MCO’s 2025–26 season celebrates strings, storytelling, and bold new voices
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s newly announced 2025–26 season is shaping up to be one of its most dynamic and diverse yet. Over the course of eight concerts, the MCO will showcase an impressive lineup of international and Canadian artists, with a strong focus on string instruments, new commissions, and historically underrepresented voices in classical music.
“It’s a really exciting one,” said music director Anne Manson, who has led the MCO since 2008. “Planning the season is one of my favourite things to do. It’s a really collaborative process.”
An orchestra for now: inclusive programming and Canadian voices
From baroque to brand new, the upcoming season spans an ambitious musical spectrum. Works by Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi, and Piazzolla appear alongside contemporary compositions by Kevin Lau, Kati Agócs, Alexina Louie, and others. A noticeable thread in the programming is its representation of Black and Indigenous composers, conductors, and performers.
“Yes and yes to both of those questions,” said Manson when asked whether this focus was intentional and creatively rewarding. “I personally really like to get people up on stage who might not have been given quite the same opportunities in their career that they deserve. And… they are really, really good.”
She added that audiences are excited by this approach. “They are part of this new world that feels like it’s opening up in classical music and orchestral music.”
Strings front and centre
The season opens on October 8 with Seasons Ascending, led by violinist Kerson Leong, who performs Max Richter’s reimagining of The Four Seasons and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. “This is a kind of framing of the season that I was keen to do,” said Manson, noting that Leong’s mentorship by James Ehnes ties into the season finale—a solo recital by Ehnes himself.
There’s no shortage of string stars across the season. “We are putting a real emphasis on string players this year,” Manson explained. “It’s a great opportunity if you have young string players in your circle or in your family… to bring them to these concerts.”
That includes Between Earth and Sky on October 28, a cello showcase presented in collaboration with the International Cello Festival of Canada and the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival. “It’s going to be a smorgasbord of really delicious treats,” Manson said, listing music by Vivaldi, C.P.E. Bach, and Alexina Louie—who has arranged her piece Bringing the Tiger Down from the Mountain for cellist Cameron Crozman.
New commissions and fresh collaborations
The season features several new works commissioned for the MCO. Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani will perform a new concerto by Julian Grant in a March 11 program titled Teal Rainbows. “It should be a cross-genre concerto which is going to have some influence of the baroque and some influence that’s a little more bluesy,” said Manson.
On February 18, pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason returns to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (in a version for strings), with conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson also leading a new piece by Canadian composer Kati Agócs. “I think the Chopin is going to be thrilling to listen,” said Manson. “She’s still very young… incredibly sophisticated playing.”
Winnipeg’s Sonora Voices will appear In The Company of Birds on March 26, which includes Kevin Lau’s new work for children’s choir. “He wrote a song cycle for us… one of the best pieces of contemporary music I have ever heard,” Manson said. “When I heard that he writes children’s books, I thought—let’s ask him to write a piece for children’s choir.”
Lyricism and grandeur: Tula Ngwenyama meets Rameau
On November 12, the MCO welcomes violist-composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama (who goes by Tula) for a concert that blends contemporary lyricism with baroque elegance. “She’s an amazing violist,” said Manson. “Her music is really interesting… very lyrical. It’s very well written for strings.” Tula will perform Alan Hovhaness’s lush, neo-romantic Viola Concerto, while the orchestra brings colour and imagination to a suite from Rameau’s Les Indes galantes. “I have an incredible fondness for baroque music,” Manson said. “It leaves a lot open to the imagination of the interpreter, and I find that a really exciting challenge.”
April 30 brings Songs of River and Fire, a vocal program featuring sopranos Melody Courage and Marion Newman in a mix of Canadian works, classic opera arias, and duets. “There is a serious side to a lot of the music and then there is a really fun side,” said Manson. “There’s going to be something for everybody in that concert.”
A season finale with James Ehnes
The season closes on May 8 with a solo recital by James Ehnes featuring music by Brahms, Sinding, and Bartók. “He’s one of the world’s greatest violinists,” said Manson. “Standing next to him on stage and hearing the sound he produces from that instrument—I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like it.”
Why Winnipeg keeps calling
Reflecting on her long tenure with the MCO, Manson said the orchestra’s adventurous spirit and supportive audience keep her coming back.
“They are so positive and so willing to try anything,” she said. “And I love the audience… so open to new experiences. And we’ve got two amazing venues to play in… It’s just amazing to be able to play in places like this, with musicians like this, for an audience like this.”
With a lineup that pairs beloved classics with bold new commissions, and showcases both emerging and world-renowned artists, the MCO’s 2025–26 season is a celebration of everything that makes a chamber orchestra unique: intimacy, versatility, and artistic daring. Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or a first-time listener, this season offers something to discover—string showpieces, powerhouse pianists, captivating vocal duets, and fresh, forward-looking works.
“It’s just amazing to be able to play in places like this, with musicians like this, for an audience like this,” said Manson. With so many reasons to be excited, this is a season not to be missed—one that promises to move, surprise, and inspire.
