Arts & Culture

Young Manitoba composers take centre stage at inaugural CMI concerts. 

It takes courage, creativity and a whole lot of hustle to build a life in music. For performers, that often means collaborating with others to bring existing works to life. For composers, it’s about creating something entirely new—and hoping it gets heard more than once. But for a new generation of artists in Manitoba, it also means championing each other’s work. 

This week, Classic 107 is proud to present a special 1 PM feature showcasing the artistry of two remarkable musicians—cellist Jacqueline du Pré and pianist Alice Sara Ott—both of whom have faced the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS). As Winnipeg prepares for the M

Heritage Winnipeg is preparing to showcase the hidden mysteries and stories of Winnipeg’s historic streets and buildings with its annual Doors Open Winnipeg in the coming days. The event provides an avenue for Winnipeggers to get in touch with the city that was and provide a new perspective on the infrastructure that still plays a vital part of Winnipeg’s infrastructure. 

“It really is a way to discover the entire city,” says Cindy Tugwell, executive director of Heritage Winnipeg.  

🎶 Saturday Morning Almanac – May 17 Edition!
Your 9 a.m. Hour of Musical Milestones on Classic 107 🎶

Happy Saturday, classical friends! Pour yourself a second cup of coffee and settle in for a time-travelling tour through music history — because May 17 is packed with juicy anniversaries, legendary debuts, and birthday shoutouts. Whether you’re tuning in from the kitchen, garden, or couch, this hour is all about celebrating the moments that made music history sing. Let’s dive in!

Two organs, two churches, one unforgettable night of music. 

New concert series gives emerging Manitoba composers a platform.

Being a young composer is no easy path. Getting music heard and performed at a high level can feel like an uphill battle. A university degree in composition is often just the beginning, and stepping beyond the academic world into the broader musical community can be a daunting leap. 

Alexander Shelley will bid farewell to the National Arts Centre Orchestra in 2026, ending an era that saw the British conductor invigorate the ensemble with international flair, innovative programming and a strong commitment to Canadian voices.

Shelley, who took the reins of the Ottawa-based orchestra in 2015 at the age of 35, announced he will step down as music director at the close of the 2025–26 season. His final concert is scheduled for July 2026, with his contract officially ending Aug. 31.

New Abraham Anghik Ruben exhibit at WAG–Qaumajuq explores Inuit and Norse mythology and daily life through sculpture and painting. 

For Julie Walsh, it all began on a walk through the Exchange District in 1998 when she stumbled upon an art studio, where a painter was working on a massive canvas. 

“I immediately felt this rush of energy of when something’s really true and really resonates with my soul,” she recounts. “I was quite moved by it.” 

With temperatures picking up across the province, Classic 107 is matching the heat with our Album of the Month for May: Denis Plante and Stéphane Tétreault’s Stradivatango. The project pairs two exceptional players on two unique instruments: one, a Stradivarius cello; the other, a bandoneon. Together, Plante and Tétreault set out to explore the rich history of Argentinian tango music, as well as sharing original compositions that respond to a musical tradition that stretches back decades.