In collaboration with:
Supported by:
Sponsored by:
THE ZITA AND MARK BERNSTEIN
FAMILY FOUNDATION
Featuring: Gisela in her Bathtub
Opera in One Act | Libretto by Michael Cavanagh | Music by Neil Weisensel
Directed by Rob Herriot with Mariam Bernstein as Gisela
Desautels Concert Hall
June 6, 2025 | 7PM
Michael Cavanagh’s Enduring Legacy
The Little Opera Company with Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective
in conjunction with Manitoba Opera present
Michael Cavanagh’s Enduring Legacy
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement: Robert Campbell
Introduction: Peter George
Non pìu mesta .............................................................................................
La Cenerentola / Rosinni
Lizzy Hoyt-mezzo soprano / Lisa Rumpel-pianist
Mrs. Demers’ Aria ............................................................................................
City Workers in Love*
Donnalynn Grills-mezzo soprano / Neil Weisensel-pianist
Al’s Aria .............................................................................................................
City Workers in Love*
Mel Braun-baritone / Neil Weisensel-pianist
Chacun le sait ................................................................................
La Fille du Régiment / Donizetti
Tracy Dahl-soprano / Lisa Rumpel-pianist
Soave sia il vento .............................................................................................
Così fan tutte/Mozart
Lara Secord-Haid-soprano/Lizzy Hoyt-mezzo soprano/ David Watson-baritone
Lisa Rumpel-pianist
Mavis’ Aria ........................................................................................................
City Workers in Love*
Lara Secord-Haid-soprano / Neil Weisensel-pianist
Pete’s Aria .........................................................................................................
City Workers in Love*
Matthew Pauls-baritone / Neil Weisensel-pianist
Quando m’en vo ....................................................................................................
La Bohème/Pucinni
Monica Huisman-soprano / Lisa Rumpel-pianist
Sull’aria ......................................................................................................
Le Nozze di Figaro/Mozart
Monica Huisman-soprano / Tracy Dahl-soprano / Lisa Rumpel-pianist
Ruth’s Aria ....................................................................
The Bachelor Farmers of the Apocalypse*
Joanna Loepp Thiessen-contralto / Neil Weisensel-pianist
Quel guardo il cavaliere ..............................................................................
Don Pasquale/Donizetti
Monica Huisman-soprano / Tracy Dahl-soprano / Lisa Rumpel-pianist
* Libretto: Michael Cavanagh, Composer: Neil Weisensel
Synopses: Judith Oatway, Spencer Duncanson, Neil Weisensel
INTERMISSION
Gisela In Her Bathtub
(music: N. Weisensel, libretto: M. Cavanagh)
Director.........................................................................................................................
Rob Herriot
Music Director / Piano ......................................................................................
Neil Weisensel
Costume Design......................................................................................................
Robert Butler
Gisela.................................................................................................................
Mariam Bernstein
Helga.......................................................................................................................
Diana Rockwell
Olaf...............................................................................................................................
Nolan Kehler
Snorre.................................................................................................................
Christopher Dunn
Percussion ............................................................................................................
Nathan Perkins
Media Public Relations:
Lead Marketing and Promotional Photography – Heather Milne
Marketing and Webmaster – Don Larsen
Program / Original Poster Design – Don Larsen
Program Committee Members:
Robert Campbell, Spencer Duncanson, Donnalynn Grills, Rob Herriot, Donald Larsen,
Heather Milne, Judith Oatway, Lisa Rumpel, Neil Weisensel
Acknowledgements:
We are extremely grateful to this evening’s performers and their willingness to share
their talents in order to make this evening a success.
We would also like to acknowledge the support of:
Jackie Short (Cavanagh), Neil Weisensel, Manitoba Opera, Christopher Coyne, Sheldon Johnson,
Tori Sparks, University of Manitoba, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Canadian Mennonite
University, our many donors, funders and of course you, our audience and contributors.
Little Opera Company Board of Directors:
Robert Campbell, President
Spencer Duncanson, Artistic Director
Donnalynn Grills, Treasurer
Odette Heyn, Director
Darrell Marleau, Director
Rob Herriot, Director
Maybelle Pacak, Director
Lisa Rumpel, Director
Rory Runnells, Director
Eldene Spencer, Director
Diane Berger, Director Emeritus
Don Larsen, Director Emeritus
Peter Klymkiw, Director Emeritus
Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective Artistic Team:
Lisa Rumpel Judy Oatway
Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective Board of Directors:
Ashley Boychuk, President
Mark Glucki, Vice-President
Aaron Hutton, Treasurer
Meagan Reimer, Secretary
Amber Casselman, Member at Large
Abi Desserre, Member at Large
Jared McKetiak, Member at Large
Funders:
Gail Asper Family Foundation, Winnipeg Arts Council, David Kraemer Financial Services, and the
Zita and Mark Bernstein Foundation.
Wine: Flavia Fernandez Fabio Frontera Wines
Cake Reception: Aramark
Link to view artist biographies:
Donate to Michael Cavanagh Legacy Fund:
