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A new fund honours the late director with a concert showcasing Manitoba talent
A celebration of Manitoba's vocal tradition
Manitoba’s opera and choral scenes have long punched above their weight, producing some of the country’s finest vocal talents—names like Tracy Dahl, Valdine Anderson, Hugh Russell and Monica Huisman. That legacy will be front and centre on June 6 at the Desautels Concert Hall in a fundraiser celebrating the life and impact of the late Michael Cavanagh, a Winnipeg-born director and librettist who passed away in 2024.
A fundraiser for the next generation of directors
Presented by the Little Opera Company in collaboration with Flipside Opera and the Artsong Collective—with support from Manitoba Opera—the evening will raise money for the newly created Michael Cavanagh Enduring Legacy Fund. Designed to support aspiring opera stage directors, the fund helps emerging artists access mentorship and on-the-job training that’s often beyond the reach of most company budgets.
“It’s just not in most companies’ budgets to hire apprentices or associates,” said Mariam Bernstein, who worked extensively with Cavanagh and originated the title role in Gisela in Her Bathtub. “This gives them a real chance to be brought on and learn by doing.”
Gisela returns to the tub
The concert will feature a performance of Gisela in Her Bathtub, a one-act chamber opera composed by Winnipeg’s Neil Weisensel with a libretto by Cavanagh. Originally premiered in 1991, the comedic opera is inspired by Icelandic sagas and centres on a woman reading in the tub while the characters in her novel come to life around her.
“It’s a very funny piece,” said Weisensel. “There are opera clichés, shenanigans, and all kinds of humour—plus, it’s a challenging score, even though it’s accessible and tuneful.”
Singers for the revival include young artists Diana Rockwell, Nolan Kehler, and Christopher Dunn, performing alongside original cast member Bernstein. The production will be directed by Rob Herriot, who also sang in the original run.
Honouring Cavanagh’s operatic wit
Cavanagh, who began his career as a singer, directed productions across Canada and internationally—including in Sweden and China—and was known for his sharp comedic instincts, generous spirit, and keen eye for emerging talent.
“He was just a joy to work with,” said Bernstein. “He had this razor-sharp wit and a real gift for writing comedy, which is incredibly rare.”
Weisensel echoed the sentiment: “Michael was a pioneer. He didn’t have a lot of formal training but had this unbelievable talent. We created four operas together, and his scripts are still among the best I’ve ever seen.”
A night of favourites and firsts
In addition to Gisela, the evening will include excerpts from other operas Cavanagh directed, with performances by Tracy Dahl, Monica Huisman, Lara Secord-Haid, and Lizzy Hoyt, as well as selections from City Workers in Love and The Bachelor Farmers of the Apocalypse—two more Weisensel–Cavanagh collaborations.
While mixing contemporary works with operatic favourites from Puccini, Verdi and Mozart might be a little intimidating for Weisensel, he’s confident the evening will deliver.
“It’s some of the best music ever written—plus some of mine!” he laughed. “I just hope people come away with a renewed appreciation for Michael’s work and his legacy.”
Details and tickets
The Michael Cavanagh Enduring Legacy Fundraiser takes place Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Desautels Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, visit littleopera.ca.
