Peggy@99-1 is excited to welcome the Manitoba Opera to the Centennial Concert Hall on November 18th, 22nd and 24th for Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North!
A CELEBRATION OF MÉTIS WOMEN, LANGUAGE & CULTURE
The first full-scale Indigenous-led opera presented on a Canadian opera mainstage.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Saturday, November 18, 7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 22, 7 pm
Friday, November 24, 7:30 pm
CONCEPT/CREATIVE TEAM
This cross-cultural collaboration was conceptualized by Métis poet and librettist Dr. Suzanne M. Steele, with music by Métis composer/fiddler Alex Kusturok and composer Neil Weisensel. A full-scale production, this epic opera features 11 vocal soloists, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, an adult chorus and a children’s chorus, a narrator, fiddlers, and dancers.
THE STORY
In this historical, mystic opera, 21st century Joséphine-Marie, through a grandmother’s story, is transported to 1870s Montana where she encounters an ancestor, the sharpshooter Josette. Josette is a runaway travelling with Riel and the last buffalo brigades who falls in love with the young, passionate, Louis Riel, in disguise, on the run from assassins.
The pair confront jealousy, destiny, deprivation, and torment wrought by four shape-shifting Black Geese of Fate, but are comforted by ghost choruses of ancestors, the bison brigades, and the women of their peoples, as they try to salvage a nation and save themselves from total destruction in the burning heart of the continent of the 1870s.
SPOKEN & SUNG IN FIVE LANGUAGES
Spoken and sung in Heritage-Michif, French-Michif, Anishinaabemowin, French, and English. English translations will be projected above the stage.
TICKETS
204-944-8824
In Person: MO office, Lower Level, Centennial Concert Hall
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