Feb 24, 2025

The Bohemian Life

The opera La Bohème is primarily based on a collection of short stories – Scènes de la vie de Bohème – written by French novelist and poet Henri Murger in the mid-19th century. The collection paints a vibrant picture of the lives of struggling young artists in Paris, focusing on their challenges and camaraderie amid poverty.

The characters in La Bohème are ordinary people experiencing everyday events, no kings and countesses here. And indeed, some of those events actually did occur in the lives of Henri Murger and Giacomo Puccini, the composer.

This semi-autobiographical novel about life in the Latin Quarter of Paris, relates the experiences of Murger when he was in his 20s. For example, the character of Rodolfe in Scènes is an unabashedly honest self-portrait of the writer.

Giacomo Puccini also included some of his own memories of his student days in Milan when he shared a room with Pietro Mascagni, a baker’s son who went on to compose Cavalleria Rusticana. It is said that they pooled their meagre funds to buy the score of Parsifal, cooked beans in the only pot available – their washbasin – and marked a city map with areas to be avoided, in order to not run into creditors. Like Colline in the opera, Puccini is said to have even pawned his coat at one point, although not to help a dying friend.

This initial glimpse into the lives of these characters, their relationships, and their struggles with both art and finances hints at the deeper themes of passion, ambition, and the sacrifices that come with a life dedicated to creativity.

In his preface, Murger wrote “Bohemia is a stage in artistic life.” Eventually, like Murger, most of his characters make their escape into the next stage of life – respectability. At the end of the novel, Colline inherits money and marries a rich woman; Schaunard becomes a successful writer of popular songs; Marcello secures an exhibit of his work, sells a painting to an ex-lover of Musetta and moves to better accommodations; Rodolfo’s writing career is launched when he publishes his first book; and even the fiery Musetta settles down.

Click to read – Scènes de la vie de Bohème

Feb 24, 2025

Evan Maydaniuk joins Staff Team

Evan Maydaniuk has joined the team at Manitoba Opera and will be leading the fundraising department as director of development. He started in January and is looking forward to connecting with the company’s donors.

“As director of development, I will have the privilege of helping to connect those who love Manitoba Opera with the joy of giving,” says Evan. “Donors keep the art form on the stage and are at the heart of Manitoba Opera. I am looking forward to getting to know the folks who make it possible for opera to thrive here on the Prairies.”

A proud citizen of the Red River Métis nation and a born and raised Winnipegger, Evan graduated with a business administration degree from the University of Winnipeg, where his studies focused on non-profit management. From there, he took the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ fundraising course and then launched his career in the development sector as the stewardship officer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

He has since earned his CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive professional designation) and gives back by serving as the current president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Manitoba Chapter.

Evan has also held positions as the annual giving manager with the Inuit Art Foundation; development and marketing director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg; and most recently, was the director of development for Rainbow Resource Centre.

“Now, I’m living the dream!” says Evan of his position with Manitoba Opera. “My goal has been to work in the arts sector, and I am so happy to be able to use my fundraising and leadership abilities to help bring opera to the stage. It’s a gift to come to work every day.

I may not know that much about the art form yet, but I certainly believe in the power of the arts. The arts tell our stories, make the world a more beautiful place, and build community. And I look forward to learning more about opera from those who love it most, our donors.”

Music is a big part of Evan’s recreational life as well. He plays the great Highland bagpipe and is the Pipe Major of Glenaura Pipes & Drums, leading a community band that focuses on preserving and celebrating Scottish music. Ballet also figures into Evan’s life as well.

“Ballet is my happy place. I’m proud to sit on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Board. I’ve danced recreationally but leave the real dance to the professionals. My favorite ballets are Don Quixote, Dracula, and The Wizard of Oz,” says Evan.

“My Roman Empire (thinks about daily) is the Eurovision Song Contest. I’m obsessed with it. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s great music. But moreover, the song contest brings people together across borders to celebrate and create unity through music.”

Dec 4, 2024

MO TICKETING SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE DECEMBER 8 – 18

Ticketing system will be down for upgrading December 8-18

Manitoba Opera is undergoing a ticketing system change which will result in our system being out of service from Sunday, December 8 to Wednesday, December 18. During this time, it will not be possible to make any online purchases or donations and staff will not be able to process/reserve tickets via phone or in person. If you were planning to purchase tickets for La Bohème, we encourage you to do so now until Saturday, December 7. Otherwise, purchases will have to wait until the new system is up and running beginning Thursday, December 19.

Already Purchased La Bohème Tickets & Wondering About Getting Your Tickets?

Whether you have a subscription or have purchased single tickets to La Bohème already, once our new system is running, we will be sending out tickets electronically and via Canada Post once the strike is over.

Tickets for Gifts

If you are purchasing tickets as a gift and need a proof of purchases before we will be able to print tickets later this month, please call the Box Office at 204-944-8824 and we will arrange to provide you with a letter indicating the ticket purchase.

Donations

While our system is down, donations can be made in the following ways:
BY PHONE – Credit Card
IN PERSON – Credit Card, Debit, Cash, Cheque
ONLINE – E-Transfer (development@mbopera.ca)
For more information/assistance with donating call our Annual Giving Manager, Liz Miller at 204-942-0489.

If you have any questions, please call the Box Office at 204-944-8824. Our sincere thanks for your understanding and patience during this transition period.

All the best,
The Box Office Team

Sep 19, 2024

MANITOBA OPERA NAMES MICHAEL NESBITT AS 2025 RECIPIENT OF THE GAIL ASPER AWARD

Manitoba Opera announced today that the company will honour one of Winnipeg’s most respected philanthropists, Michael Nesbitt, with The Gail Asper Award. Mr. Nesbitt is renowned for his exemplary vision in bringing world-class art and culture to his hometown of Winnipeg, as well as supporting arts organizations, and funding numerous educational initiatives. He believes Manitobans deserve to be exposed to top composers, artists, and the architects of our time. Mr. Nesbitt will receive The Gail Asper Award at a Gala Reception held in his honour Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway, Winnipeg.

The Gail Asper Award was created by Manitoba Opera in 2018 to honour individuals who, like its namesake philanthropist Gail Asper, demonstrate exemplary leadership in a field of endeavor or pursuit of a visionary goal.

“We are delighted to honour such an outstanding and generous member of our community with The Gail Asper Award,” commented Judith Chambers, Chair of Manitoba Opera’s Board of Trustees. “Michael has been a staunch supporter of many arts organizations, including Manitoba Opera, for years and his contributions to the arts and funding for educational projects have greatly enriched and benefitted this community both at home and nationally.”

“I am deeply honored to receive The Gail Asper Award,” said Michael Nesbitt, “but the true credit belongs to the countless individuals who dedicate their time and talents to enriching our cultural community. Supporting the arts has always been about making sure everyone has access to world-class experiences right here in Winnipeg. I hope this recognition encourages others to continue investing in the arts and in the future of our city.”

Through his philanthropy, Nesbitt has enriched Manitoba’s creative landscape, supporting organizations included the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Graffiti Gallery, and has been a major supporter of Manitoba Opera for decades, making ongoing investments to help the organization present rich artistic programming. He has also been an ardent supporter of the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music including providing a foundational gift for the building of the recently opened Desautels Concert Hall.

His contributions have brought important exhibits to Winnipeg and furthered the careers of Winnipeg-born, internationally recognized artists like Micah Lexier, Sarah Anne Johnson, and Dominique Rey.

Support for educational initiatives that benefit Indigenous students and inner-city youth programs are also high on Nesbitt’s list of priorities.

“Michael Nesbitt’s generosity has significantly shaped Winnipeg’s cultural landscape” said Manitoba Opera General Director & CEO, Larry Desrochers. “Michael’s steadfast support for Manitoba Opera and so many other organizations reflect his belief in the power of culture to enrich and uplift our community. We are proud to honour his contributions with The Gail Asper Award.”

For information on Gala Reception tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Nadine Hink nhink@mbopera.ca 204-957-6361 or go to mbopera.ca

Sep 19, 2024

Michael Nesbitt – Bio

Michael Nesbitt is a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, whose extensive contributions have significantly impacted the arts, education, and community development in his hometown and throughout the country.

He earned degrees in commerce and arts from the University of Manitoba before launching his career on Bay Street (Toronto). He returned to Winnipeg in 1965 to lead Montrose Mortgage Corporation, growing it into one of Canada’s largest private mortgage firms. As Chairman and President, he was admired for his integrity and leadership, mentoring others with a philosophy of hard work and ethical behavior.

Mr. Nesbitt’s philanthropic efforts are extensive and impactful. Known for his vision to bring world-class art and culture to the community, his investments in Winnipeg’s art scene have offered a feast for the ears and eyes. From Philip Glass to Sarah Snider, Michael Daugherty to Ai Wei Wei, Fred Sandback to Anish Kapoor, Michael Nesbitt believes that Manitobans deserve to be exposed to the top composers, artists, and architects of our time. He has also invested in local talent, supporting artists such as Micah Lexier and Sarah Anne Johnson, ensuring their works remain in Canada.

His philanthropy has extended to many organizations, including Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, Graffiti Gallery, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Jazz Winnipeg, and Manitoba Opera. He was also the Premier Patron for the WSO’s New Music Festival from 2018 to 2025.

In 2021, Mr. Nesbitt made a three-year commitment to fund the University of Manitoba’s School of Art Gallery’s Visiting Curator Program to host visiting curators and deliver three major exhibitions and foster emerging voices in contemporary art. The program connects students, faculty, and the community with leading curators.

A major supporter of the Winnipeg Art Gallery Qaumajuq, Mr. Nesbitt has been the Presenting Sponsor for exhibits of artists like Tim Gardner, Karel Funk, and Andy Warhol.  He will sponsor the new exhibit entitled MOTHERGROUND by Manitoban artist Domique Rey.

His support of visual arts in Canada extends to the National Gallery where he is funding the first three years of the National Engagement Initiative – a program designed to build meaningful new regional relationships, while also expanding cultural engagement from coast to coast to coast. The multi-year initiative focuses on highlighting both Canadian and international artists and will include one large-scale commission per year.

Mr. Nesbitt has been a major supporter of Manitoba Opera for decades, making ongoing investments to help the organization present rich artistic programming. He served on Manitoba Opera’s Board of Directors from 1978-1982, including one year as Vice-President.

Mr. Nesbitt’s philanthropic efforts extend far beyond the arts. He played a crucial role in founding Manitoba’s first Montessori School in the mid-1960s and supported the establishment of Winnipeg’s first public, co-ed squash courts in 1977. He has funded scholarships and bursaries to help Indigenous students and other underrepresented groups access higher education.

His support for the University of Manitoba has been particularly noteworthy and has contributed to the institution’s ability to attract top graduate students and researchers. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Desautels Faculty of Music. He helped establish the Babs Asper Professorship in Jazz Performance and later helped the faculty launch the Bridge Program to bring jazz music instruction to inner-city kids. He made a foundational gift to the building of the newly opened Desautels Concert Hall.

Michael Nesbitt’s legacy is one of integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to his community. His philanthropic efforts have not only enriched the cultural landscape of Winnipeg but have also provided countless opportunities for education and personal growth for its residents. Through his quiet, yet powerful contributions, Mr. Nesbitt has made a lasting impact on the city he loves.

For his extensive contributions, Michael Nesbitt was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Manitoba in 2015. He is a Distinguished Patron of the National Gallery of Canada and was recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Michael Nesbitt’s life and career are a testament to the power of ethical leadership and the profound impact of philanthropy. His contributions to the arts, education, and community development have left an indelible mark on Winnipeg, making it a better place for future generations.

His vision and commitment to advancing the artistic and educational life of the community is inspiring, making him Manitoba Opera’s 2025 recipient of The Gail Asper Award.

Jul 25, 2024

2024 DIGITAL EMERGING ARTISTS PROGRAM ARTISTS ANNOUNCED

Manitoba Opera is pleased to announce the singers who will be participating in the company’s fifth annual Digital Emerging Artists Program (DEAP). This year, the four-week intensive online professional development program runs from August 1 to 30 and will serve four Emerging Artists and one Independent Learner selected from a pool of applicants from across Canada.  

The Emerging Artists are soprano Lauren Estey (Toronto), mezzo-soprano Taryn Plater (Vancouver), tenor Jeremy Scinocca (Toronto), and bass-baritone James Coole-Stevenson (Toronto). The Independent Learner is Innu soprano Gabrielle Côté-Picard (Montreal).  

The Independent Learner position was introduced in 2022 to provide the opportunity for a BIPOC artist who is in the early stages of their operatic career or who may be considering a career in opera to study with some of Canada’s preeminent voice teachers and benefit from the professional development and peer collaboration that this program offers. 

Returning to the core program faculty are sopranos Tracy Dahl and Monica Huisman, mezzo-soprano Marion Newman (Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations), tenor John Tessier, director Ann Hodges, and filmmaker Stephen Bell. 

Through lessons and masterclasses with the core faculty, and workshops with guest artists and industry professionals, participants will cultivate skills that are necessary for success as multi-platform performers. They will learn valuable skills in project management, communication, recording practices, and post-production, as well as civic engagement which is a growing focus.  

This program has been instrumental in launching the careers of emerging Canadian singers. Keely McPeek (Anisininew soprano, DEAP 2023 Independent Learner) and Nolan Kehler (tenor, DEAP 2021) both made their main stage debuts with Manitoba Opera in leading roles in the world premiere of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North in the fall of 2023. Keely later went on tour with Vancouver Opera’s production of Flight of the Hummingbird with fellow alumna Olivia Kang (soprano, DEAP 2022). Keely and Nolan recently shared the stage in June, alongside Marion Newman, in a workshop performance of Indians on Vacation at the Banff Centre.  

Program alumni continue to find career success across Canada and internationally. Arieh Sacke (tenor, DEAP 2023) made his Cincinnati Opera role debut in La Traviata during their 2024 Summer Festival, and Sydney Baedke (soprano, 2020) made her Covent Garden debut to critical acclaim acclaim in the lead role of Female Chorus in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia (Royal Opera House, 2022). Lizzy Hoyt (mezzo-soprano, DEAP 2020) enjoys a career as a multidisciplinary artist; the 2023 season saw her debut in the title role of Rossini’s La Cenerentola with both Manitoba Opera and Brott Opera. That same year she was honored with the Traditional Singer of the Year Award at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for her album, The Parting Glass. 

DEAP 2024 sees the return of two program alumni in mentorship roles. Nicholas Borg (baritone, DEAP 2020) will lead a panel discussion on civic engagement. Keely McPeek will convene a panel of Indigenous opera and theatre artists to discuss their perspectives as Indigenous creators and performers working within a predominantly settler-driven industry.  

Manitoba Opera’s 2024 Digital Emerging Artists Program is generously supported by RBC Emerging Artists, Azrieli Foundation, and the Jacqueline Demarais Foundation. 

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. 

Jun 26, 2024

Magical Elixirs, Medical Quackery & Snake-Oil Salesmen

In Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, the titular tincture is procured by the naïve and lovesick Nemorino from the travelling physician Doctor Dulcamara. Nemorino, down to his last pennies and unlucky in love, approaches the self-styled “Encyclopedic Doctor” who entertains an audience of villagers. Dulcamara hawks medicines and salves to cure liver disease and paralysis, smooth wrinkles, eradicate lice and vermin, increase libido, and so on, haggling prices down from extravagantly unaffordable to taking whatever coin he is offered. Nemorino begs him for the love elixir of Queen Isolde. Although the doctor is unfamiliar with the tale of Tristan and Isolde, he nevertheless leaps at the opportunity to make a quick sale, exchanging the erstwhile magical liqueur – SPOILER ALERT – (actually a bottle of red wine) for the sum total of Nemorino’s wealth – a single zecchin (a Venetian ducat), and cautioning the young man that the elixir will require 24 hours to take its effect (giving the fraudulent doctor time enough to get out of town).  

This kind of medical quackery is a familiar trope, being well-documented in histories and lampooned in works of fiction.  

“The term quack originates from quacksalver, or kwakzalver, a Dutch word for a seller of nostrums, medical cures of dubious and secretive origins . . . they plied their trade on street corners and at country fairs, hawking homemade remedies in loud, attention-grabbing voices—hence the term quack, likening their cries to noisy ducks or geese.” – Drago, E. B, 2020.  

Even the word “charlatan” is directly related to quackery. The word comes from “Cerretani,” the name for people from Cerreto di Spoleto- a small town in what is now Italy that became notorious in the Middle Ages for widespread fraud committed by its inhabitants who would collect alms on behalf of medical and religious foundations which they would keep for themselves. This evolved to medical charlatanism, exploiting the absence of institutional medicine in rural areas and the superstition of a poorly educated populace. There and across Europe, unscrupulous vendors sold cure-alls concocted from all manner of bizarre and potentially dangerous (or even wholly fictitious) components. One such prescription, published by Sr. William Solomon of London in the 17th century calls for: 

Gold, one half ounce.
Powder of a lion’s heart, four ounces.
Filings of a unicorn’s horn, one half ounce.
Ashes of the whole chameleon, one and a half ounces.
Earthworms, a score.
Dried man’s brain, five ounces.
To be mixed together and digested with universal spirits. 

Such practices were not isolated to Europe. A North American audience might draw parallels to the iconic snake-oil salesmen of the old West. The great irony of snake-oil is that it originated as a genuine product – an oil derived from Chinese water snakes, high in omega-3 fatty acids and known as a potent anti-inflammatory.  

In the late 19th century the American Clark Stanley, a cowboy turned patent medicine vendor, learned about snake oil from Chinese railroad workers. He set about to capitalize on its reputation, unconcerned that Chinese water snakes were nowhere to be found in the American West. From 1879 the “Rattlesnake King” touted a miracle salve produced from rattlesnake oil, the secrets of which he claimed to have learned from a Hopi medicine man. He distributed pamphlets and gave public demonstrations to sell his patent-protected panacea which he prescribed:  

“. . . for the cure of all pain and lameness, for rheumatism, neuralgias, sciatica, contracted muscles, toothaches, sprain, swellings, frost bite, bruises, sore throat, bites of animals, insects, and reptiles.” – Bryant, C.W. & Clark, J., 2024. 

It wasn’t until 1916 that this “snake oil” was found to have nothing to do with snakes whatsoever – the recipe consisted of beef fat, red pepper, mineral oil, camphor, and turpentine. For his fraudulent activities spanning over three decades, Stanley was fined $20 (equivalent to about $500 today). The damage had been done, and “snake oil salesman” entered the public lexicon as an umbrella term for any person selling a bogus or ineffective product. 

Works consulted: 

Bryant, C. W. and Clark, J. (2024, February 14). Short Stuff: The Original Snake Oil Salesman. Stuff You Should Know (podcast). https://omny.fm/shows/stuff-you-should-know-1/short-stuff-the-original-snake-oil-salesman 

Drago, Elisabeth Berry (2020, December 15). Quacks, Plagues and Pandemics: What charlatans of the past can teach us about the COVID-19 crisis. Distillations Magazine: Unexpected Stories from Science’s Past. Science History Institute Museum & Library, December 15, 2020. https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/quacks-plagues-and-pandemics/ 

Peschel, E. R. & Peschel, R. E. (1987, December). Medicine and Opera: The Quack in History and Donizetti’s Dr. Dulcamara. Medical Problems of Performing Artists Vol. 2, No. 4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/45440260 

Timio, M. (2002, February) “The Cerretani and charlatans: a poor page in the history of medicine and nephrology” (abstract, English). Giornale Italiano di nefrologia : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana de nefrologia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165947/ 

May 28, 2024

10 Things to Note About the Upcoming Season’s Shows

The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore)

• Composer Gaetano Donizetti was a very versatile dramatist. He wrote over 70 operas, as well as cantatas, sacred works, orchestral works, and chamber music.
• For many years, legend had it that The Elixir of Love was composed in two weeks. This has been disproved; however, composing this work in just six weeks is an exceptional accomplishment.
• Although originally set in an Italian village, The Elixir of Love can easily be set virtually anywhere, as it is an opera in which there is no essential local colour to be preserved. The typical motifs of impromptu comedy and simple melodies reminiscent of folk song give the piece its charm and contribute to its popularity.
• The Elixir of Love is a mixture of several old recipes for comedy, but its delicate depiction of the psychology of love and its study of desire are very modern.
• Dr. Dulcamara is considered one of the great comedy figures of the operatic stage. His name means “bitter-sweet” and he is more than the stereotype of an itinerant quack. It is a very rewarding role for bass buffos. With the wisdom of a man of experience, he uses his wiles to help the undecided make up their minds and ultimately, find happiness.

La Bohème

• Being one of the most famous operas in the repertoire, it’s no surprise that La Bohème has inspired musicals, films, and even cartoons including the1987 movie Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicholas Cage, the 1996 musical Rent, set in New York, and an episode of the long-running animated TV show, The Simpsons.
• When Puccini wrote La Bohème he had already achieved renown as the composer of Manon Lescaut which had scored a sensational success. La Bohéme, the composer’s fourth opera, won him even greater fame, and he was hailed as the successor to Verdi.
• The characters of this opera are said to be fairly accurate portraits of artists and habitués of the Latin Quarter of Paris who were friends of Henri Murger, the author of the novel Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, during his early days as a struggling writer.
• The opera’s main characters – Rodolfo, Mimi, Musetta, and Marcello – are very relatable and that has contributed to the success of this piece. They are regular human beings. They’re our neighbors, the people we went to school with, maybe a great group of friends or roommates with whom we built strong bonds.
• Puccini actually competed with another famous Italian composer, Ruggero Leoncavallo, to debut the first La Bohème and it cost them their friendship. Leoncavallo had claimed huge success with his opera Pagliacci a few years earlier, and he wanted to beat Puccini by writing his own La Bohème. He lost though, as Puccini’s version came out in 1896 and Leoncavallo’s in 1897. However, Puccini’s version had already made its mark by then, and their friendship did not survive the race.

Apr 3, 2024

CARMEN, THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR OPERA, CLOSES MANITOBA OPERA’S 2023/24 SEASON

Considered to be one of the world’s most popular operas, Carmen, the sexy thriller that seduces the audience with every note, will be presented by Manitoba Opera at the Centennial Concert Hall Saturday, April 13 (7:30 pm), Wednesday, April 17 (7 pm), and Friday, April 19 (7:30 pm).

The opening night performance, Saturday, April 13, is sold out. Good seats are still available for the Wednesday, April 17 and Friday, April 19 shows.

For tickets, call 204-944-8824, go online at mbopera.ca, or in person at the MO Box Office, lower level, Centennial Concert Hall (9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). Seniors, students, and youth discounts are available.

Set in Spain in the 1930s, Carmen tells the story of a passionate, free-spirited woman who can have any man she wants, but when she seduces the young soldier Don José only to cast him aside for the handsome bullfighter, she seals her tragic fate. Carmen will be sung in French with French dialogue and projected English projections.

Carmen is unrivalled in its hit list of melodies and recognizable music, including Carmen’s smoky Habanera, Don José’s Flower Song, and the rousing Toreador Song. Over 140 years after its premiere in Paris, composer Georges Bizet’s opera continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

“Who can resist the sensuous music of Bizet? With its lavish score and brilliant orchestration, Carmen is an irresistible theatrical event. Last performed by the company in 2010, we are very pleased to bring this opera to the stage for an entirely new audience,” explains Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.

THE ARTISTS
Acclaimed American mezzo-soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson makes her company debut as the fiery temptress, with the celebrated Canadian tenor David Pomeroy reprising his role as the obsessive corporal Don José. Internationally renowned Canadian baritone Daniel Okulitch will be appearing as Escamillo the dashing bullfighter.

Two Winnipeg favourites will also be featured: sopranos Lara Ciekiewicz, who will be singing the role of Michaëla and Lara Secord-Haid as Frasquita. Jacques Arsenault (Remendado) will be making a company debut. Giles Tomkins, who appeared in 2019 with the MO as Basilio in The Barber of Seville, will sing Zuniga, with Johnathon Kirby singing the dual roles of Moralès and Le Dancaïre. Barbara King will sing Mercédès.

Brian Deedrick will direct the production. Deedrick last directed La Bohème for the company in 2014. Tyrone Paterson will conduct the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Manitoba Opera Chorus. Lighting is by Hugh Conacher. Set, properties, and costumes provided by Edmonton Opera.

THE STORY
As the workers at a Seville cigarette factory enter the city square on their lunch break, the sensual and seductive Carmen teases her many admirers. Only the corporal Don José is resistant to her charms. Piqued by his disinterest, she playfully tosses a flower at him.

Later, Carmen is arrested for wounding a co-worker in a rowdy fight. Don José is to take her to prison but has fallen under her spell and lets her escape. He later deserts the army to join Carmen and her band of smugglers, disregarding his life-long sweetheart and his dying mother. Carmen has tired of the jealous José however, and decides to take on a new lover, the bullfighter Escamillo. Jealousy ignites and José’s rage leads to shocking, murderous consequences.

Mar 27, 2024

MANITOBA OPERA UNCORKS A SEASON OF ROMANCE

2024/25 Season Productions Overflow with Young Love, Laughter & Loss

Manitoba Opera (MO) will present two crowd-pleasing productions in its 2024/25 Season. The season will kick off with the Donizetti comedy that is sure to win everyone’s heart, The Elixir of Love October 26, 30, and November 1, 2024. The timeless tale of love and loss, Puccini’s La Bohème will close the season April 5, 9, and 11, 2025. All performances take place at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“We have two lovely vintages on the list, so I invite you to join us in uncorking a season of delicious opera next year,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “First off, we have The Elixir of Love, a sparkling champagne of an opera, effervescent with charm and laughter. If The Elixir of Love is champagne, then La Bohème is surely a rich and velvety red, swirling with passion and pathos.”

Mar 25, 2024

Opera & Reading A Winning Combination

Every February Manitoba Opera participates in “I Love to Read” Month by bringing opera singers into classrooms to read some of our favourite children’s stories about opera-loving animals. This year, mezzo- soprano Keely McPeek and bass-baritone Stephen Haiko-Pena visited 27 classrooms at 14 schools, reading to over 800 students. As part of each workshop, students learned some Italian opera vocabulary and were treated to a short performance by the presenter.  

Opera Cat and Encore, Opera Cat! translated to Anishinaabemowin 

Additionally, students in several Ojibwe Language Program classrooms in the Louis Riel School Division received a very special visit. John McLean, who has translated the book Opera Cat into Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), visited these classrooms to read his translation to the students. John shared a bit of his own story, telling students how he was forced to learn English and reprimanded for speaking Ojibwe when he was younger, how lucky they are to be learning the language in their schools, and how happy it makes him to share his language with them. He even mentioned that in translating the story he had to come up with new words for words like “limousine” and “pizza” that didn’t have a preexisting analogue in Ojibwe! Keely McPeek accompanied John to these classrooms and sang in Anishinaabemowin, performing the “Mending of Violence” aria from Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North.  

Video recordings of John’s translations of Opera Cat and Encore, Opera Cat! are now available as part of our Opera Storytime online video library. These videos can be viewed at https://mbopera.ca/storytime/videos/ using the password: OperaStories21! 

We extend our gratitude to Councillor Brian Mayes and the City of Winnipeg for their generous support of our Opera Storytime program, including funding for the Anishinaabemowin translation.

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Mar 25, 2024

Nadine Hink joins Development Team

Nadine Hink has joined the staff on a term position as Development Assistant. 

She has been working with the company since early February and is primarily providing administrative support for initiatives such as The Power of Voice Endowment Campaign and The Gail Asper Award fundraising event.    

“I am currently most excited to be working on The Power of Voice Endowment Campaign,” explains Nadine. “I am pleased to be part of this project because it means I am contributing to the sustainability of opera for future generations. I am also very excited to learn more about opera and stage productions from the people who cherish it the most.”  

Nadine sees the role of Development Assistant as an opportunity to demonstrate her experience with administration and research and to continue that growth while making a difference in her community. 

“I have a deep need to strengthen my community, and I belong in a space that supports art,” she says. “I see myself working in the non-profit sector going forward. Some of my recent volunteering has piqued my interest in fundraising and public relations. Along with my administrative skills, I am also very sociable. I am excited to learn more about myself and my future while at Manitoba Opera.”   

Nadine grew up in Winnipeg and headed west to Headingley when she got older. She also spent a lot of time at Lake of the Woods, Ontario, where her father built a cabin for the family. “The lake was a very special place for my sister and me to grow up.”  

Roller skating tops Nadine’s list of favourite things to do in her spare time. “I have been skating for three years and cannot get enough. I also love creating art, biking, pinball, volunteering, live music, camping, and spending time with my family and friends.”  

After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba, Nadine worked as a jewelry artist for many years. She joined her family’s real estate appraisal firm in 2018 where she developed the clerical and analytical skills that have been put to good use in her role with Manitoba Opera.   

“It’s an honor to be a part of Manitoba’s arts and music scene. Manitoba Opera is providing an ideal place for me to marry my passions and skills and I’m grateful for this opportunity.” 

Feb 28, 2024

Carmen: From “Fiasco” to Favourite 

Even though it is considered by many to be the world’s most popular opera of all time, Carmen had a very difficult start.  

“The public did not recognize the work’s stature immediately, and Bizet was hard hit by the fiasco of the first performance. However, that he died of a broken heart as a result is nothing more than a sentimental legend. In the following months, he worked at an oratorio and on a revision of the opera for a planned Viennese staging in the autumn.  

Unfortunately, he succumbed to a weak heart on June 3, 1875, at just 36 years of age, his death coinciding to the minute with the curtain that fell on the 33rd performance of his Carmen. 

Six years after the premiere, Carmen was being performed in 15 cities across three continents. The march of success was already unstoppable. In 1907, the public rioted outside the theatre in São Paulo, Brazil, causing several deaths when some people were unable to get tickets for the performance.  

It is difficult to judge whether the cool public reception to the first performance of Carmen was due to the opera’s subject or to the music itself. In the end, both provided grounds for rejection. With a Roma woman as the main character, one who lures a soldier away from the army, sings and dances in disreputable places, takes up with smugglers, and is finally killed on stage by her former lover, Bizet’s work certainly stands apart from the conventions of opéra comique. The milieu was described as lawless and the main character accused of indecency. As a result, the press demanded that minors be denied entry to performances of Carmen for moral reasons. The truth of course is that Bizet managed to create an archetypal figure whose effect is comparable with that of Don Giovanni, Hamlet, or Faust. And in the 20th century, Carmen acquired special status as the embodiment of a woman who makes her own decisions.” (1) 

Over the past decade, Carmen has been the third-most performed opera worldwide. (2)  There are well over 200 recordings to choose from, and its music is continually in use in commercials, cartoons, and movies.  Not bad for something that started out as a fiasco.    

1. Opera, Editor-in-chief, András Batta,2000 English Edition, Könemann Verlagsgesellschaft mbH 

1. Manitoba Opera Carmen Study Guide 

Nov 9, 2023

LI KEUR: RIEL’S HEART OF THE NORTH THE FIRST FULL-SCALE INDIGENOUS-LED OPERA ON A CANADIAN OPERA MAINSTAGE RUNS NOVEMBER 18, 22, 24

The world premiere of Manitoba Opera’s Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North (pronounced lee cur), the first full-scale Indigenous-led opera presented on a Canadian opera mainstage will kick off the 2023/24 Season with three performances at the Centennial Concert Hall (Winnipeg) Saturday, November 18 (7:30 pm), Wednesday, November 22 (7 pm), and Friday, November 24 (7:30 pm). Tickets are on sale now at mbopera.ca or by calling 204-944-8824.

This cross-cultural collaboration is a celebration of Métis women, language, and culture, conceptualized by Métis poet and librettist Dr. Suzanne M. Steele, and is co-composed by Métis composer/fiddler Alex Kusturok and composer Neil Weisensel. Weisensel will also conduct.

This full-scale production features 11 vocal soloists, spoken roles, both adult and children’s choruses made up primarily of Indigenous community members, fiddlers, dancers, a guitarist, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Spoken & Sung in Five Languages

Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North will be spoken and sung in five languages: Southern-Michif, French-Michif, Anishinaabemowin, French, and English, with English translations projected above the stage.

The opera’s text was developed with Indigenous language keepers who have continued to be involved with the project. Li Keur brings these languages, which have survived decades of attempted erasure, back to the centre stage of the continent.

Story Concept/Background

This opera re-places the Michif peoples and the kinship webs of the founding nationals at the central continent, to the centre of the big stage while simultaneously redefining operatic form through an Indigenous world view of story.

In this historical, mystic opera, 21st century Joséphine-Marie, through a grandmother’s story, is transported to 1870s Montana where she encounters an ancestor, the sharpshooter Josette who is a runaway travelling with Riel and the last buffalo brigades. Josette falls in love with the young, passionate, Louis Riel, in disguise and on the run from assassins.

The pair confront jealousy, destiny, deprivation, and torment wrought by shape-shifting Black Geese of Fate, but are comforted by ghost choruses of ancestors, the bison brigades, and the women of their peoples, as they try to salvage a nation and save themselves from total destruction in the burning heart of the continent of the 1870s.

Métis Culture on the Mainstage

Li Keur places Métis culture, a founding culture of our province, on Manitoba Opera’s mainstage. The Red River jig, which features prominently in the score, along with other traditional and contemporary Métis music by Kusturok, is for the Métis peoples, not only a national anthem, it is a prayer, a celebration, and a compass with which the Michif find their way home. Red River music, born of a specific place and rooted in a specific culture, continue to thrive and with Li Keur this music is celebrated through the power of Métis fiddle, dance, language, and through the operatic voice.

The Creative Team

Dr. Suzanne M. Steele    Librettist/Storyteller

Suzanne Steele is an award-winning poet, installation artist, scholar, editor, and writer. She is a librettist (opera architect) and co-founder, with Drs. Monique Giroux and Michelle Porter, of the Red River Jig Network project (www.redriverjig.com).

Dr. Steele has a PhD from Exeter University (UK), an MLIS from UWO, and a BMus (voice) from UBC. Her war requiem (with composer Jeff Ryan), Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation, will be released commercially in 2023. This work is based on her experience as a Canadian war artist with the First Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2008-10) Afghanistan.

Alex Kusturok    Co-Composer/Fiddler

Métis composer and writer, Alex Kusturok, has composed, recorded, and performed widely. A third- generation fiddler, he is the son of the three-time Grand Masters Fiddle Championship, Patti Kusturok, and is known for his fiery, dynamic style of fiddling and footwork.

Neil Weisensel    Co-Composer/Conductor

Neil Weisensel is a veteran opera composer; his background is white settler with French/German ancestry. His eight acclaimed operas have been performed over 240 times across Canada and the United States. In 2014, Vancouver Opera premiered his anti-bullying opera Stickboy. Weisensel has won grants and prizes from the National Endowment for the Arts, Opera America, and the Canada Council. He holds degrees in composition and performance from the University of Manitoba and University of British Columbia.

Simon Miron    Director

The production will be led by Winnipeg multi-disciplinary artist Simon Miron, a Francophone Métis who will be making his Manitoba Opera debut as director. Simon has worked on 80 productions across Canada and the UK including dozens of new works.

Librettist & Composers’ Comments 

Suzanne Steele

“With Li Keur, I am trying to reconnect so much of that which was lost to my Gaudry, Fayant, Morin, DuCharmes, David, Beauchamps, and Desjardins families, and for so many other Michif families, and that is, each other,” explains Dr. Steele. “Sometime around the 1870s, our vibrant, intact, and prosperous families and communities were cast, scattered like windflowers across the prairies into a century and a half of hard times. And so, in a way through this work, I try to emulate the Anishinaabe keeper of the medicines, Marie Serpente (named in part for an ancestor of mine), who in this opera — as all our women for centuries and millennia — sews together the violence of men not once, but twice – that is, the violence of the historic. But importantly, I am also trying, as all Indigenous women continue to, sew together our cultures, our webs of family, and from the sometimes ugly in this world, make something beautiful. In this, through words and story, I have tried to bead some of our world for us to share and enjoy together once again and to shine a light on who we are.”

Alex Kusturok

“It’s such an honour to be a part of something so powerful,” commented Alex Kusturok, composer and Métis fiddler. “Something like this hasn’t been done before for the Métis culture, and I’m humbled to have a small part in it. I look forward to seeing what comes from this, and I’m beyond excited to be working with a group of amazing people.”

Neil Weisensel

“Working on Li Keur, Riel’s Heart of the North has been nothing short of a transformational project for me since I started work on it in 2017,” said composer Neil Weisensel. “Researching and composing this piece has changed how I work, how I teach, and how I see the world. Inspired by Suzanne Steele’s powerful and poetic libretto and blessed to be able to collaborate with fellow composer Alex Kusturok, I feel like we have succeeded in creating a unique and entertaining story for Manitoba Opera’s mainstage.”

Oct 30, 2023

ART EXHIBITION – 21st Century Métis: Art, Identity & Innovation Launches November 24

An art exhibit -:21^st Century Métis: Art, Identity & Innovation opens on Friday, November 24 on the Piano Nobile. Manitoba Opera is proud to have this exhibit coincide with the world premiere of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North. Curated by Liz Barron, the exhibit will be featured until Thursday, November 30.

“Curated to be a part of the heart of Manitoba where the echoes of history reverberate, we are thrilled to present an extraordinary gathering of Métis artists at the Piano Nobile Gallery,” commented Liz Barron.

For over 20 years, Liz has curated media art exhibitions, programmed documentary and experimental film festivals, and provided support to individual artists through career development, grant writing and mentorship.

“As we step into the 21st century, this exhibition featuring the remarkable works of Jason Baerg, David Garneau, Amanda Smart, and Claire Johnston invites us to explore the vibrant and ever-evolving Métis identity. This visionary assembly of artists transcends boundaries, delving deep into the contemporary Métis experience. With their powerful narratives and innovative expressions, they illuminate the complex interplay between heritage, culture, and the path forward.

This exhibition is not just a reflection; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of Métis artists, past and present, and a glimpse into the promising future of contemporary art,” Liz added.

Patrons are invited to take a journey through these artistic landscapes, where the past informs the present, and the Métis spirit thrives in the modern age.

Featured Artists

Aug 29, 2023

HOCKEY-PLAYING MEZZO JOINS ADMIN TEAM

Mezzo-soprano Ashley Schneberger is the newest addition to the company’s administrative team, joining the Development Department last month in the position of Development & Grant Assistant.

She will be assisting Tania Douglas, Director of Development, and Ashley Boychuk, Grants & Corporate Giving Manager, with prospect research, donor profiles, the endowment campaign and the Gail Asper Award Gala Reception, as well as delving into grant research and writing. 

Ashley grew up in Cochrane, Alberta (small town outside of Calgary), and got her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Lethbridge. She moved to Winnipeg in 2020 and just completed her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Manitoba this April.  

She is the recipient of the 2023 Winnipeg Music Festival’s Rosebowl Trophy and accompanying George H. Price memorial scholarship, as well as the Herbert and Audrey Belyea Trophy and scholarship.  

A musician through-and-through, Ashley’s goal is to eventually perform with companies like Manitoba Opera. She’s loved to sing and tell stories since she was young and can’t imagine doing anything else.  

“Getting to be on stage and connect to a story is such a privilege, and I would love to continue to share those stories with audiences in the future,” Ashley explains. “I’ll be doing little gigs and shows around Winnipeg this upcoming year, so I’m very excited to get started and to keep growing as an artist.” 

Last season, Ashley was a student ambassador and also worked on the company’s social media in the spring as a result of the Association of Opera in Canada’s federally funded Opera Artist Resiliency Program (OAR).  

“I loved getting to see the inner workings of an opera company,” she says. “I think it is important to diversify your skills as an artist, and when I saw this opportunity, I thought it was the perfect chance to dip my toes into arts administration. I had so much fun working with the MO team last season, and the idea of being even more involved with the team, and helping to create beautiful, powerful, and meaningful art in the community was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”  

Reading is a passion of the young artist and she’s set a goal this year to read 50 books. “I’m about 20 books in, so I’ve got some catching-up to do!” 

A big hockey fan, Ashley has played Canada’s game since she was five and continued until she was 18.  

“I’m a big Calgary Flames fan (sorry Jets fans) and I love to go to games with my family.” 

Ashley also loves to bake and has been told she makes some of the best brownies EVER. Her colleagues are looking forward to getting a chance to judge that for themselves! 

Jul 27, 2023

LI KEUR: THE HEART OF THE NORTH

THE STORY

In this historical, mystic opera, 21st century Joséphine-Marie, through a grandmother’s story, is transported to 1870s Montana where she encounters an ancestor, the sharpshooter Josette, a runaway travelling with Riel and the last buffalo brigades. There she falls in love with the young, passionate, Louis Riel, in disguise, on the run from assassins.  

The pair confront jealousy, destiny, deprivation, and torment wrought by four shape-shifting Black Geese of Fate, but are comforted by ghost choruses of ancestors, the bison brigades, and the women of their peoples, as they try to salvage a nation and save themselves from total destruction in the burning heart of the continent of the 1870s.

THEMES  

“This opera re-places the Michif peoples and the kinship webs of the founding nationals, at the central continent, to the centre of the big stage while simultaneously redefining operatic form through an Indigenous world view of story,” explains Li Keur’s Suzanne Steele, librettist and storyteller.  

“Themes critical to the survival of the Métis/Michif peoples (and their kin) of the 19th century that will resonate with contemporary audiences include identity, environmental degradation, celebration, innovation, refugeehood, diaspora, and the consequences of love and idealism. While knowingly engaging with many of the tropes of opera, Li Keur, offers a fresh take on an old European artform, a take that, interestingly, may well represent opera’s earlier iterations of it being an artform of the people.” 

THE NAME  

Li Keur (pronounced Lee Cur) is translated to “the heart” in Michif, the language of the Métis peoples. The inspiration for “The Heart of the North” came from the diaries of Louis Riel.   

L’Esprit de Dieu m’a fait voir un quart plein de marchandises. Sur le fond du Quart étaient écrites les paroles suivantes: “Les entrailles du Nord.” O mon Dieu! Accordez-moi, la grâce de conquérir le Nord et de Maîtriser tout ce qu’il a: donnez-moi les entrailles du nord. 

(The spirit of God revealed to me a crate full of merchandise. On the crate the following words were written: The heart [the guts /interior] of the North.
O my God! Give me the grace to conquer the north and master all within: give me the heart of the north.)

From the diaries of Louis Riel, translated by Dr. S.M. Steele      

Jul 27, 2023

AGM RECAP: 2022/23 SEASON CELEBRATED FIVE DECADES OF OPERA

The company announced at its 2022/23 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held both in person at the Centennial Concert Hall and livestreamed on Tuesday, July 11, that the year ending May 31, 2023 – the 50th season anniversary – was one of celebration, thanks, and a welcome return to two fully staged productions and a concert event with live audiences in attendance.  

“The 2022/23 season was a milestone season for Manitoba Opera, marking 50 years of making opera in our community,” said Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “We used our anniversary season to celebrate the past, acknowledging the many wonderful productions and people in our history; to look to the future, marking the advancements of the art form; and to thank the community by acknowledging those who have gone above and beyond to turn a fledging enterprise into one of Canada’s most important regional opera companies.   

“We are deeply grateful to the opera community and all our supporters for their loyalty to Manitoba Opera as we recover from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue our journey telling stories through music and song in the 21st century,” commented Judith Chambers, Chair, Board of Trustees. “This past season has indeed been one of celebration but has also provided us with an opportunity to mark the milestones we have made and look forward to the new milestones to come. Manitoba Opera is recognized as a pillar of the Winnipeg arts community and the opera community nationally and that reputation is one on which we want to build as we enter this next phase.”   

The 2023/24 Board of Trustees was also announced at the AGM. Members re-elected include Daniela Ignat, Maria Mitousis, Charlene Ord, Grant Suderman, and Lori Yorke. Returning trustees in mid-terms are Chair Judith Chambers, Flavia Fernandez Fabio, Dr. David Folk, Ray Karasevich, Lana Maidment, Terence Sakohianisaks Douglas, and Keith Sinclair. Nominated for the first year of a first two-year term were Sandy Chahal, Nupur Kumari, and John Pacak (see below for bios). 

After completing four full terms, Alex Robinson retired from the Board of Trustees. This was Robinson’s second round as a trustee, having previously served from 1998 to 2006. As well, Paul Bruch-Wiens stepped down; he joined the board in 2019. 

Bethany Bunko, Communications Coordinator, was also recognized with a five-years of service plaque.   

Jun 28, 2023

Musician Anna Schwartz Joins Admin Team

Recent Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) graduate, Anna Schwartz, has joined the administrative team as Executive Assistant. She started her position started earlier this month, replacing tenor Kyle Briscoe who will be continuing his voice studies at McGill University this fall.

Anna will be providing direct assistance to the General Director & CEO and the Director of Operations, as well as working with the entire staff team, assisting where needed. Her tasks will include taking meeting minutes, organizing the calling for the telemarketing campaigns, and coordinating the Student Ambassador Program. 

“I’m so excited to be able to continue to be part of a team that creates such fantastic art for our province,” said Anna. “I enjoyed working with the team this past season so much that I didn’t want to stop!” 

Anna was a participant in the MO Student Ambassador Program in 2022/23 and also received a mentorship placement with the company from January to March through the Opera Artists Resilience Program. She researched local company sponsorship opportunities and contributed to both grant applications and reporting.   

“I’ve always loved organization (I was one of those kids who colour-coded her closet), and so I’m excited to see what every department does and learn how all those pieces fit together. I’m also looking forward to getting to know the amazing people who attend our events!” 

This young artist grew up in Northwestern Ontario on a small farm (cats, dogs, and horses) and just graduated from Canadian Mennonite University this year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Comprehensive Music. Anna was also the Valedictorian for her graduating class and received a President’s Medal.  

“My two passions since I was in Grade 7 or so have been music and health care,” explained Anna. “When I started my university degree at CMU, I was convinced I was going to do a degree in music with a minor in biochemistry and then apply to medical school. How paths can change! My current career aspirations tend to fluctuate about once a day.  

I love the arts and want to continue making an impact in that world, but I also have a passion for helping others. My dad is a pharmacist, and his work has always inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Currently, I’ve been researching the possibility of completing a Masters in Physiotherapy and opening a practice where I specialize in small-muscle injuries (the injuries musicians tend to get most frequently).  

I did a project in February 2022 with the WSO and local artist/musician Shirley Elias about music and the brain, and it was one of the most fascinating projects I’ve ever been a part of.  If I can find a way to combine music and medicine in my career, that would be my dream.” (Click here for more information on this project: https://www.shirleyelias.com/spectrum) 

In her spare time, when there is any, Anna enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, and downhill skiing (side effects of growing up in the Canadian Shield).  She loves being outside and is looking forward to exploring some of the hiking/biking trails in Manitoba this summer. Books and above all, cats, also make her “favourites” list. Growing up, Anna had two cats – Fuzzy and Sally – who were her best friends and instilled in her a lifelong love of felines. 

Welcome to the staff team, Anna! 

Apr 14, 2023

HISTORY-MAKING FIRST FULL-SCALE INDIGENOUS-LED OPERA LI KEUR: RIEL’S HEART OF THE NORTH WILL OPEN MANITOBA OPERA’S 2023/24 SEASON

Manitoba Opera announced today at an event held at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg that the company’s 51^st season will open November 18, 22, and 24 with Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North (pronounced lee cur), the first full-scale Indigenous-led opera presented on a Canadian opera mainstage.

This world premiere will be paired with the return of one of the most popular operas of all time, Carmen, which was cancelled in March 2020 owing to the pandemic. Carmen will take to the stage on April 13, 17, and 19, 2024. Both productions will be presented at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“The 2023/24 season – our 51^st – will feature the vibrant music, dance, and languages of the Métis people on our stage in Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, as well as the dramatic characters, vivid rhythms, and the themes of jealousy, fate, and freedom of Carmen. It is a rich tapestry bursting at the seams with music, song, celebration, and drama,” stated Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.

“We are very proud to present an exciting new world premiere that celebrates the Métis people and one of opera’s most treasured works in our 2023/24 season,” commented Judith Chambers, Chair, Board of Trustees. “Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North and Carmen will both showcase the art form’s ability to move us by telling stories through music and song.”

Feb 27, 2023

First Inductees to Chorus Hall of Fame

Congratulations to our first 10 inductees to the Manitoba Opera Chorus Hall of Fame! 

These passionate and dedicated choristers have each performed in 50 or more operas.  

Inductees were acknowledged at the concert on Saturday and received a framed photograph of their 50th production at the post-concert reception.   

Feb 27, 2023

Honour Roll Recipients Celebrated at Concert

This season Manitoba Opera is recognizing people and organizations whose involvement with the company over the past five decades has been instrumental in our success.  

This includes contributions in the areas of service, artistic, advocacy and ambassadorship, and financial support.  

Honour Roll members were feted at a pre-show reception at the 50th Season Anniversary Concert on Saturday. They were presented with a Certificate of Achievement and had their photograph take with Judith Chambers, Chair, Board of Trustees and Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. 

Bravo to all the Honour Roll inductees!  Your support has enabled Manitoba Opera to serve our community for 50 seasons. Thank You.   

Manitoba Opera Honour Roll 

(◊ Deceased)

Joann Alexander Smith ◊ 

Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D. 

Tadeusz A. Biernacki 

Michael Blais 

BMO 

Carolyn Boyes 

Canada Life 

Michael D. Cavanagh 

Tracy Dahl, C.M. 

Cary Denby 

Rosalind Dick 

Jeanie M. Dubberley 

Phil and Ilse Ens 

Phillip Ens 

Hedie L. Epp 

Judith D. Forst, O.C., O.B.C. 

Peter George 

Dr. Irving Guttman, C.M., O.B.C. ◊ 

Elba Haid 

Leona Herzog 

Lori Houston 

Audrey Hubbard 

I.A.T.S.E. Local 63 

IG Wealth Management 

Sheldon Johnson 

Koren Kaminski 

Tusia Kozub 

Bruce Lang ◊ 

Bill and Shirley ◊ Loewen  

Manitoba Arts Council 

Manitoba Opera Chorus 

Craig McIntosh and Lorraine Beck 

Leo ◊ and Margareth Mol ◊ 

Michael Nesbitt 

Tyrone Paterson 

Donna Plant 

Drs. William Pope and Elizabeth Tippett Pope 

Andre Prevost 

Richardson Foundation 

Hartley, LVO, O.C., O.M., LL.D. and Heather Richardson 

Tannis M. Richardson, C.M., LL.D. 

Alex Robinson 

Darlene Ronald 

Family Members of Darlene Ronald  

Stewart, Derrick, and Ryan Heaton, Beverly Laurin 

Karl Schaible 

Eleanor Siddall ◊ 

Al Simmons 

Dr. Lawrence Soloway ◊ 

Stano Spina ◊ 

John Standing ◊ 

Bill Stewart 

Jane Stewart 

Stewart Thomson ◊ 

Dr. Robert H. ◊ Thorlakson, Q.C. and Deborah Thorlakson 

The Honourable A. Kerr Twaddle ◊ 

Robert Vineberg 

Ruth Waters ◊ 

David Watson 

Lois Watson-Lyons 

Alice Wiebe 

Bill Williams 

Winnipeg Arts Council 

The Winnipeg Foundation 

Winnipeg Free Press 

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra 

Karin Woods 

Lori Yorke 

Feb 14, 2023

MANITOBA OPERA CELEBRATES 50th SEASON ANNIVERSARY WITH CONCERT & A TRIBUTE TO COMPANY’S FIRST PERFORMANCE

Manitoba Opera is celebrating its 50^th Season anniversary with a special concert Saturday, February 25, beginning at 7:30 pm at the Centennial Concert Hall. The concert will pay tribute to the company’s first performance in 1972, a concert performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore, with excerpts from this powerful melodrama. It will also feature a selection of other well-known opera favourites including works from Turandot, Madama Butterfly, and Roméo et Juliette.

The talented roster of internationally acclaimed artists who will be joining the Manitoba Opera Chorus and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tyrone Paterson, includes sopranos Andriana Chuchman, Lara Ciekiewicz, and Hiromi Omura; mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva; tenor David Pomeroy; and baritone Gregory Dahl.

Tickets, starting at just $24 ($14 for youth 17 and under), are on sale now at mbopera.ca or by calling 204-944-8824.

The evening will also include the unveiling of the 50^th Anniversary Honour Roll. This initiative recognizes dozens of people and organizations whose involvement over the past five decades has been instrumental to the company’s success. The Manitoba Opera Chorus Hall of Fame will also be launched at the concert and will recognize the first inductees: 10 choristers who have performed in 50 or more productions. Chorus master Tadeusz Biernacki will also be acknowledged as he celebrates his 40^th season with the company.

Feb 3, 2023

MANITOBA OPERA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BEER CELEBRATING COMPANY’S 50th SEASON

Manitoba Opera is pleased to announce that local craft brewery Sookram’s Brewing Company has developed a beer to celebrate the company’s 50th season anniversary. The limited release “Aria” is an Italian Pilsner.

Aria launches Friday, February 3. It is available at Sookram’s (479 Warsaw Avenue) and will be rolling out in select Manitoba Liquor Marts and vendors next week. It will also be available at the Centennial Concert Hall this season for Manitoba Opera performances.

Aria Italian Pilsner is pale and crisp with a smooth bitterness from generous use of traditional Hallertau Mittelfruh and Spalter Select hops which feature an enhanced floral aroma from a dry hop addition.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Sookram’s in the creation of a beer in honour of our 50^th anniversary,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “Beer and opera have both been enjoyed for hundreds of years and having an ‘opera beer’ is a wonderful way to salute our anniversary.”

WHAT IS AN ITALIAN PILSNER?

This style was created by brewers in Italy, which is a take on a classic German pilsner with a dry hop addition from classic Noble hops. The dry hop addition is not normally done with a traditional pilsner and this additional step adds another layer of complexity to the flavours and aromatics in the beer.

ARIA IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: (While quantities last)

• Sookram’s Brewery: On tap and by the can
• Manitoba Liquor Marts: Grant Park, St. Vital, Kenaston, Eastwinds, Portage & Burnell, River & Osborne, Southdale, and many more. For stores, check online at https://www.liquormarts.ca/
• Vendors: Quality Inn Beer Store, Econo Lodge Beer Store, Beer Boutique, Charleswood Beer Market, Oui Got Beer, Riverside Beer Store
• Centennial Concert Hall: 50^th Season Anniversary Concert, February 25, and all performances of Così fan tutte (April 22, 23, 25)

BEER TASTING AT SOOKRAM’S: SUNDAY, MARCH 19  1 PM – 3 PM

Learn about craft beer making and sample a variety of ales.

Includes:

• Guided tour of the brewery
• Beer flight (4 samples)
• A can of Aria to take home
• Personal snack packs
• Entertainment

Tickets: $28 plus GST (Advance purchase only)

Call 204-944-8824    Online   www.mbopera.ca

ABOUT SOOKRAM’S BREWERY

Sookram’s serves Winnipeggers modern craft beer at a family-friendly taproom and brewery located at 479 Warsaw Avenue (two blocks south of Confusion Corner).

Founder Andrew Sookram decided to pursue his passion and open his own brewery after years of homebrewing – and winning multiple awards – fulfilling a dream of creating a socially conscious, family- owned business, and most importantly: brewing beer everyone will love. 

Nov 5, 2022

50th SEASON OPENS WITH A CINDERELLA STORY!

The Light-Hearted Comedy La Cenerentola Kicks Off the Season
November 12, 15, 18

Manitoba Opera opens its 50^th season with a much-needed dose of light-hearted comedy and sheer fun with Rossini’s sparkling version of the classic fairy tale Cinderella (La Cenerentola – pronounced Chen er n toe lah) at the Centennial Concert Hall Saturday, November 12 (7:30 pm), Tuesday, November 15 (7pm), and Friday, November 18 (7:30 pm).

This heart-warming tale of the triumph of kindness over envy is sure to delight all ages. There’s love at first sight, mistaken identities, and lots of laughs.

Starring Winnipeg mezzo-soprano Lizzy Hoyt in the title role, the production features a 1950’s mid-century modern-inspired set with colourful exaggerated haute couture costuming.

Oct 11, 2022

MANITOBA OPERA ANNOUNCES $1.75 MILLION IN LEAD GIFTS TO THE POWER OF VOICE ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

Manitoba Opera announced today at an event held at the Centennial Concert Hall that $1.75 million has been gifted to the company’s The Power of Voice Endowment Campaign including a special $1 million gift from Ms. Gail Asper. Other community leaders who are investing in The Power of Voice with a gift of $250,000 each are Mr. and Mrs. Phil and Ilse Ens, Mrs. Tannis M. Richardson, and BMO Financial Group.

These lead gifts bring the campaign’s total raised to date to $3,146,564. The campaign goal is to raise $10M – a combination of $5M from donations and $5M in matching funding through The Winnipeg Foundation and the Canadian Heritage Endowment Incentives Program.

“This is a remarkable day for Manitoba Opera,” stated Campaign Co-Chair, Elba Haid. “To receive our first million-dollar gift and have that support echoed by other community leaders, is indeed very gratifying and will ensure a sustainable future for the company.”

“Manitobans recognize the essential role that the arts, and in particular, Manitoba Opera, plays in convening community, and we are thrilled that these funds will help to build the next 50 years of opera in our province, “added Judith Chambers, Campaign Co-Chair and Chair of the Board of Trustees.

For the past 50 years, Manitoba Opera has been a powerful voice in this province’s arts community. Since its first performance in 1972, the company has offered rich operatic experiences on the stage and through education programming and community engagement initiatives which explore important social issues through opera. Resilient, responsive, and innovative, Manitoba Opera is considered a leading regional opera company in North America and has played a pivotal role in the development of Canadian artists.

“Opera has played an important role in my life, and I am so proud to have a world-class opera company in my hometown,” explained lead contributor Gail Asper. “I want this gift to inspire others to support Manitoba Opera, which is an integral part of the vibrant arts economy of our province.”

Manitoba Opera is in the early stages of The Power of Voice Campaign. Funds raised through the campaign will be held at The Winnipeg Foundation in the A. Kerr Twaddle Robert H. Thorlakson Manitoba Opera Endowment Fund. The fund is named after the company’s two founders and its existence will ensure a dynamic, sustainable future for opera in Manitoba.

“My brother, Dr. Robert Thorlakson, was a founder of Manitoba Opera, and I’m happy that my gift will see his vision continue to flourish,” stated Mrs. Richardson.

“Early exposure to opera and classical music helped shape our son’s life,” shared Phil Ens. “He has enjoyed an international opera career that debuted right here with Manitoba Opera on the Centennial Concert Hall stage. Knowing that someone else could have the same opportunity because of our contribution to the Endowment Campaign is very important to my wife and me.”

The annual income earned from the interest generated from the fund will be used to elevate artistic programming, enhance opera education, and effect positive change in our community for decades to come.

“BMO has been a proud partner of Manitoba Opera for over a decade and has a long history of supporting the arts in Canada,” said Kristen Kennedy, Regional Vice President, BMO Financial Group. “As part of our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, we are excited to help ensure more Manitobans have the opportunity to experience the thrill of Manitoba Opera through the dynamic repertoire they offer each year.”

A $10M fully capitalized endowment fund will generate approximately $500,000 annually in revenue to enhance artistic vitality, enrich education programs, and deepen community engagement. It will also provide funding that will assist with the creation of new operas, new productions of existing operas, and provide opportunities for young Canadian talent from a diverse background.

Manitoba Opera is celebrating its 50^th anniversary in the 2022/23 season and will be back on the mainstage with two fully staged productions: La Cenerentola (Cinderella) November 12, 15, 18 and Così fan tutte April 22, 25, 28, as well as an anniversary concert February 25. All performances take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. For tickets/more info: mbopera.ca

LEAD DONORS

GAIL ASPER

Gail Asper was born in Winnipeg and currently serves as president of the Asper Foundation which supports and initiates projects in Canada and Israel. Community involvement has always been a priority for Ms. Asper, with active involvement in the arts and Jewish community. She has received numerous awards for her service and continues to enrich our community through her endeavors and passion for the arts.

PHIL & ILSE ENS

Phil and Ilse Ens hail from southern Manitoba where Mr. Ens is a co-founder and current chairman of Triple E Recreational Vehicles. The Ens family has taken the lead on many community projects over the last half century and are recognized for their community building and philanthropy throughout Winnipeg and southern Manitoba.

TANNIS M. RICHARDSON

Born in Winnipeg, Mrs. Richardson is a champion of arts, culture, and health with dedication spanning decades. She has raised millions of dollars through her volunteer leadership and outstanding philanthropy. Many communities have benefitted from Mrs. Richardson’s generosity. At 96 years old, Mrs. Richardson is known throughout western Canada for her exemplary community service and volunteerism.

BMO FINANCIAL GROUP

BMO has a legacy of community leadership and impact. The BMO community giving philosophy is anchored in its history of success, with a focus on collaboration, learning, and innovation. BMO works with community partners to achieve sustainable solutions and shape the future. BMO’s sponsorship programs provide significant funding for programs that enrich community life.

About BMO Financial Group

Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider – the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $1.07 trillion as of July 31, 2022, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers, and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets.

Aug 31, 2022

Meet the Artists: Andrea Lett and Adanya Dunn

ANDREA LETT

Clorinda

Andrea is no stranger to the Manitoba Opera stage. She last performed in The Sopranos of Winnipeg in November 2020, and prior to that was Bertha in April 2019’s smash hit The Barber of Seville.

The Saskatchewan-born, Winnipeg-based singer has worked with companies across North America including the San Francisco, Edmonton, and Sante Fe Operas, and made her Manitoba Opera debut in the 2018/19 season as Zerlina in Don Giovanni.

“There’s something really wonderful about being able to perform for people who I love, for an audience that I love, in a city that I love,” said Andrea in an interview last season on Classic Radio 107. “It feels like home on that stage.”

Praised for her “clear voice soaring to stratospheric heights” (Opera Canada), Andrea was also one of the featured performers in the acclaimed 2020 Against the Grain Theatre’s Messiah/Complex video project. She has also sung Musetta (La Bohème) for Saskatoon Opera and both Queen of the Night and Pamina in The Magic Flute for Manitoba Underground Opera.

Awards include the CBC Young Artist’s Development Prize, Audience Choice Award in the 2018 COC Center Stage Gala, and first prize in the 2018 Women’s Musical Club McLellan Competition.

Andrea Lett is a graduate of the Opera School at the University of Toronto (M. Mus Opera) and holds a B. Mus Perf from the University of Manitoba. Currently, she is a student in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba.

ADANYA DUNN

Tisbe

Canadian-Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Adanya Dunn is making her Manitoba Opera debut with this role. She made her American debut as Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Santa Fe Opera in 2021 as an Apprentice Artist and last season performed in concerts with the Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France and in Ravel’s Trois poèmes de Mallarmé and Mozart’s Requiem both in Paris and in Aix-en-Provence as part of the Festival de Pâques.

Adanya is a 2022 member of Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. She is an alumna of Dawn Upshaw’s Graduate Vocal Arts Program, Marilyn Horne’s Music Academy of West, the Rebanks Family Fellowship & International Residency at the Glenn Gould School, and the University of Toronto.

Named by the CBC as one of Canada’s “Top 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30,” the young mezzo was also featured in The Globe & Mail as one of six Canadian women who are “turning opera on its head and making the future bright for the art form.”

Adanya is a winner of the 2021 Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award, the 2020/21 recipient of the Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant, Michigan Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions 2020, and a three-time grant recipient from the Canada Council for the Arts.

In addition to opera singing, Adanya composes classical and electronic music, writes poetry, paints watercolour, and practices pole dance, burlesque, contact dance, and dance improvisation. She is a 500hr yoga teacher and is currently completing a multi-year Alexander Technique based Yoga Teacher Training certification.

To learn more about Adanya, visit her website here.

Jul 27, 2022

Manitoba Opera to Offer Conducting Mentorship for Women

Manitoba Opera is proud to have become a partner in the Women in Musical Leadership (WML) program and join in the work being done in nurturing the development of female and non-binary conductors. Currently, less than three percent of music director positions in Canadian orchestras are occupied by Canadian women. 

WML is a three-year program designed to collectively develop the next generation of female and non-binary conductors and music directors in Canada. Led by Tapestry Opera, the program is addressing a historic gender inequity on the podium by providing female and non-binary conductors active mentorship with leading conductors in the field, deep and varied experience with professional companies, and a robust artistic network. 

WML provides conductors the opportunity to assist, observe, conduct, and build experience within a range of organizations in symphonic, chamber, operatic, and contemporary repertoire. This provides conductors the professional experience and training that will enable them to take the podium anywhere in the world. 

As a program partner, Manitoba Opera has committed to offering mentorship in this program through to the 2024/25 season. This year, we are pleased to welcome Maria Fuller as WML Assistant Conductor for our production of La Cenerentola, and Juliane Gallant as WML Assistant Conductor for our production of Così fan tutte. 

You can learn more about each of our WML Assistant Conductors by following the links below:
Maria Fuller
Juliane Gallant

“This fellowship has given me the opportunity to work alongside and learn from so many companies across Canada. The experiences here have shown me new ways to explore my craft and completely transformed the trajectory of my career.”  – Juliane Gallant, WML Year One Conductor 

Learn More About WML Here

Jul 27, 2022

Longtime Board Members Honored at AGM

Retiring board members, Leona Herzog and Dr. Bill Pope, were honored for their contributions to the company at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, July 12, at the Centennial Concert Hall. They each received a commemorative framed poster featuring program cover artwork from the seasons they sat on the Board of Trustees.  

With 12 years of total service, Leona is one of the 10 longest-serving trustees in the organization’s history. She sat on the board from 2005 to 2010 and again from 2015 to 2022. 

Leona was instrumental in the development of many community engagement initiatives, which have become a major pillar of the organization. Although she has retired from the board, she is currently still the chair the 50th Anniversary Committee and will continue to sit on the Community Engagement Committee this season.    

Dr. Pope was a board member in the 1990s and re-joined in 2014. Bill has deep roots with the organization as well and has been a long-time supporter of the organization. One of Manitoba Opera’s most ardent supporters, he introduced the art form to countless new patrons and served on the Special Events Committee, co-chaired The Gail Asper Award Committee (2021), and chaired the Governance Committee.  

Manitoba Opera is grateful to have counted Bill and Leona among our advocates and their leadership and guidance will be missed. 

Liz Miller, Annual Giving Manager, was also recognized with a five-year service plaque.

Jul 27, 2022

MANITOBA OPERA RECEIVES CITY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

On Friday, July 22, Mayor Brian Bowman honoured Manitoba Opera with an Organization Community Service Award in recognition of the company’s 50th anniversary season. 

The City of Winnipeg Community Service Award was established by the Mayor’s Office in the 1950s. This award is presented to give recognition to individuals or organizations of the City of Winnipeg, who through their dedication, have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavor, benefitting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural, or economic well-being of their community.  

The presentation was made at a luncheon hosted by the Mayor’s Office at City Hall. About 40 people were in attendance for the event and included members of the current and previous boards of trustees, staff, donors, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and supporters. 

Tenor James McLennan, accompanied by pianist Laura Loewen, kicked off the proceedings with a performance of “You are My Heart’s Delight” (“Dein ist mein ganzes Herz”) from the operetta, The Land of Smiles. 

Board of Trustees Chair, Judith Chambers and General Director & CEO, Larry Desrochers accepted the award on behalf of the organization. 

“We are honored to have the mayor’s office recognize our good work in the community,” commented Ms. Chambers in her address. “Manitoba Opera got its start when the late Justice A. Kerr Twaddle attended a production of Otello in Montreal in the 1967 and fell in love with the art form. He asked himself, as so many Winnipeggers who have accomplished great things to enrich our community do, why can’t we have that here?  So, in 1969, he invited seven couples to his house to plan a fledging opera company in the middle of the prairies. With a further couple of years of planning, in 1971, the Manitoba Opera Association presented the Canadian Opera Company’s touring production of Così fan tutte…  

Now, 50 seasons later, we walk in the shadows of these great pioneers.  We celebrate the vision they had for an opera company in the middle of the prairies, and we carry on the tradition of using the power of voice to share beautiful music and stories.  And all of you in the room today are part of this history of Manitoba Opera.  Like Kerr Twaddle, you’ve asked yourselves, why not opera in Winnipeg? And together, you’ve answered the question with your generosity, your artistry, your volunteerism, and your dedication.  So, I truly want to thank you for being with us today and thank you for your support.” 

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Jun 29, 2022

OPERA CLASS ANYWHERE LAUNCHED

Throughout the winter and spring of 2022, teaching artist soprano Jessica Kos-Whicher worked with Education & Community Engagement Coordinator Scott Miller to develop a version of our Opera Class workshops that could be presented remotely to schools anywhere in Manitoba. The result is Opera Class Anywhere.   

Designed to introduce students to the multi-dimensional art form of opera in a fun and engaging way, Opera Class Anywhere is a unique opportunity for students to virtually discover opera with the guidance of a professionally trained opera singer. In a 45-minute Zoom workshop, students participate in voice and movement exercises, learn activities which explore storytelling through music, and experience the power of live operatic singing through a performance by the singer, followed by a Q & A.  

Unlike many virtual presentations, students are active collaborators who contribute directly to the success of Opera Class Anywhere. The storytelling portion of the workshop features slides with artwork created by students in the participating class so that they see the story come to life through their own imagination and the imaginations of their classmates. Teachers prepare students to participate in the workshops with the help of teacher’s guide provided several weeks in advance of the program. 

Students at Deerwood Elementary School in Thompson and Linden Lanes School in Brandon participated in the Opera Class Anywhere program pilot. These classes were the very first to experience this remotely delivered live workshop. Students answered questions about opera, learned vocal warmups, and even sang and acted their way through an opera-inspired version of The Three Little Pigs. Afterwards, classes and teachers contributed valuable feedback to help refine the program.   

Opera Class Anywhere was made possible by generous support from TELUS for our Opera Class programs.  

“I think this is a fantastic concept. One of the best ways to introduce and expose young people to different genres of music is to really get them interacting, moving and listening with the music.  With all this newer technology, it will really help us teachers as we are often rather limited in what we could do.”

– Peter Frigo, Music Teacher, Deerwood Elementary School  

Jun 16, 2022

Building Bridges Consultant: Rhonda Forgues

Rhonda’s background and experience crosses a variety of different sectors including government, non-profit community-based organizations and the private sector.

Most recently, Rhonda started her own consulting practice.  Spirited Ways Consulting is an Indigenous owned business that provides organizational development support including strategic, annual, program planning and related processes and systems and project management. As well as advice, guidance, planning and implementation support to businesses and organizations who would like to develop plans and strategies to action Reconciliation.

Previously, Rhonda led the City of Winnipeg’s Journey of Reconciliation in a role that spanned over 13 years.  As a part of the senior management team Rhonda was responsible for leading the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, the Indigenous Accord, the Indigenous Youth Strategy, Welcoming Winnipeg and various projects that include Indigenizing City Hall.

Rhonda also held a role of Senior Project Officer with Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and the Intergovernmental Affairs Department with the Province of Manitoba; as well as the Aboriginal Programs Manager with SEED (Supporting Employment and Economic Development) Winnipeg and various other roles in private corporations.

Rhonda’s education includes a Masters in Municipal Leadership, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Credit Union board training, CANDO certification and extensive training in community development.

She also has several years of board and volunteer experience with organizations such as the Manitoba Community Services Council, Kildonan United Church, Huron Child Care Inc. and Assiniboine Credit Union.

May 24, 2022

Staff Profile: Ashley Boychuk

A native Winnipegger, Ashley Boychuk recently joined the Manitoba Opera staff team as Grants & Corporate Giving Manager, replacing Jayne Hammond who moved on to a development position in the post-secondary education sector.

As Grants & Corporate Giving Manager, Ashley’s work will involve building relationships with the company’s supporters, including institution and corporate funders and continuing to build on MO’s legacy as one of the province’s leading arts organizations.

“I am looking forward to making a positive change in our community through opera. Alongside the excitement of the productions, MO has an active roster of school and community programming to provide first-time opera experiences, or to support fresh angles for learning about how opera is relevant today,” she says. “I know how transformational this art form has been for me, and I can’t wait to welcome audiences back to regular programming so they too can experience the power of opera.” 

Although Ashley grew up in the Manitoba capital, her interest in classical music and specifically opera, has taken her around the globe. She studied vocal performance at Brandon University, the University of Manitoba, and Minnesota University, and has had opportunities to perform and participate in artist programs throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. 

Ashley was living in Germany pursuing singing opportunities, as well as learning about the language and musical culture, when the pandemic hit, and she returned to Canada in 2021 much to her mother’s relief. 

Previous arts administration experience has centered around music education and advocacy with the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, including facilitation of the yearly Music Monday celebrations across Canada. Most recently her work has focused specifically on supporting Canadian contemporary music and composers with the Canadian Music Centre in Toronto. 

She is thrilled to be able to join the MO team and has the unique perspective of also having been a member of the chorus. Ashley appeared in La Bohème, Aida, Carmen, Il Trovatore, Madama Butterfly, and Candide in Concert.

“As a former MO chorus member, I’ve developed a deep respect for the organization. Following my work with national organizations, I am excited to focus my passion within a regional and connected community, which is in my hometown. I continue to tell the team just how excited I am to be here because it’s true! I’m incredibly grateful for my own musical experiences and journey and look forward to being a part of a team that supports the opportunity for others to have life-changing experiences through opera.”

In reflecting on the past two years, Ashley feels that as hard as the pandemic has been, it has also demonstrated how vital the arts are to communities. 

“Music colours our lives and brings vitality to everyday tasks and in particular, opera creates an environment of rich sonorities that we can bring with us and improve our quality of life. It’s the connection to the essence of the story, interpreted by sets and costumes, the vibrato of the singers or strings section which literally resonates with the audience, and we experience this life-changing performance collectively, hopefully revealing a new perspective or part of ourselves.”

The arts play a large role in Ashley’s life overall, not just in her profession.

“I am on the 10-year plan with learning how to play the guitar and ukulele, and mostly for anticipated campfire sing-along experiences. As a life-long student, I love walking and exploring new places, as well as learning about languages and cultures, in particular culinary delights. I enjoy cooking for my family and am a novice baker and in that process have discovered that following a recipe usually offers better results!”

Image: Ashley Boychuk (Elvira) and David Boan (Haly), The Italian Girl in Algiers, 2017, MYOpera. Photo: D. Katz

Mar 4, 2022

GALA CONCERT CELEBRATING OPERA CLOSES SEASON SATURDAY, APRIL 2

A gala concert celebrating opera will close Manitoba Opera’s 2021/22 season on Saturday, April 2. The concert will begin at 7:30 pm and take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. It will be available for in-person attendance and to watch via livestream. For more info on tickets, go to mbopera.ca

The evening of opera favorites will be sung by a quartet of acclaimed Canadian artists: soprano Andriana Chuchman, mezzo-soprano Catherine Daniel, tenor David Pomeroy, and baritone James Westman.

Accompanied by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tyrone Paterson, the singers will showcase a selection of treasured works by beloved composers including Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, and Mozart. Winnipeg soprano Monica Huisman will host the evening, providing a singer’s perspective on the music selections.

“Nessum dorma” from Turandot, “Caro nome” from Rigoletto, and the ever-popular “Largo al Factotum” from The Barber of Seville are just a few of treats in store for you.

Mezzo-soprano Lizzy Hoyt will also be featured singing Angelina’s aria from Rossini’s La Cenerentola: “Nacqui all’ affanno…Non più mesta.” The opera, originally scheduled for this April, was postponed to the fall and will star Ms. Hoyt singing the principal role of Angelina.

Feb 25, 2022

Singers Return to Classrooms after Two-Year Absence

Last month marked the first time in two years that singers were back in the classroom connecting with kids through opera. COVID-19 health and safety protocols had prohibited school visits since March 2020.

This season though, thanks to the generosity of our donors and with schools once again able to open their doors to guests, a record 28 classrooms were visited by three artists – Katherine Mayba, Sydney Clarke, and John Anderson – during I Love to Read month.

Each February, as part of this initiative, Manitoba Opera is pleased to send an opera singer to schools to engage students’ imaginations. Together, they read a wonderful story like Opera Cat, have fun doing vocal exercises, and top off the session with a short performance.

Free of charge for schools, this initiative is always a “sell out,” and we inevitably have more requests for singers than we can fill. However, as a result of donations raised through this past December’s Unleash Their Imaginations campaign, the company was able to hire singers for close to three times as many visits as usual!

Manitoba Opera is now also able to offer I Love to Read visits for presentation in both French and Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines).

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As well this spring, teachers will be able to share an Opera Storytime video episode in either French or Tagalog, as well as English. Opera Cat has been recorded in French with storyteller Katherine Mayba and Paul Ong has shared the story of Pet of the Met in Tagalog. These fun and engaging storybooks about opera-loving animals are a great introduction to the art form for K to grade 4.

Manitoba Opera is also anticipating returning to classrooms this spring to present Opera Class, a 45-minute workshop led by an opera singer who introduces student to opera through imaginative hands-on learning. For this first time, sessions will be offered in French as well as English.

Opera Class workshops are made possible with funding from Telus and it is expected that singers will be presenting between 20-30 workshops in Winnipeg-area schools between now and the end of June. Eight workshops have already been presented by baritone Nathan Sawatzky-Dyck at Betty Gibson School in Brandon in December.

Feb 25, 2022

Tenor Kyle Briscoe joins Admin Team

Kyle Briscoe certainly has something to sing about these days: he is realizing his dream of working in arts administration. Kyle joined the Manitoba Opera staff team earlier this month in the newly created role of Executive Assistant. He will be providing administrative and research support to the General Director & CEO and the Director of Operations, as well as manage monthly board, committee, and staff meetings.

“As a self-described administration nerd, I am looking forward to contributing to Manitoba Opera’s initiatives, development, and productions through the duties of my role,” he explains.

“One of the most meaningful parts of my university career was attending Manitoba Opera productions and experiencing the magic behind my studies’ purpose. I have always been curious and eager to learn more about how such productions came to be from an administrative perspective. To have an opportunity to join the team responsible, where I would be able to contribute myself, is a dream come true.”

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kyle attended the University of Manitoba where he received an undergraduate degree in vocal performance studying as a tenor under Mel Braun. He was also fortunate to participate in the Association for Opera in Canada’s inaugural emerging artist fellowship during the final year of his studies. It proved to be a great opportunity to develop his autobiographical new music-theatre work and build on professional development.

Prior to joining Manitoba Opera full time, Kyle did some telemarketing for the company and had started developing an Opera Class session while working as a freelance opera artist. He plans to continue as Alumni Assistant with the Association for Opera in Canada, where he provides support in the young artist program and their community engagement.

Maintaining his studio of five students who inspired Kyle to continue his own development as a singer and artist and singing in the Young United Church Choir for the last four years, also help to keep him in touch with the performance side of his career.

“Opera has always been my paint and paintbrush for creativity,” he explains. “My experience in all aspects of opera reminds me of its unmatched expressive power – it has the potential to teach you how to feel.”

“Opera, and other art forms alike, create a brave space to connect communities of people through a shared experience of vulnerability and healing. In a time of such uncertainty and emotional recovery, I believe a thriving arts community is more important than ever.”

In his limited spare time, Kyle can be found running half marathons around River Heights, spending time with close friends and family, or working on his first-ever album release which will feature a collection of folk-pop music he has written over the last year.

You’ll also be able to catch Kyle perform later this month in the WSO’s presentation of Handel’s Solomon (March 25). He’ll be singing the role of the attendant in the chorus and will be joining sopranos Tracy Dahl and Monica Huisman, countertenor Daniel Taylor, and the University of Manitoba Singers for this exultant work.

Jan 28, 2022

Manitoba Opera Postpones Spring 2022 Production La Cenerentola Rescheduled to the 2022/23 Season

Manitoba Opera announced today that in response to the continued prevalence of the Omicron variant in the community and the organization’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for the artists, musicians, crew, staff, and patrons, the company has decided to postpone La Cenerentola (pronounced Chen-er-en-toe-lah), scheduled for April 2, 5, and 8. This comic take on the fairy tale classic, Cinderella, will instead be presented in 2022/23, the 50^th anniversary season.

“Although we are disappointed that we have had to reschedule our production of La Cenerentola, it is our responsibility to create a safe working environment throughout the entire run of the show, from the first chorus rehearsal in January until the curtain falls on closing night. We were not confident that this would be possible over the next few months,” said Judith Chambers, Chair, Board of Trustees. “We also need to minimize financial risk to the organization so that we have a healthy company in place to be able to return to producing fully staged productions.”

The company will present a concert of opera favorites on Saturday, April 2, with options to attend in person at the Centennial Concert Hall (attendance will be determined by Public Health restrictions in place at that time) or watch via livestream.

“By making the decision now to postpone, we give ourselves time to organize a concert for the April time slot rather than not have any programming at all,” explained Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “With a smaller cast and crew, a concert presents fewer risks than a fully staged production. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be situated on the stage rather than in the confines of the pit, and if an artist is unable to perform, it is less likely that the entire show would have to be cancelled.”

More details on the concert event and tickets will be released very soon.

La Cenerentola ticketholders will be contacted by Manitoba Opera directly or can call the Box Office at 204-944-8824.

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Dec 16, 2021

Maria Rodil joins Staff Team

Maria Rodil joined the administrative team last month in a newly created position. She is the Executive Assistant and will provide administrative and research support to the General Director & CEO and the Director of Operations, as well as mange monthly board, committee, and staff meetings.

Maria and her husband and children emigrated from Saudi Arabia this summer to make a new life in Winnipeg. Although born and raised in the Philippines, Maria lived in Saudi for 11 years prior to her move to Canada. During that time, she was an executive assistant for a variety of executives, directors, and advisors including prominent Royal family members.

“As an executive assistant to leaders of various companies, I was responsible for managing their time, providing full administration support, communicating with people around the globe, researching and handling information, and arranging logistics,” Maria explains. “I supported small teams and large firms from a government-funded program for biotechnology start-ups, to large franchise retail firms and family investment offices.”

With encouragement from her father, who was a broadcast journalist, Maria completed her bachelor’s degree in Development Communication at the University of Philippines in Los Banos. During that time, she also led organizations, managed events, and fundraised for dance and pageant competitions held at the university.

“I used to be my father’s sidekick in his radio program,” said Maria. “Connecting with people is what I love to do.”

Maria is looking forward to applying her skills and experience to her work as part of the Manitoba Opera admin team.

“I am excited to join the staff at Manitoba Opera. Everyone is passionate about the arts, and as I am new to Winnipeg and the arts, this will be a great way to get to know the city and the people,” she added. “I am also looking forward to learning more about the positive social impact that opera and the arts can have on a community.”

When not working, Maria, who is a busy mother of three, likes to find time to play with her children, listen to music, read, and improve her self-development and investment knowledge.

Welcome to Manitoba Opera and to Winnipeg, Maria!

Oct 28, 2021

Manitoba Opera Opens 2021/22 Season with Mainstage Premieres of Two One-Act Operas | November 5 & 6

Manitoba Opera (MO) opens the 2021/22 season with a return to the stage to present two performances of two one-act operas: The Telephone and La voix humaine on Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6 at the Centennial Concert Hall. The performances will mark the company’s first time back to live performances with live audiences since November 2019. Tickets are on sale now at mbopera.ca or by calling 204-944-8824.

Please Note: Centennial Concert Hall COVID 19 protocols will be followed at these performances. For details go to centennialconcerthall.com

The Telephone and La voix humaine (The Human Voice) tell very different stories; one is a charming romantic comedy and the other a gripping drama. However, they both explore the effects of technology in our lives and the importance of human connection.

Both operas will be directed by Winnipegger Jacqueline Loewen in her MO directing debut and conducted by Naomi Woo, Assistant Conductor, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, also in her MO debut.

These semi-staged works will feature the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on stage.

Sep 29, 2021

Judith Chambers begins First Term as Board Chair

Judith Chambers has begun her first term as chair of the board of trustees. She succeeds Elba Haid who held the position for five years.

“I want to thank Elba for the phenomenal job she did as Chair, including staying on an extra year. She’s worked tirelessly for Manitoba Opera, both as board member and as chair, giving generously of her time and her financial resources,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.  “She is one of those rare leaders who is ambassador, an advocate, and yes, an asker.  We are so fortunate that she will be taking a very active role in the upcoming endowment campaign.

I’m looking forward to working with Judith over the next few years as she takes on the role of Chair. I know Judith will lead Manitoba Opera with a deep commitment to the company and a love for the art form – feelings that are shared by so many in the community.”

Judith Chambers, B. Commerce, CFP, TEP, CEA

Judith Chambers has been with TD Wealth Private Wealth Management for almost 10 years. Her career spans over 30 years in the financial services industry with the last 20 in the area of wealth management where she works exclusively with high net-worth individuals and families.

Ms. Chambers holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and her Certified Financial Planner, Trust and Estate Practitioner, and Certified Executor Advisor designations. She is looking forward to completing her MBA at Dalhousie University in the spring of 2022.

Community work has included roles with the national board of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada; past Cabinet Chair of the local Children’s Wish Foundation Advisory Board; active participant in community events with the United Way, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, JDRF, and YM/YWCA of Winnipeg; and The Nellie McClung Foundation board member.

“In my role as Chair, I am committed to carrying on the work that has begun to ensure the long-term sustainability of Manitoba Opera through building legacy financial resources, an inclusive and diverse community, and board and artistic engagement,” commented Ms. Chambers.

Sep 27, 2021

CONTRACT FOR GENERAL DIRECTOR & CEO LARRY DESROCHERS EXTENDED TO 2026

Elba Haid, Outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees for Manitoba Opera (MO), announced today that the company has renewed the contract for Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO, for another five years – expiring May 31, 2026. Desrochers has been at the helm of Manitoba’s only full-time professional opera company since 2000. He is currently Canada’s longest-serving general director and one of the longest-serving general directors in North America.

“As chair of the board these past five seasons, it has been my deepest pleasure to have worked with Larry on so many important initiatives for the company. His unfailing leadership and collaborative spirit have resulted in a vibrant opera company for this community. The strides we have made would not have been possible without him,” commented Haid. “And as we lay the groundwork for the launch of an endowment campaign, the leadership stability that we will continue to have with Larry at the helm will most certainly factor into the community’s response.”

During his tenure, Desrochers instituted strong governance practices for the board, increased staff, professionalized administrative practices, and increased fundraising. Following a long period of fiscal challenges for Manitoba Opera, he posted 12 consecutive balanced budgets, a feat not previously achieved in the company’s history. Recently, he led a successful campaign to eliminate the decades-old debt. He has enhanced the company’s artistic integrity, developed local and Canadian artists, and fostered community relevance through new educational and civic practice programs.

His own creative output has resulted in some of the most important work that Manitoba Opera has undertaken, including the commission of MO’s first new opera, Transit of Venus in 2007, for which he served as dramaturg and director. His ground-breaking production of Fidelio connected the opera’s themes of oppression to stories of real-life political prisoners and to local refugees. La Liberte called Fidelio “perhaps the most important opera in the history of the company.” Opera Canada recently chose Fidelio as MO’s opera of the decade.

Jul 23, 2021

Manitoba Opera Returns to the Stage With Mainstage Premieres of Two One-Act Operas and Family Favourite La Cenerentola (Cinderella) in 2021/22 Season

In its 49th season, Manitoba Opera (MO) returns to the stage to present two one-act operas: The Telephone and La Voix Humaine in November and a family favourite, La Cenerentola (Cinderella) – pronounced La Chen-erentola – in April. The productions will mark Manitoba Opera’s first return to live performance at the Centennial Concert Hall since November 2019. All live programming was cancelled at the Centennial Concert Hall when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020.

“Everyone associated with Manitoba Opera – the board of trustees, staff, the artists, crew, and patrons -are so excited at the prospect of our return to the stage with a live audience. We have all missed sharing an artistic experience together, and we can’t wait for that curtain to rise once again,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.

Jun 1, 2021

Manitoba Opera Closes 2021/22 Season with launch of The Solo Sessions Video Series

A Cinematic Showcase of Manitoba Talent

Manitoba Opera closes the 2021/22 Season with a five-episode cinematic series celebrating the breadth of Manitoba’s musical talent. From Mozart to Marvin Gaye, The Solo Sessions presents a virtual buffet of musical treats from opera, musical theatre, art song, folk, and popular music interpreted by five exciting singers and talented musicians. The videos are available to view anytime on Vimeo on Demand for $31.50 (just $6.30 per episode!) beginning June 1 at 1pm CST.  Go to mbopera.ca for more information.

The series, designed and directed by award-winning Winnipeg filmmaker Deco Dawson, was recently shot on the stage of the company’s mainstage production venue, the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg.  Featured vocalists are Lisa Bell, Lizzy Hoyt, Aaron Hutton, James McLennan, and Stephanie Sy.

“The Solo Sessions was a unique opportunity for Manitoba Opera to bring together a wide range of exciting Winnipeg artists and present them in a very different way from our normal productions or concerts,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “The singers’ distinctive musical styles combined with director Deco Dawson’s insight and vision has resulted in a series that is fresh, eclectic,  and features performances that merge beautiful singing with music video, film, and theatre. With video on demand viewing, we will provide programming for our existing patrons, but also hope to reach new audiences as well.”

This is the first time that Manitoba Opera has collaborated with the filmmaker who has worked in both theatre and film for nearly two decades. Dawson’s 15 short films have garnered numerous awards worldwide including a two-time win of the Best Short Film Award from the Toronto International Film Festival for his films Keep a Modest Head and FILM(dzama). The New York Times described his latest work on Broadway as “jaw dropping.”

May 7, 2021

Manitoba Opera Announces Second Digital Emerging Artists Program To Be Held This August

Applications are now being accepted for Manitoba Opera’s second Digital Emerging Artists Program (DEAP) which will be held August 3-27, 2021. This four-week intensive online professional development program is open to emerging operatic artists between the ages of 18 to 35. Four participants will be selected to hone their artistic skills while developing the tools necessary to create online content.

“The past year has shown that artists who are equipped to collaborate and perform in digital spaces or for distanced audiences are increasingly better positioned for success,” says Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.

“We are grateful to RBC Foundation and The Gail Asper Family Foundation for their support of the Digital Emerging Artists Program, which not only helps to ensure that the rising stars of Canada’s opera scene are prepared for a rapidly changing industry, but also provides earning opportunities for Canadian artists and arts professionals at a time when traditional revenue streams have all but evaporated.”

The core faculty from last year’s first DEAP are returning for this year’s program. They are four widely acclaimed professional singers/instructors: sopranos Tracy Dahl and Monica Huisman; mezzo-soprano Marion Newman; and tenor John Tessier. These artists will be joined by a stellar roster of coaches and guest teaching artists including directors Ann Hodges and Katherine Twaddle; pianist and vocal coach Michael McMahon; life coach Rebecca Hass; and web designer/videographer Stephen Bell.

The core faculty will be curating four weeks’ worth of daily educational and professional development activities for participants. These activities will include masterclasses and workshops on topics such as diction, audio and video production, acting for the camera, and career development. Additionally, each participant will leave the program with a professionally recorded video to be used to help launch the next phase of their careers.

“I have never been part of a program where the range of topics covered was so wide. Living in our digital age, and especially with current gathering restrictions, having the skills to create digital content is vital to maintaining artistic outlets for both artists and companies. Having the chance to explore some of those possibilities through this program was very valuable,” commented Lizzy Hoyt, 2020 DEAP participant.

To apply and for more information, go to https://mbopera.ca/deap

Supported by
RBC Foundation and
The Gail Asper Family Foundation

Mar 12, 2021

Manitoba Opera presents The Barber of Seville as styled by Al Simmons

Comedy & Close Shaves Free Streaming on Demand
March 20-28

Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! In need of a few laughs? It’s the world’s most famous barber to the rescue, courtesy of Manitoba’s most famous comedian of invention, Al Simmons. Manitoba Opera is pleased to be presenting a digital version of The Barber of Seville as styled by Al Simmons which will be available to stream on demand for free at www.mbopera.ca from March 20 to 28.

Roll over Rossini! Al has translated the story of this popular comic opera from Italian to English and condensed Rossini’s comical look at love, greed, deceit, and close shaves. In this 45-minute rendition of the madcap comedy, Al plays all 10 characters and even audience members!

“I love to sing and tell stories; I also love opera and The Barber of Seville is one of my favourites. In this adaptation of my school show, I portray all of the main characters in the opera, plus I now take on the role of numerous other eccentrics. Most importantly, I sit in the audience and occasionally make comments about what’s going on onstage!” explains Al. “Thanks to the magic of video, my characters are able to interact with each other. I’m very proud of how this has turned out and hope Rossini (the composer) would appreciate my take on it.”

Commissioned by Manitoba Opera in 2009 for in-school presentations, Al has performed his one-person show, to rave reviews, for thousands of students in schools all across the province for over a decade.

Jan 29, 2021

MANITOBA OPERA OFFERS A FREE SCREENING OF BEL CANTO

Saturday, February 6

See the Movie Based on the International Best-Selling Novel
Available for viewing any time between 12:01am and 11:59pm February 6
Can be viewed on computer, tablet, smartphone, or internet-connected TV

To Watch the Movie Online: Register at mbopera.ca/bel-canto/ by noon on Friday, February 5

Join the Zoom Discussion about the Film: Saturday, February 6, 3 pm
Led by Alison Gillmor, Winnipeg Free Press pop culture columnist.

PLOT:  Released in 2018, this film is based on the best-selling novel by Ann Patchett.
Bel Canto is s dramatic love story. It follows a famous American soprano (Julianne Moore with singing by Renée Fleming) who travels to a military dictatorship in South America to give a private concert at a party for a wealthy Japanese industrialist (Ken Watanabe). She and the other guests are taken hostage.

RUNNING TIME: One hour, 40 minutes
RATING: Suggested for audiences 14A; contains scenes of violence

Jan 7, 2021

Former Winnipegger’s career hits new high note – WFP

“When locally born director Michael Cavanagh packs his bag for Stockholm next summer, he’ll be living out his dreams while marking a major career milestone.

Now based in London, Ont., the 59-year-old artist, who grew up in River Heights, has recently been appointed the new artistic director for the venerable 248-year old Royal Swedish Opera (RSO), regarded as one of the world’s greatest opera houses.

“It’s a huge honour and I just feel so much gratitude, and also this enormous sense of responsibility for this job, which is really fantastic,” says the effervescent director, who assumes the reins from retiring artistic director and CEO Birgitta Svendén this August for a  five-year tenure.

“It’s not just a national opera company, but it’s a royal opera company with all this incredible history,” he says, anticipating the opportunity to put his own creative stamp on what he calls this “big, beautifully run organization.”

As one of Canada’s most sought-after directors, the prolific Cavanagh has helmed more than 150 productions at more than 30 companies across North America and parts of Europe, including Vancouver Opera, San Francisco Opera, L’Opera de Montreal, Kansas City Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and naturally, Manitoba Opera, as well as serving as artistic director for Edmonton Opera between 1998 and 2001.”

Click here to read the full Winnipeg Free Press article.

Nov 23, 2020

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FOR DR. MacEWAN

November 11 was a very special day for Dr. Douglas MacEwan and four lucky arts organizations. It marks the day that Dr. MacEwan not only completed on schedule, but surpassed, his “Walk for the Arts” challenge of walking 96 km in order to raise $96,000 for the arts!

In total, he walked 109 km and raised $124,107 (to date). This World War II veteran also celebrated his 96^th birthday on Remembrance Day as well.

With Code Red pandemic restrictions in place, celebration plans were cancelled and Dr. MacEwan was accompanied by just family for his final walk.

“Dr. MacEwan has inspired us all with his audacious goal, his determination and grit, and his willingness to dig in and find a way to help something he cares deeply about,” commented Larry Desrochers, Manitoba Opera’s General Director & CEO, speaking on behalf of the four recipient organizations.

Donations raised include $100,000 from the anonymous sponsor of this challenge and $24,107 raised, to date, from individual donations. Funds will be split between Manitoba Opera (MO), Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC), Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO).

“I am very happy to have reached my goal and to have inspired others to donate to the campaign,” said Dr. MacEwan. “And to have been joined on my daily walks by so many artists and other hard-working members of our artistic community was such a treat!”

Oct 16, 2020

The Sopranos of Winnipeg Concert Live Streams from the Centennial Concert Hall

Saturday, November 7

Manitoba Opera, in partnership with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, will be presenting its first livestreamed event, The Sopranos of Winnipeg concert, Saturday, November 7, from the Centennial Concert Hall.

Seven critically acclaimed Winnipeg singers will take to the stage: Andriana Chuchman, Lara Ciekiewicz, Tracy Dahl, Monica Huisman, Andrea Lett, Lara Secord-Haid, and Lida Szkwarek, accompanied by a 40-member Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tadeusz Biernacki. This powerhouse line-up will perform a selection of works from operas including La Traviata, Susannah, Rusalka, and The Marriage of Figaro.

“We are so lucky to have a wealth of exceptional sopranos in our community,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “This is likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear these seven wonderful singers in one concert. These are sought-after artists, many of whom travel the globe for operas, concerts, and recitals. It’s going to be an extraordinary evening.”

TAKE IN THE CONCERT FROM YOUR COUCH
Livestream tickets are just $35 plus GST per household and are on sale now at https://mbopera.ca/box-office/sopranos/ or by calling 204-944-8824.

SEE THE CONCERT LIVE
A limited number of seats will be available to attend the concert in person. Tickets are $75 and $65 plus GST and fees. (Please note: due to the rising number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Winnipeg, ticket sales to attend the concert in person have been temporarily suspended.)