Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
OPENING NIGHT OF MANITOBA OPERA’S CARMEN
Centennial Concert Hall
Saturday, April 13, 2024
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[Lovers of music and artistry], it’s a pleasure to welcome you to what will be an evening of passion and obsession as Manitoba Opera brings to life the beautiful music and dark themes of Bizet’s Carmen.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I begin by acknowledging that this building and this city are located in the heart of Treaty One land and the homeland of the Red River Metis.
Here, in the ancestral and present-day home of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit and Metis peoples, we are committed to reconciliation, opportunity, healing and greater harmony.
Manitobans are justifiably proud of the artistic accomplishments of the people of this province. And we have long celebrated the rich bounty of cultural offerings that enhance the quality of life here.
Opera is often described as an art form that contains within it all art forms – music, drama, movement, visual art and design.
A powerful and passionate opera such as Carmen elicits emotion drawing its viewers into the provocative storyline. As a production, it is truly an effort of many talented individuals who utilize their own specialities, abilities, and personalities to bring this tale to life. As such, the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.
In that respect, an opera, or a company like Manitoba Opera, stands as a metaphor for a healthy community.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy the fruits of many labours. We will benefit from the support that Manitobans have given to Manitoba Opera for more than half a century.
It takes many people on stage and back stage to put on a wonderful spectacle like Carmen and it takes many more throughout Manitoba to support a great company like this.
To all who make Manitoba Opera possible, thank you for your creativity and your dedication and thank you for creating and sustaining art and beauty.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
