Nov 29, 2023

Manitoba Opera is grateful for the community supporters who are helping to make opera accessible to all through our Opera Access Program. Each season, tickets are distributed to social service agencies to ensure that individuals who may not have the opportunity to experience live opera get the chance to do so. Most recently, the generous support of a number of dedicated sponsors enabled hundreds of people to attend a performance of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, many for whom this was their first time attending an opera.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated Opera Access Partners: The Winnipeg Foundation, Qualico, and Pitblado Law. By becoming a partner, these organizations ensured access to this ground-breaking production by multiple communities.

With the importance of Métis culture celebrated in the first Indigenous-led opera on a Canadian opera mainstage, Manitoba Opera collaborated with many Indigenous-led non-profit organizations to ensure that accessible tickets reached the hands of those who could experience the celebration of their narrative unfold on the stage. Manitoba Opera was honored to be working with Ka Ni Kanichihk, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, N’Dinawemak, and many others, so that their clients and members could experience a meaningful night at the opera.

My initial reaction to the show was that I was simply overwhelmed. I’ve never been to an opera let alone been in the Centennial Concert Hall. I enjoyed the story portion, and the different languages displayed. Especially the Anishinaabemowin, it connected to my heart. I would absolutely experience another like this one in the future if the opportunity arose.”

– Anishinaabe Student, University of Manitoba

The impact of this initiative was profound, with almost 90 community organizations reached, and over 850 free tickets allocated to the organizations’ members and clients. The success of the program is a result of the commitment of its partners, a reflection of their dedication to the whole community and a space where diversity thrives, and stories from all walks of life converge.

Thank you to The Winnipeg Foundation, Qualico, and Pitblado Law for their dedicated Opera Access Partner support. The partnership not only provided free tickets, but also played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community.