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.”