Arts & Culture

Sofia Gubaidulina, one of the most influential composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, has passed away at the age of 93. The renowned Russian composer died Thursday at her home in Appen, Germany, with her death confirmed by her publisher, Boosey & Hawkes. The publisher described her as "the grande dame of new music," acknowledging her groundbreaking contributions to the world of contemporary classical music.

For over 30 years, Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) has captivated Winnipeg audiences with immersive, bold theater, transforming the historic ruins of the Trappist Monastery into a one-of-a-kind stage. On Tuesday, March 11, SIR unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 season, which promises to explore the theme of Destiny through two iconic plays that have resonated with audiences for decades.

Few music journalists have explored the legacies of legendary musicians as deeply as Winnipeg’s own John Einarson. Known for his expertise in rock history and captivating storytelling, Einarson has penned biographies on icons like Neil Young, Randy Bachman, and Steppenwolf.

Music lovers in Winnipeg are in for a treat this Sunday, March 16, as the Mennonite Community Orchestra presents Youthful Sounds, a concert featuring an exciting lineup of classical works. The performance, set for 3:00 p.m.

The Little Opera Company of Winnipeg continues its 30th anniversary season this weekend with a musical salute to one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders and visionaries, as well as to its trailblazing operatic stars. 

An art-gallery filled with champagne-sipping socialites gets a shock when a celebrity in their midst collapses dead to the floor. A journalist assigned to investigate her death discovers that there’s far more that meets the eye as politicians, lawyers and more prevent him from uncovering the truth.  

One might not expect a concert titled Lullaby of the Snow to be one that warmly ushers in spring, but that’s precisely what the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is promising its audiences this week. 

Guest conductor David Bui will lead the orchestra in two performances of the concert at the Crescent Arts Centre in Osborne Village, which will include pieces by English, Spanish and local repertoire.  

Winnipeg’s Sonora Voices’ Cantemus Choir and Chamber Ensemble are set to present Jonah, an opera for young people by Manitoba composer Sid Robinovitch. The performance will take place on Sunday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church. 

Vienna is preparing for a celestial celebration, marking both Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the European Space Agency (ESA) with an out-of-this-world tribute—beaming The Blue Danube waltz into deep space.

A rare 1715 Stradivarius violin has set a new world record, selling for an astonishing $23 million in a private sale. The "Baron Knoop" Stradivari shattered the previous high of $15,875,800, set in 2011 by the 1721 "Lady Blunt" Stradivari violin.