Word Painting

On June 6 & 7, 2026, Flipside will add to our catalogue of “Bingeworthy” events with “Word Painting,” two performances of the 16 art songs of French 19th century composer Henri Duparc, supplemented by live visual art creation. This cinematic & evocative music will be performed by captivating singing actors Lara Ciekiewicz & Elena Howard-Scott and pianist Lisa Rumpel, with live painting by multidisciplinary artist Nereo Zorro.

Though Duparc lived a long life, only 16 songs survived his perfectionistic standards brought on by a nervous disorder & excessive expectations by his mentors – and those survivors endure as gems of the French song repertory. Using texts by the most renowned French poets of his day, these songs are an equal partnership between voice & piano: epic and orchestral, with vivid text-painting.

Far from a traditional song recital, the vision of director Jacqueline Loewen will immerse you in the poetry and music. This marriage between music, words, and visual art will blur the lines between art forms, creating a deeply human performance that cannot be replicated. 

This project is presented with the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council.