Manitoba Opera CEO Larry Desrochers to Step Down in 2026 After 25 Years at the Helm
After more than two decades leading Manitoba Opera through periods of bold innovation, artistic achievement, and community transformation, General Director and CEO Larry Desrochers has announced he will step down when his contract concludes in May 2026.
The decision, shared by Manitoba Opera’s Board of Trustees on June 12, marks the end of a historic tenure. Desrochers, who became General Director in 2000, is the longest-serving opera leader in Canada and one of the longest in North America. He notified the board in early 2023 of his decision not to seek renewal, prompting the formation of a leadership transition committee.
As a result of that committee’s work, the board has adopted a new leadership structure that will see Desrochers' current role split into two: an Executive Director and an Artistic Director. The Executive Director has already been selected and will be publicly announced in July. Desrochers will serve as Interim Artistic Director starting August 8, ensuring continuity and guidance during the transition.
“This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Manitoba Opera,” said Board Chair Judith Chambers. “Larry has led with vision, creativity, and a deep commitment to our community. His contributions have elevated the company’s national profile. The new model allows for focused leadership in both the artistic and administrative spheres and will help position the company for continued success.”
Reflecting on his time at the company, Desrochers said, “It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented artists, staff, board members, and supporters. By dividing the role, we’re creating space for fresh perspectives and deeper collaboration—this is the right step at the right time.”
Over 25 years, Desrochers produced more than 50 productions, casting nearly 400 artists. He steered Manitoba Opera through a creative and financial renaissance, transforming it into one of North America’s leading regional opera companies. He championed both traditional works and new creations, highlighted by his direction of Fidelio, hailed by La Liberté as “perhaps the most important opera in the history of the company,” and the commissioning of Transit of Venus, Manitoba Opera’s first original work.
Desrochers is also celebrated for his dedication to Canadian artists, with more than 90 per cent of artistic roles since 2000 filled by Canadians and a “Manitobans first” policy that helped launch many local careers.
His legacy includes pioneering civic engagement initiatives. Through the Building Bridges Initiative and participation in Opera America’s Civic Practice Group, he fostered relationships with Manitoba’s Indigenous communities. This work culminated in Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, the first Indigenous-led opera on a Canadian mainstage. The production—featuring Métis fiddle tunes, multiple languages, and a nearly all-Manitoban cast—was ranked the second most impactful advancement for the Red River Métis in 2023 by the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Financially, Desrochers guided the company out of long-standing debt, achieving 12 consecutive balanced budgets and spearheading a campaign to raise a $10 million endowment.
National and international arts leaders have praised his influence. “Larry’s collaborative and steady leadership has inspired so many of us,” said Christina Loewen of the Association for Opera in Canada. Marc Scorca, President and CEO of Opera America, added, “Larry’s deep cultural knowledge and ability to connect opera to the world we live in distinguish him as a leading thinker for our field.”
Desrochers’ career in the arts spans opera, theatre, film, and major events. He previously held key roles with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg Film Group, and Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and directed ceremonies for the 1999 Pan American Games. He has received numerous accolades, including the Opera America Distinguished Service Award and the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Making a Difference Award.
As Manitoba Opera prepares for this leadership transition, Desrochers’ influence on the company and the broader cultural landscape of Canada remains undeniable. His final year in the role promises to be one of thoughtful handover and celebration of a remarkable legacy.