Manitoba Opera

On behalf of everyone at Manitoba Opera, I want to express our deep sadness at the passing of Victor Davies. His music, particularly The Mennonite Piano Concerto, became an enduring source of pride for this province and his opera Transit of Venus marked a pivotal moment for Manitoba Opera.

Victor, along with the entire company, demonstrated that ambitious, world-class opera could be created right here in Winnipeg, setting a standard that continues to shape our company.

We extend our deepest condolences to Victor's family, friends and colleagues, and to all those whose lives were touched by his extraordinary music.

-Gordon Gerrard, Artistic Director

📷Slide 1 (l to r): Victor Davies, composer, Maureen Hunter, librettist, and Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO at the media announcement for the commissioning of Transit of Venus, October, 2006. Photo: R. Tinker

Slides 2 & 3: Transit of Venus, 2007. Photo: R. Tinker

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour Residential School survivors, the children who never returned home and to learn more about the history and impacts of the residential school system.

As an organization, Manitoba Opera believes in the power of voice and stories to help us listen, learn and understand experiences beyond our own. This September 30, consider taking time to learn from Indigenous voices and participate in some of the free events happening in Winnipeg:

🧡Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk & Pow Wow
9:30 am: Opening Ceremony at Oodena Circle, The Forks
1 pm: Pow Wow and Grand Entry at Canada Life Centre
Hosted by Southern Chiefs' Organization

Organizations with free programming:

Manitoba Museum | 10am – 4pm
Special programming focused on the history of residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

FortWhyte Alive | 9am – 5pm
Indigenous-led programming exploring Indigenous history and culture.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights | 10am – 5pm
Special programming and family activities throughout the day.

WAG-Qaumajuq | 5 – 9pm
Final screening of ‘Return to the Falls’.

Learn more about these events by visiting their pages or websites. However you choose to mark the day, we encourage everyone to take the time to listen, learn and reflect.

Other resources:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419

Discover another side of the “King of Ragtime.” 🎶

Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha fused classical music with ragtime, gospel, blues, and the sounds of his childhood, creating something revolutionary for its time.

Experience his groundbreaking opera reimagined for the 21st century at the Centennial Concert Hall, November 21, 25, and 27.

Reserve your tickets today! 🎟️

Buying tickets to Manitoba Opera? Please beware of third-party resellers and make sure you only purchase your tickets at mbopera.ca, our official website.

Things to watch for when purchasing tickets:
💵 Currency. Manitoba Opera tickets are always only in Canadian dollars.
💰Check for tickets fees or high prices. Third-party resale websites may list tickets at inflated prices or with additional service fees. Manitoba Opera tickets only include a $3.50 Centennial Concert Hall fee.

Adult single tickets range from $48 - $200, depending on the section or performance.

💻 Best way to protect your ticket purchase? Visit mbopera.ca or call the Box Office at 204-944-8824.

Meet Neema Bickersteth💮

Renowned Canadian soprano Neema Bickerseth has performed to great acclaim on some the world's most prestigious stages, including Lincoln Center, Berlin Philharmonie and Canadian Opera Company, among many others.

Neema will be singing Treemonisha in the Western Canadian premiere of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining, November 21, 25 and 27.

From her favourite comfort food to what celebrity she would like to have dinner with, get to know about bit more about Neema in our latest 'Icebreaker'.

https://ow.ly/6Rv050ZJE0j

The unexpected loss of the irreplaceable Rob Herriot this summer was deeply felt in Winnipeg's artistic community and across the country.

Rob directed nine productions for Manitoba Opera, including last season's The Marriage of Figaro in April. He always brought his empathy, imagination, humour, and artistry to every production.

To honour his legacy, we invited artists from some of the productions he directed to share their stories, memories, and reflections on a beloved colleague, director, singer, and friend.

Read their reflections at https://ow.ly/ANUw50ZHM52.

📷: Adanya Dunn, Rob Herriot, and Andrea Lett

BMO: GROWING STRONGER COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ARTS

Manitoba Opera extends its sincere gratitude to BMO for its generous support as our Season Presenting Sponsor. Like opera, strong communities are built through connection, shared experiences, and investments that enrich the lives of those around us. BMO’s support helps bring extraordinary stories to the stage while creating opportunities for audiences to gather, reflect, and be inspired.

BMO is committed to growing strong communities through its giving and volunteerism programs. By investing in organizations that contribute to the cultural life of our province, BMO helps strengthen the social and economic vitality of Winnipeg and Manitoba. Its support of Manitoba Opera reflects a belief that arts and culture play an important role in fostering vibrant, engaged communities where people can connect and thrive.

As a leader in its industry, BMO is dedicated to advancing the well-being of its clients and communities while helping build a more sustainable and prosperous future. Through its partnership with Manitoba Opera, BMO demonstrates its commitment to creating lasting impact and ensuring that arts and culture continue to flourish in our community.

Thank you, BMO, for helping Manitoba Opera inspire, connect, and bring powerful stories to the lives of Manitobans.

📸 Caitlin Wood (Susanna) and Miriam Khalil (Countess Almaviva), The Marriage of Figaro, 2026. Photo: R. Tinker

Today, on Emancipation Day, we pause to celebrate the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada and honour the courage, hope, and humanity of those who paved a way to freedom.

As an opera company, we also celebrate the legacy of those whose resilience lives on through the music, storytelling, and artistic expression.

This season, we're proud to present the Western Canadian premiere of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining.

Although Joplin completed Treemonisha in 1911, he never saw it fully staged in his lifetime. More than a century later, his vision continues to resonate through this powerful new adaptation.

Read more about Treemonisha and Scott Joplin's remarkable legacy at the link in our bio.

Can you turn a classroom into an opera stage in 45 minutes? Absolutely! 🎭⭐

This week students at Margaret Park School chose props, slipped into costumes, created dramatic lighting (with flashlights 🔦) and performed an opera they helped write together... all in just 45 minutes.

Soprano Keely McPeek guided students to create and collaborate an original opera that had a role for every student to play. Summer opera workshops bring creativity and confidence (with plenty of laughs) to schools and camps across Winnipeg all year long.

Want to bring the magic of opera to your child’s or student’s classroom? Our free Opera Class workshops are available throughout the year.

Learn more about how to book your workshop at https://mbopera.ca/school-programs/opera-class/

📷: Matt Duboff Photography