Arts & Culture

Music News: Donald Trump Claims He Played—Wait for It—the Flute?!

In a recent interview appearance, U.S. President Donald Trump casually dropped the bombshell that he used to take flute lessons as a kid. Yep, the same man known for campaign rallies and controversial soundbites now claims he had a musical side—one delicately tuned to the lilting tones of a flute.

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 2025 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival kicks off Tuesday, June 17, bringing a week of music from around the world and right here in Winnipeg. Among this year’s highlights: a three-part tribute concert series celebrating three jazz icons born a century ago—B.B. King, Mel Tormé, and Canada’s own Oscar Peterson. 

Simon Rivard named new Music Director of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra

After a thorough 18-month search, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has found its new artistic leader: acclaimed Canadian conductor Simon Rivard. The appointment, effective June 1, marks a bold new chapter for the NSO as it continues to expand its reach and artistic excellence.

This June, Prairie Theatre Exchange is flipping the script on what musical theatre can be.

For dancer Alex Elliott, the impulse to sing is what led her to the genesis point of her latest piece. 

The famous cries of “Stella!” will be ringing down Osborne Street and River Avenue this week as The 28th Minute theatre company presents A Streetcar Named Desire. The production represents a rare opportunity for Winnipeggers to engage with the drama of playwright Tennessee Williams, whose works are not presented often in the community. 

One of the oldest theatres in Winnipeg aims to welcome concertgoers back inside its historic walls in the next few years at it becomes the artistic home of one of the city’s largest performing arts ensembles. 

If your garden greens are looking a little sad, you might want to swap the watering can for a speaker and hit play on some Bach.

Last week, the Sobey Art Award announced its shortlist of six artists from across the country. The contemporary art prize awards shortlisted artists $25,000 and a chance to exhibit at the National Gallery, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grand prize. 

While the acknowledgement is nice for Winnipeg’s Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, he’s viewing everything in a very grounded perspective.