-year term were Paul Bruch-Weins, Luisa Matheson, Andrea McLandress, and Dr. William (Bill) Pope. (See below for bios). Retiring board members who have served four full terms were Daniela Ignat, Maria Mitousis, and Lori Yorke.