Raquelle

Message
from the Chair,
Board of Trustees
As the end of my second year as chair
approaches, I am amazed at how fast the
time has passed. The board and I, along
with our staff, have been involved in
community engagement activities as never
before. We began with our production of
Fidelio in the fall of 2014, when we related
the issue of political prisoners, as Beethoven
perceived it 200 years ago, to the present
day and the continuing abuse of human
rights in many countries.
As with the thousands of Syrians who are
finding refuge in Canada right now,
Winnipeg has a long tradition of welcoming
refugees and prisoners of conscience. Fifty
of Winnipeg’s own refugees joined the
performers on stage for the moving finale
of Fidelio and hundreds more attended the
opera on subsidized tickets, thanks to many
generous companies and foundations.
This evening you will see the operatic
version of John Steinbeck’s iconic story,
Of Mice and Men. Many of you will have
already read the novella or seen a movie
version of this literary classic. However,
as is unique to opera, I am sure you will
find that Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men
will envelope all your emotions as this
heartrending story unfolds before you
in a live performance.
We are all well aware that issues concerning
the respect, care, and nurture of persons
labelled with intellectual disabilities continue
to challenge our society. Inspired by the
character of Lennie, this season Manitoba
Opera has been working with an advisory
committee made up of professionals from
People First of Canada, Community Living
Winnipeg, St. Amant Centre, and Red River
College’s Disability and Community Support
Program. As a result of this partnership, a
number of initiatives have been developed
including the “We All Have Dreams” videos;
a panel discussion on stereotypes as
portrayed in the arts, our culture and the
media; and opportunities for those with
intellectual disabilities to volunteer at,
and attend the opera.
Our intent is to continue to relate the
themes of our productions to present day
and our own community. Next season, in
conjunction with Massenet’s Werther, we
will examine issues around mental health
and depression.
Enjoy this evening’s performance, and
I look forward to seeing you next season.
Robert Vineberg
Chair
Pre-Show Chat
Saturday, April 23 x Piano Nobile x 7:00 pm
Presenter: Carlisle Floyd
Tuesday, April 26 x Piano Nobile x 6:30 pm
Presenter: Donna Fletcher
Friday, April 29 x Piano Nobile x 7:00 pm
Presenter: Donna Fletcher
Carlisle Floyd
Donna Fletcher
An informative 20-minute presentation that will add to your enjoyment of the production.
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