The Western Canadian premiere of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha (pronounced TREE-muh-NEESH-uh): A Musical Reimagining will open Manitoba Opera’s 2026/27 season with three performances November 21, 25, and 27.
One of opera’s most powerful and unforgettable stories, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, will close the season April 17, 21, and 23. All performances will take place at the Centennial Concert Hall.
Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining 2023 Toronto world premiere received rave reviews.
“Joplin’s long-forgotten masterpiece has been ravishingly reborn for the 21st century in a triumphant production.” – Toronto Star
Legendary ragtime composer Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha was published in 1911. This opera about a young woman was revolutionary for its time. Fusing Western classical music with popular Black music from the era: blues, barbershop (before it was called that), gospel, and ragtime, unfortunately, Treemonisha was never produced in Joplin’s lifetime.
Forward to the 21st century and an international team of leading Black women artists reimagined the piece, preserving its setting and characters, but crafting a new story and a richly hybrid orchestration that expands on Joplin’s original. The story is framed around two communities: the Freedmen and the Maroons and places a young woman named Treemonisha into the centre of their long-standing conflict.
The production features an all-Black artistic team, cast, and 10-piece orchestra who will be appearing alongside the cast onstage. It will be performed in English with English titles projected above the stage.
The intensely moving Madama Butterfly tells the story of an American officer who marries a young geisha who gives up everything for love.
Puccini’s soaring music follows her as she waits three long years, dreaming of the day her American husband will meet their child. But his return to Japan brings a devastating twist in this story of love, betrayal, and strength.
The composer’s sumptuously lyrical score embodies all the passion and heartbreak of this timeless story. Set in Japan at the dawn of the 20th century, East meets West in this clash of values and tradition.
Madama Butterfly will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
For tickets call 204-944-8824 or go to mbopera.ca