SPECIAL EVENT:
Michael Cavanagh’s Enduring Legacy: A Fundraiser
June 6, 2025
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Desautels Concert Hall
150 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba
Michael Cavanagh was an acclaimed Winnipeg-born opera director who cut his teeth on the Manitoba Opera stage, starting in the children’s chorus at age 13 and going on to direct more than 150 operas at 32 companies across the world. His post as Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Opera was sadly cut short when he passed away at the age of 62 in 2024. On June 6, 2025, Flipside is joining The Little Opera Company in a fundraiser concert to celebrate Mr. Cavanagh’s prolific & joyful life and works, and to help to establish a bursary through the Winnipeg Foundation which will be dedicated to supporting emerging Manitoban opera directors.
As part of this special evening, Flipside will present local opera greats Tracy Dahl, Monica Huisman, andLizzy Hoytto sing arias and excerpts from a few of the operas Mr. Cavanagh notably directed, including La Cenerentola, Cosi fan tutte, Don Pasquale, and others. The Little Opera Company will present excerpts from several of the quirky & distinctive operas that Mr. Cavanagh wrote alongside local composer Neil Weisensel(those who saw Li Keur at Manitoba Opera in 2023 will recognize Neil’s work), and a full performance of Gisela in her Bathtub featuring Mariam Bernstein. Long-time Flipside fans may recall this hilarious and dramatic 20-minute opera from our Bathtubs, Bus Stops, and Bridge in 2016 – a show that Michael and Neil attended with great enthusiasm and support. To quote Mr. Cavanagh from our pre-concert talk, Gisela was “the product of one too many gin and tonics” – so you know it’s good!
The concert will be followed by a wine reception, and held at the Desautels Concert Hall. Please mark your calendar for this one-time-only opportunity to join some of Winnipeg’s most celebrated opera personalities in honouring the legacy of this important member of Winnipeg’s operatic heritage, Michael Cavanagh.
Tickets available for concert + reception, concert only, or donation only
