Manitoba Opera

A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion Thanks to BMO

Sep 25, 2024

We are deeply grateful to BMO for their unwavering support of Manitoba Opera. As our Season Presenting Sponsor since 2017, BMO’s generous contributions have allowed opera to flourish here at home, enabling us to bring powerful stories to life and share them with our community.

As we celebrate two opera classics this season, we are also marking a significant milestone for the company as the first with solely female directors. Veteran Winnipeg director Ann Hodges will helm the season-opening production of the charming comedy that is sure to win your heart, The Elixir of Love. And we’re thrilled to welcome another talented woman to the Elixir creative team: Eve Legault, who returns as assistant conductor. Eve is part of the Women in Musical Leadership Program, which aims to develop the next generation of female-identifying conductors and music directors in Canada.

Following The Elixir of Love, we present one of the most performed operas of all time: La Bohème, directed by Anna Theodosakis, making her Manitoba Opera debut. This poignant “coming of age” story explores themes of love, friendship, and artistic ambition set in the bohemian world of 19th-century Paris

Manitoba Opera is committed to equity and diversity and works to present a broad representation of artists on stage. As well as an emphasis on opportunities for female leadership, our 2024/25 season will feature several visible minority opera artists within our creative production team. BIPOC artists will take the stage in both productions, enabling audience members to see themselves reflected in the stories we present.

We want to ensure this wonderful season is available to all and that our whole community has the opportunity to experience opera. Through our Opera Access program, we eliminate financial barriers that exist and provide free tickets to individuals facing socio-economic challenges. Opera Access annually distributes hundreds of tickets through local community-serving organizations.

All this work is made possible with BMO’s generous commitment to the arts and to our community. We are honored to have them as our 2024/25 Season Presenting Sponsor.

 

Enjoying the Opening Night Dinner of “Li Keur Riel’s Heart of the North” (November 2023). Back row (L-R) Berke Erke (BMO), Russ Meier, Blair Doell (BMO), and Robyn Hughes. Front row (L-R) Suzy Siemens, Amanda Mosher (BMO), and Kristen Kennedy (BMO).

Recent Stories

The Elixir of Community: Manitoba Liquor Mart

The fall production of The Elixir of Love was a shining example of partnership success. The opening night of Manitoba Opera's 2024/25 season was kicked off with a reception and dinner that set the stage for a memorable evening.

Why I Donate: Kurt Schwarz

Longtime volunteer Kurt Schwarz loves to give his time to Manitoba Opera because it connects him with the people and programs that make the opera season so exciting. But for Kurt, who works in spiritual care in a Winnipeg-based hospital, it’s also important to support Manitoba Opera by making an individual financial donation.  

View all