Arts & Culture

Innovative Journeys: GroundSwell explores the Canadian musical soundscape with their 2024-25 Season 

This summer is almost over, and things are beginning to rev up again for the fall. Students and teachers will be heading back to school, people will soon be closing their cottages for the season, and the days of soaking up the sun will soon be over. 

Like many arts organizations in the city, the venerable Royal Winnipeg Ballet dance company has been supported by a strong cast of volunteers over the course of their lauded history.   

75 years ago, in 1949, a committee was struck to aid in fundraising efforts for the then-burgeoning dance ensemble and, 8 years later, a volunteer-run, non-profit called “Things in Support of RWB” launched.  

This Saturday, September 14, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be kicking off their 2024-25 season. They will be welcoming to the stage violinist and violist James Ehnes. Ehnes will be performing two huge works on the program, Brahms magnificent D major violin concerto, and Berlioz’s Harold in Italy for Orchestra with viola obbligato. Ehnes will bring his outstanding musicianship and flawless technical ability to these two works in what is sure to be a spellbinding performance.

On now, and going until January 12, 2025, the Wag-Qaumajuq is presenting a fantastic exhibit that features the work of the Dakota, Anishinaabe and Metis Artist Lita Fontaine. 

Called Winyan; (wee-yahn) which is the Dakota word for women, this vibrant and colorful exhibit explores the beauty of Indigenous femininity. The celebration of women in Fontaine’s art is used as a form of resistance against assimilation and gender-discriminatory policies experienced by Indigenous women.  

The highly anticipated Desautels Concert Hall has officially opened its doors at the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus, marking a significant milestone for the province's arts community.

The state-of-the-art venue, designed with "acoustic perfection and versatility in mind," is set to become a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural life.

The concert hall opened on Sept. 5 at a special grand opening event hosted by Classic 107's Simeon Rusnak. It featured a number of special guests and performances, headlined by UM alum William Prince.

A fire at a historic French church destroyed nearly everything in its path including an organ over 150-years-old.

With summer in the rearview mirror and cooler fall weather on the way, it's the perfect time to stock up on some new reads for the upcoming cozy season. 

Find the latest picks from McNally Robinson's Chris Hall in the September edition of "What to Read"! 

Musicians of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will not only play – but slay – on Friday as part of the Downtown Diva Ensemble showcase.  

The unique collaboration on the steps and in the lobby of the Centennial Concert Hall features local drag performers and vocalists accompanied by the musicians. 

“It's a nice way to welcome people back to the concert hall,” says WSO oboist Robin MacMillan.  

This Sunday, September 8th at 7pm, Jazz Winnipeg will be kicking off another great season of Sunday night Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel. Some of the country’s best musicians will be taking to the stage to bring Winnipeg audiences the absolute finest in live music. 

The first concert of the season features former Winnipegger and guitarist Aaron Shorr.  

Concert season has officially arrived!   

Over the next few weeks, musical organizations of all shapes and sizes will open their 2024-25 programs.  

Towards the end of the month of September, Winnipeg’s premiere chamber music series, Virtuosi Concerts, begins their year – one which looks to provide plenty of refreshing and inspiring musical encounters.   

“I always think of it as beautiful music any curious listener can enjoy,” says Thiessen, when asked about programming a Virtuosi season.