Artistic Director, Spencer Duncanson Spencer Duncanson grew up in Brooklyn, New York where, as a child attending performances at New York City’s Town Hall Theatre, he was introduced to the world of opera. These performances, along with an innate love of music fed his passion for the arts and later broadened his awareness of art’s ability to change lives. Since arriving in Canada, he has provided invaluable local leadership through numerous community contributions. Having served previously as chair of the Winnipeg Arts Council, volunteering on the board of The Winnipeg Foundation where he chaired the Strategic Initiatives Committee, he presently serves on the boards of Agassiz Chamber Music Festival, The Winnipeg School of Contemporary Dance and Rainbow Stage. He is also very excited about his involvement with a committee formed to design and promote a Human Rights Forum. Spencer Duncanson has been active in the Manitoba Arts scene as a singer, actor (stage/film), clinician, and arts administrator. His initial calling was to arts education, an interest that still percolates and influences his involvements. Spencer completed his undergraduate degree at Brooklyn College and later combined work at University of Nevada - Reno and the University of Manitoba to complete his master’s degree concentrating in performance and art education. Spencer’s primary focuses these days are centered around The Little Opera Company, conducting the senior division of The Winnipeg Boys’ Choir, teaching in his private studio along with a variety of committee work.

The Little Opera Company is a not-for- profit charitable organization, whose mission is the promotion of opera and the promotion of the talented artists that contribute to the production of opera in Winnipeg and Manitoba. We have been producing operas, showcasing the significant talents of local singers and musicians since 1995. Our purpose is as much about developing artists as it is about staging operatic works: developing emerging vocalists and instrumentalists, providing coaching and practical experience within the context of its productions, providing opportunities for artists and artisans to advance their skills in the design of costumes, sets and lighting, and developing production personnel, by providing opportunities to assist in productions. The LOC offers a unique opportunity to experience chamber opera in English; opera that engages individuals of diverse backgrounds. We are committed to selecting repertoire that not only provides accessible entertainment for individuals who are new to the genre, but that which is engaging and refreshing for seasoned opera lovers. We also wish to offer educational forays into realms of opera not frequently explored within our community.