Now that the arts season is officially winding down for another year – and we’re in that delightful lull before the summer gigs and festivals ramp up – it’s time to reflect on the many memorable performances we’ve had on privilege to hear this year during these “New Normal Times”. Notably, the 2021-22 season also welcomed many artists and organizations sidelined over the past two years to the stage, as well as “finally” concerts that had lain fallow pending the easing of public health restrictions.
10 outstanding performances (listed in chronological order):
1. WSO (A)bsolute Classics: Stewart Goodyear and Grieg (Oct. 2)
A full cohort of 60 musicians triumphantly returned to the stage for the first time since the First Wave lockdown in March 2020 with the evening described by its clearly emotional maestro Daniel Raiskin as “a very special and meaningful moment for us”. Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear captivated listeners with Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16marking his first WSO appearance in 13 years.
2. WSO Pops: Don Amero (October 22-24)
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Conductor Julian Pellicano (center) conducts with Don Amero (left) and the WSO at Centennial Concert Hall in October 2021.
” width=”1024″ height=”683″ srcset=”https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/400*400/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 400w,https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images /600*600/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 600w,https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/700*700/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 700w,https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images /800*800/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 800w,https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/900*900/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 900w,https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images /1000*1000/Don+Amero+conductor.JPG 1000w”/> MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Conductor Julian Pellicano (center) conducts with Don Amero (left) and the WSO at Centennial Concert Hall October 2021.
This Pops show — featuring three-time Juno nominee Don Amero of Cree and Métis descent from Winnipeg’s North End and directed by Julian Pellicano — quickly became a personal highlight. Also regarded for his advocacy work within Indigenous communities and beyond, the country crooner sings straight from his heart — and his guts. Powerful Amero Performance Isabelle’s song (Go House)written as an imaginary love letter from a “stepfather” who died suddenly while out on an errand without saying goodbye to his wife, can be seen as a hymn for the undertow of farewells never spoken to loved ones locked down during the pandemic.
3. Manitoba Opera: The voice human (Nov. 5)

5. Manitoba Chamber Orchestra: Jonah (April 12)
MCO presented the long-awaited world premiere of Sid Robinovitch’s modern oratorio Jonah — another concert put on ice for the two-year COVID-19-related void of live choral music. The Pembina Trails Voices ensemble led by Valdine Anderson brought the biblical tale to life for one night only; its second performance scheduled for April 13 was canceled by the same Colorado depression that truncated the Winnipeg Baroque Festival.
6. WMC McClellan Competition for Solo Performance with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (April 20)
7. WSO Special: Manitoba Remembers: A COVID Elegy (April 28)
This hugely moving and cathartic program has become both a healing service and a community showcase of Manitoba’s top musical artists, interspersed with videotaped interviews with those directly impacted by COVID-19. Among the many highlights of the unique Raiskin-led program is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ WSO Gwen Hoebig scorching solo fiddle finale the lark Ascendingkeeping listeners spellbound with her sensitive artistry.
8. Dead of Winter: Captive (May 13)
Another concert “finally” postponed for two years, Dead of Winter also featured the world premiere of “Captive,” by founding artistic director Andrew Balfour, the third installment in a series of the composer’s Truth and Reconciliation series. Subsequently presented at Toronto’s PODIUM Choral Festival and Conference on May 21, the Mel Braun-directed program was designed to “honor the pain, grief and beauty of the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”
9. The Little Opera Company: Three Decembers (May 27-29)

Needless to say, we’ve come a long way since the pandemic first paralyzed the global arts community in March 2020. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re getting there.
Keep supporting live music – and live music – because it has never mattered more than now as our cherished arts organizations continue to rebuild in a (hopefully) post-pandemic world.
Music Matters is now on hiatus until the fall.
Have a good summer everyone and stay safe.
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