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Michael Blais Named Executive Director of Manitoba Opera
Longtime staff member reflects on his journey, vision, and the future of opera in Manitoba
A new chapter for Manitoba Opera
Following the announcement that longtime CEO Larry Desrochers will step down at the end of the 2025–26 season, Manitoba Opera has revealed the first part of a new leadership structure. Rather than replacing Desrochers with a single CEO, the company will split the role into two: Executive Director and Artistic Director.
On July 9, Manitoba Opera named Michael Blais—current Director of Operations and a member of the team since 2010—as the company’s new Executive Director, effective August 1.
“I was just totally thrilled to find out the news,” Blais said. “When Larry had informed the board that he wasn’t going to be renewing his contract, we struck a working group to start looking at the leadership model and… the skills and attributes of the new leaders.”
Though Blais initially held off putting his name forward, he described it as a sign when the board approached him directly in January of last year. “That’s just what happened. And yeah, so that’s where we find ourselves.”
From dance to the desk: Blais’ artistic background
Before stepping into arts administration, Blais was a professional dancer. He trained at Winnipeg’s School of Contemporary Dancers, later performing with Ottawa’s Le Groupe Dance Lab and Winnipeg’s own Ruth Cansfield Dance Company.
“Ruth had always—her choreography had always really appealed to me,” Blais recalled. “So that was always what I had my eye on when I was graduating.”
He eventually transitioned into administration, joining Manitoba Opera in 2010 as Box Office Coordinator, just as the company brought ticketing in-house. “I knew that it was a good opportunity to work for an established organization and that I was going to get some good experience for the full scope of the organization.”
Embracing evolution: Community and technology
Blais has witnessed significant shifts within the company during his 14-year tenure—particularly the rise of community engagement and education programming. “That was kind of a bit of a nice add-on in the earlier years,” he explained. “Now it’s kind of a main pillar of the organization’s programming.”
These programs, Blais said, help expand the opera experience beyond the stage. “Whether that’s delving into the music or the life of the composer or maybe a panel discussion about some sensitive material in the opera… that’s become a really kind of key way that we can expand beyond the stage.”
He also sees technology as central to the company’s future. “We’re actually in the middle right now of—I'm calling it a digital transformation project,” Blais said. Funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada, the three-year initiative aims to leverage technology for innovation, strategic planning, and improved audience engagement.
What lies ahead: Goals and transitions
One of Blais’ top priorities is rebuilding audiences post-pandemic. “We’re still in a recovery period… and that’s always going to be part of the reality of working for an arts organization.”
He also hopes to remain “open and flexible and curious” about new possibilities. “It’s the opportunities that we have to explore new ways of connecting with our patron base and serving the community and bringing opera experiences to Winnipeg and Manitoba.”
Blais will assume his new role in August, while Desrochers remains with the company until spring 2026 to help ensure a smooth transition. “It’ll be just totally invaluable to have his vast experience as a resource for us,” Blais said. “It’s a shift for the whole organization… and the board’s got to get used to a new leadership model… so there’s a lot of changing elements there.”
A vision for artistic leadership
One of the most exciting parts of the new structure, Blais noted, is the upcoming hire of a dedicated Artistic Director. “It would be great to see an organization that has someone dedicated full-time to the artistic life of the organization,” he said. “We haven’t been that privileged yet… and that’s going to bring new opportunities.”
As he steps into this new role, Blais brings not just operational knowledge, but also a deep artistic understanding rooted in his own background. “When you’re studying as a dancer… you develop this kind of insane work ethic. And… a reverence for tradition and for history,” he said. “That served me well in this role.”
As Manitoba Opera enters this exciting new chapter, Michael Blais brings with him a rare blend of artistic insight, administrative experience, and deep community connection. With his steady hand on the operational helm and a soon-to-be-named Artistic Director focused on creative vision, the company is poised to grow, evolve, and reach new audiences in bold and meaningful ways. “It’s about staying open, flexible, and curious,” Blais said—and with that mindset leading the way, the future of Manitoba Opera looks brighter than ever.