Our Story
Since 2016, Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective has been bringing outside-the-box, inspiring musical experiences to Manitobans.
In 2011, Judith Oatway and Dawn Bruch-Wiens created Flipside Opera. Both accomplished operatic singers and teachers, Dawn and Judy pooled their passion and creativity to start producing small scale vocal theatre. Pianist Lisa Rumpel joined as a co-artistic director in 2016. Today, Flipside is led by musicians/producers Judith Oatway (Artistic Director) and Lisa Rumpel (General Manager) as well as a dynamic working board.Â
As the only organization in Winnipeg that programs art song (poetry set to classical voice and piano) as part of our core activities, Flipside Opera became Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective in 2021.
Flipside’s goal is always to create a cohesive, artistically satisfying musical and visual experience, while cultivating a respectful, welcoming atmosphere for artists and audience members.Â
We actively champion music by Manitoban composers, and create unique opportunities to support the growth of emerging local singers.
ashley boychuk, board president of flipside opera & art song collective
Through the power of determination of our volunteer artistic team and board, support from granting bodies like Winnipeg Arts Council and Manitoba Arts Council, and the unrelenting support of our community, Flipside has brought these productions to life. Enjoy a look back through our timeline – and stay tuned for what’s next!
2015/16
Bathtubs, Bus Stops, and Bridge (supported by Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts)
Heavyweights
Opera Idol
2016/17
Greeriad (Winnipeg, Brandon, Flin Flon)
Opera Idol
Partners in Crime (collaboration with Little Sparrow Theatre Co.)
2017/18
Opera by the Pint
Opera Idol
2018/19
Opera by the Pint
Echoes of Spain (collaboration with Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society)
#nofilter
2019/20
Opera Fright Night (collaboration with The Little Opera Company)
Opera Idol
Opera by the Lake
Opera by the Pint
2021/22
Bloody Jack (collaboration with Groundswell)Â
Every-Bocce Loves Opera!
Opera by the Pint
2022/23
In Plain Sight: Compositions by African-American Women
Bloody Jack 2.0 (collaboration with Groundswell & Hard Thread Collective)Â
Every-Bocce Loves Opera!Â
Opera by the Pint
2023/24
Operatifs (collaboration with The Little Opera Company)
Opera Idol
Winter Words (collaboration with Proximus 5)
Every-Bocce Loves Opera!
Opera by the Pint (supported by Winnipeg’s City of Song in summer 2024)
2024/25
Love Languages: Songs and Pictures on Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch (collaboration with Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg)
Steinbach Arts Council Studio Series
Michael Cavanagh’s Enduring Legacy: A Fundraiser (collaboration with The Little Opera Company)
Opera by the Pint
One for the Road! Opera by the Pint on Tour