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