Arts & Culture

The holiday season is in full swing, and Winnipeg’s arts and culture scene is alive with music, theatre, and celebrations. From festive choir performances and holiday concerts to unique albums and historic reopenings, this week’s stories showcase the creativity and spirit of the community.

Perhaps no instrument is more indelibly associated with a season than the handbell is with the holidays. The reason why can be tough to put a finger on, even for the folks who are holding the bells. 

“I’m not entirely sure why they’re such an important part of the Christmas season,” admits ringer Hudson Thiessen, “but they’re definitely an integral part.” 

On Tuesday, December 10th Prairie Theatre Exchange opened a new show that takes on the holiday rom-com genre.  

After nearly five decades of performing in some of the best ensembles in the country including here in Winnipeg, a longtime chorister is hanging it up after one final performance this weekend. 

This Sunday, December 15th at 1:30pm at All Saint’s Anglican Church, the Rupertsland Brass Band will be presenting their holiday concert. 

December has been a busy month at Westwood Collegiate, from candlelight concerts to a performance of Chicago. However, the school’s jazz choir and members of the concert choir still found time to join Nolan Kehler in the Classic 107 studios for a live performance of some winter tunes guaranteed to shake off the cold!  

This Thursday, December 12th, at 7:30 PM at the Centennial Concert Hall there will be an unforgettable evening filled with the timeless music of John Denver. 

While it may not be a part of everyone’s holiday playlist, opera can capture the spirit of the season just as well as most other genres can. Flipside Opera and Art Song Collective are out to prove that theory with their latest, festive instalment of the Opera by the Pint series that the group presents at Little Brown Jug Brewing Company in The Exchange.  

This Sunday, December 15th at 2pm at Chapel Lawn at 4000 Portage Avenue, the sounds of bells will be heard, playing a variety of Christmas music from such places, as Ukraine, England, France, and Austria to name just a few places. 

After being shuttered for over three years, the City of Selkirk is sharing plans to restore and reopen the Garry Theatre in the downtown with a revitalized purpose to be a cultural hub for its residents. 

First opened in 1940, the theatre, which was owned by Landmark Cinemas, closed permanently in 2021. The City of Selkirk purchased the building with an eye towards hopefully maintaining its role as a gathering place for its citizens.