Manitoba Opera

Whether it’s your first opera or your 50th, the 2026/27 season promises unforgettable music, powerful storytelling, and performances you’ll be talking about long after the curtain falls. 🌟

Reserve your tickets early for the best seats and prices to experience Scott Joplin's Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining and Puccini's Madama Butterfly.

Or become a subscriber and enjoy two unforgettable nights at the opera with even more savings and exclusive subscriber perks.

Book your tickets or subscribe at mbopera.ca today!

Congratulations to Chimwemwe Undi, Parliament’s poet laureate, who read her new work 'Reasons', at the ceremony in Ottawa on June 8 that installed Louise Arbour as Canada’s 31st Governor General.

‘Reasons’ was introduced as a poem that reflects on notions of identity, empathy and human connection.

We’re proud to have Chimwemwe as a member of Manitoba Opera’s Black Communities Advisory Committee and her voice and perspective as we continue to prepare for Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining in November.

📷: Adrian Wyld, The Canadian Press

🌈 Happy Pride from Manitoba Opera! 💖

Check out some pictures from our first ever Drag Brunch featuring Kings and Trouser Roles which took place in March. Huge thanks to for the space and yummy food!

Kings: , .ssy,
Opera Artists: ,
Piano: Lisa Rumpel

Congratulations to Larry Desrochers on being recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M., for his outstanding career, including his 25-year tenure as Manitoba Opera’s general director & CEO.

On Thursday, May 28, a reception was held in his honour at Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, with family members, past and present MO board members, staff, artists, and many other community members in attendance.

The evening began with remarks by Her Honour where she commended Larry’s storied career and quoted the artist Vincent Van Gogh, which truly captures Larry’s guiding personal philosophy: “…The legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh once said, ‘I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.’ Larry’s work in transforming the Manitoba Opera into one of North America’s leading regional opera companies is a genuine highlight of his long and brilliant career…his positive impact on the Manitoba Opera – past, present, and future – is undeniable.”

Manitoba Opera Executive Director Michael Blais also highlighted Larry’s unfailing belief in local investment and the countless opportunities he created for artists, administrators, and cultural workers to develop, lead, and be successful in Manitoba.

After some remarks from the honouree himself, soprano Monica Huisman and mezzo-soprano Meagan Reimer, with piano accompaniment by Tadeusz Biernacki, performed one of Larry’s favourite duets, Delibes’ The Flower Song from the opera Lakmé.

Bravo Larry!

New subscriptions and single tickets for the 2026/27 season are now on sale!🎟️

From the sweeping beauty of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly to the vibrant spirit of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining, the 2026/27 season invites you into powerful stories told through extraordinary voices, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music.

Become a subscriber and lock in the best seats for both operas with savings of up to 20% and receive other exclusive perks!

Reserve your seats today!

Photos: Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining, Luminato Festival Toronto, 2023. 📷: D. Katz.

Hiromi Omura (Cio-Cio-San) and David Pomeroy (Pinkerton), Madama Butterfly, 2017. 📷: R. Tinker.

There’s nothing like the feeling of anticipation before the curtain rises and the overture begins. 🎭🎵

Current subscribers: the renewal deadline for the 2026/27 season is Friday, May 22. Renew today to keep your favourite seats for another incredible season at the opera! 💺

New subscriptions and single tickets for Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining & Puccini’s Madama Butterfly go on sale on June 1.

Congratulations to Larry Desrochers, winner of the 2026 Manitoba Arts Council Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction! This $30,000 prize is awarded annually to a professional artist or arts/cultural professional in recognition of the highest level of artistic excellence and contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba. Bravo Larry!

We're pleased to announce that Larry Desrochers is the winner of the 2026 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction!

Beyond his impressive 25-year tenure as CEO & General Director of Manitoba Opera, Larry has also worked as a producer and administrator in theatre, festivals, film, and large-scale cultural events, often at the forefront of significant change in Canada's arts and culture sector.

This $30,000 prize is awarded annually to a professional artist or arts/cultural professional in recognition of the highest level of artistic excellence and contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba.

Read more about Larry and the Award of Distinction on the MAC website: https://artscouncil.mb.ca/2026/05/larry-desrochers-2026-manitoba-arts-award-of-distinction/
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Nous sommes heureux d'annoncer que Larry Desrochers est le lauréat du Prix de distinction en arts du Manitoba 2026 !

En plus de son mandat impressionnant de 25 ans au poste de PDG de Manitoba Opera, Larry a également été producteur et administrateur de théâtre, de festivals, de cinéma et d'événements culturels à grand déploiement; souvent à l'avant-garde de changements importants dans le secteur des arts et de la culture au Canada.

Ce prix de 30 000 $ est décerné chaque année à un artiste professionnel ou à un professionnel des arts/de la culture en reconnaissance du plus haut niveau d'excellence artistique et de contribution au développement des arts au Manitoba.

Apprenez-en plus sur Larry et le Prix de distinction sur le blog du CAM : https://conseildesarts.mb.ca/2026/05/larry-desrochers-prix-de-distinction-en-arts-du-manitoba-2026/