Lizzy Hoyt, Mezzo-soprano

Few vocalists authentically cross genres at the highest levels and maintain professional careers in both areas - but LIZZY HOYT is one of them. Praised by Opera Canada for both her dramatic depth and keen comedic gifts, Ms. Hoyt’s recent performances include her “dazzling” debut as Cinderella in Rossini’s La Cenerentola for Manitoba Opera and Brott Opera, her role debut as Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina for Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Rossini’s dramatic cantata Giovanna d’Arco with Orchestra Borealis, as well as a world-premiere performance of The Ruins of Time by Kevin Lau, commissioned for Lizzy by the MCO. Other notable roles include Julia Child in Holby’s Bon Appétit (Little Opera Company), Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Béatrice in Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict (Manitoba Underground Opera). A nationally recognized Celtic songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, guitar, harp), she won the “Traditional Singer of the Year” award at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards. In addition to her five independent albums, Lizzy has released multiple music video projects, and has given countless concert tours throughout the country since transitioning to full time in 2009. She has been recognized with numerous awards/nominations including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her outstanding contribution to commemorating Canadian veterans and history through music, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, International Acoustic Music Awards and Independent Music Awards. @LizzyHoytMusic

Donnalynn Grills, Mezzo-soprano

Mezzo soprano Donnalynn Grills is a versatile and engaging performer. Equally at home in opera, oratorio and musical theatre, Donnalynn has had the privilege of performing with several musical ensembles across Western Canada. She has been a guest soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver CBC Orchestra and the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Some of Donnalynn’s favourite stage credits include Berta – The Barber of Seville, Marcellina – Le Nozze de Figaro, Alisa - Lucia di Lammermoor, Mrs. McLean – Susannah, Annina – La Traviata, Mother Abbess – The Sound of Music, Mrs. Eynsford Hill – My Fair Lady, Madame Flora/Baba – The Medium, Mama Maddelena – Nine, Dinah – Trouble in Tahiti & Amahl’s Mother – Amahl & the Night Visitors as well as many roles with The Winnipeg Gilbert & Sullivan Society. She is also a proud member of The Winnipeg Singers, Dead of Winter and Canzona, providing her with opportunities to perform a wide variety of choral music. When not rehearsing for one performance or another, Donnalynn can be found at the U of M Desautels Faculty of Music as the program coordinator for the Prep Studies Division. She is also a proud “pawrent” to her wee westie, Joey. Donnalynn is honoured to play a small role in this tribute to Michael. He was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to work with him.

Mel Braun, Baritone

Baritone Mel Braun is a long-time singer, teacher, and conductor. A veteran performer of Oratorio, Opera, and Recital, his repertoire ranges the gamut from Early Music to New Music. As a teacher, he heads up the Voice Area at the Desautels Faculty of Music where many of his students have gone on to professional careers as singers, teachers, and conductors. As Co-Artistic Director of the Dead of Winter Ensemble, he premieres new works by renowned Cree composer Andrew Balfour. He has very fond memories of working with Michael and Neil to premiere City Workers in Love and Bachelor Farmers of the Apocalypse.

Tracy Dahl, Coloratura soprano

Canadian coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl C.M.’s career now spans over 40 years, having started in theatre before transitioning to opera. Her diverse performances in concert and opera have taken her to the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Le Châtelet in Paris, Sydney Opera House, the Hollywood Bowl, and all the major Canadian opera companies. Her first foray into opera was in the children's chorus of La Bohème for Manitoba Opera with notable choristers: Michael Cavanagh and Mariam Bernstein. She is proud to have worked with Michael Cavanagh in some of her favourite operas: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Don Pasquale, La Fille du Régiment, and as Madame Mao his internationally acclaimed production of Nixon in China. One cherished recollection of working with Michael: "He was a very funny man. Who can forget the Macarena, appearing first as individual physical movements that then, linked together with the whole cast, became the full dance for the finale of Act 1 of The Barber of Seville!" Michael's sense of humour suited Tracy well, known well for her comic roles — Adele in Die Fledermaus, Eurydice in Orpheus in the Underworld, and Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffman. Though Tracy didn’t sing her more dramatic roles Gilda in Rigoletto, Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor, with Michael as her director, her students, Andriana Chuchman and Nikki Einfeld, did have this rich experience. Michael was a profound, passionate, compassionate, and funny man who brought all of himself to his work. Those in our industry are blessed for having known him, and audiences have left the concert halls around the world feeling the impact of opera’s stories as told through Michael’s eyes.

David Watson, Bass-baritone

Bass-baritone David Watson, a veteran of operatic and concert stages across Canada, continues to earn praise for the exceptional richness and power of his voice. He has appeared in over 50 productions with Manitoba Opera, most recently as Benoit & Alcindoro in La Bohème (2025). David has also performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera, Calgary Opera, Edmonton Opera, and Rainbow Stage.

Lara Secord-Haid, Soprano

Praised by international publications, soprano Lara Secord-Haid has been described as “possessing a rich and expressive overall quality” (Attencion San Miguel), “charismatic” (Opera Today) and was praised for her “flinty acuity” by the New York Times. Ms. Secord-Haid is enjoying a diverse and dynamic international career. Next season she will premiere new works Shir hashirim and Canciones Sefardies by composer Sid Robinovitch with Maniotba Chamber Orchestra, the role of Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos under the baton of Peter Selwyn and the role of Frasquita in Carmen with Maniotba Opera. Recent performances include, Governess in Turn of the Screw with Nashville Opera, Sophie in Werther with Manitoba Opera, a concert in the Jeonju International Sori Festival in Korea and a concert at Opera Helikon in Moscow, a 15-city operatic concert tour throughout China, Cendrillon in Cendrillon (New York Lyric Opera), a solo concert with Opera San Miguel (San Miguel, Mexico), Marsinah in Kismet (Little Opera Winnipeg), Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw (Opera on the Avalon) Marzelline in Fidelio (Manitoba Opera), 3 Settings of Celan by Harrison Birtwistle with the AXIOM Ensemble at Lincoln Center, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario (North Shore Music Festival), and Tytania in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Opera on the Avalon). larasecordhaid.com

Matthew Pauls, Baritone

Canadian baritone Matthew Pauls is delighted to be performing this evening in memory of Michael Cavanaugh. Matthew had the pleasure of studying acting with Michael at the University of Western Ontario, and performing under Michael's direction in a production of Ravel's L'Heure Espagnole. Praised by Opera Canada for his “on-stage poise and magnificent singing,” Matthew has taken on a wide range of operatic characters, from the clever Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) and Dr. Falke (Die Fledermaus) to the not-so-clever Benoit (La Bohème) and Don Inigo Gomez (L'Heure Espagnole), honourable figures including Father Christmas (Merry Christmas Stephen Leacock), the Speaker and 2nd Armoured Man (Die Zauberflöte), and a number of noblemen with questionable motives. His concert repertoire spans centuries and continents, including Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Haydn's Creation, Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium and Johannes Passion, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, the Daley Requiem, Fauré Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem, as well as a number of Bach cantatas. Matthew has had the pleasure of performing as a soloist with orchestras and ensembles across Canada and abroad, including the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay, the Canadian Chamber Choir, Pro Coro Canada, Guelph Chamber Choir, and the Winnipeg Singers. When not performing, Matthew teaches voice, aural skills, and vocal pedagogy at Canadian Mennonite University, where he also directs the CMU Voices. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, where his research focused on the vibrant and often overlooked world of Argentine art song.

Monica Huisman, Soprano

"I have so many cherished memories of Michael. Our paths crossed countless times throughout our careers, beginning right here in Winnipeg. We performed in chorus together at Manitoba Opera, and our mothers were friends, forging a connection that went far back. We collaborated on numerous operas, including Carmen, La Bohème, Così fan tutte, and The Marriage of Figaro. I also fondly recall his own opera, Don Giannuari (I believe it was known as 'the golf opera'!). A particularly special memory was when Michael and Neil Weisensel collaborated on a condensed version of La Cenerentola for Vancouver Opera’s Young Artists program, where we were both at the start of our careers. It was our school tour, and it was such a joy to have them both there on our first day of rehearsal. Michael also served as an assistant stage director on a few shows I was in during those early years. There was always a special bond between us, both hailing from Winnipeg and sharing so much history. Our connection continued through the years, including time spent at NUOVA Opera Edmonton, where he was directing and I was teaching. One particularly fun memory from NUOVA encapsulates Michael's spirit. After a long day, instead of attending another masterclass, we snuck out like students and went golfing. It was on the course that we both had a revelation: golfing and singing are practically the same thing! Both require breath, control, core engagement, pacing, and crucial follow-through. And, critically, you must never peek at your ball (or your high notes!) before they land. It's an analogy I often use in my teaching studio with students who golf. I can still hear Michael's voice in my head: 'Keep your head down!' In singing terms, that translates perfectly to: 'Sing to the process, not the product!' Michael's presence, talent, and friendship will be profoundly missed."

Joanna Loepp Thiessen, Contralto

Winnipeg contralto Joanna Loepp Thiessen is a proud graduate of Canadian Mennonite University where she received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance where she built skills in collaboration and communication on stage. She brings those skills now to her masters degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music where she studies with Tracy Dahl and Monica Huisman. Recent U of M appearances have included Third Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Oberon in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the title role in Handel’s Ariodante with the U of M Opera Theatre Ensemble. Joanna looks forward to furthering her love of baroque music at the Tafelmusik Summer Institute in June. Joanna is trained as a clown and loves bringing those skills to the rehearsal room and to the stage, most recently with The Operavisors, an improvised opera group.

Lisa Rumpel, Piano

Praised for her “fierce artistry” and poetic pianism (Winnipeg Free Press), “powerhouse” Winnipeg-based pianist and coach Lisa Rumpel is an active member of Manitoba’s arts scene. Lisa’s vibrant and varied freelance career has included performances with many of Manitoba’s leading arts organizations and a multitude of exceptional Canadian artists. An alumna of the University of Manitoba (Master of Music, Collaborative Piano), Brandon University (B. Mus. Perf.), the Franz Schubert Institute, Vancouver International Song Institute, and Opera NUOVA, Lisa has been privileged to work with renowned musicians from across the world. Alongside her demanding performance schedule, Lisa is the General Manager of Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective, sits on the board of The Little Opera Company, and teaches piano and theory at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music, where she is passionate about helping students to play with spirit, creativity, and physical freedom.

Neil Weisensel, Piano / Music

Director - Gisela in her Bathtub

Neil Weisensel is a composer and conductor based in Treaty One territory in Winnipeg, whose background is white settler from French-Canadian and German parents. Upcoming performances include Incandescent for women’s choir and pipe organ (co-created with his creative and life partner Rachel Landrecht) and a suite for pipe organ solo entitled Tableaux, in Kitchener ON. Tableaux will then go on to be performed in Denmark by acclaimed Canadian organist Dr. Sarah Svendsen. As an opera composer, Neil’s eight operas have seen 230 total performances across Canada and the US. His most recent opera, Li Keur, Riel’s Heart of the North is based on the life of celebrated Manitoba Indigenous leader Louis Riel, with libretto by Métis scholar Dr. Suzanne Steele and additional music by Métis fiddler and composer Alex Kusturok. Li Keur was the first Indigenous-led opera to be produced on a Canadian mainstage, and was presented to sold-out houses and popular and critical acclaim by Manitoba Opera in Nov. 2023, with the composer conducting the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and a stellar cast of Indigenous and settler performers. In 2014 Vancouver Opera premiered his opera Stickboy (libretto by spoken word poet Shane Koyczan), which then toured for 52 performances across BC. Other highlights include new productions of City Workers in Love and Gisela in her Bathtub in Tennessee and New Orleans, and at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra recently commissioned him to compose a new 10-minute orchestral work for the WSO’s New Music Festival, which will be performed in January 2026. As a conductor, Neil has conducted professional, semi-professional and community ensembles and choirs across Western Canada. He has worked as a conductor for Manitoba Opera, Vancouver Opera, Edmonton Opera, The Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, The Little Chamber Music Series That Could, The Little Opera Company, Canadian Mennonite University, the Mennonite Community Orchestra, as well as the two ensembles he founded in Winnipeg, World Village Gospel Choir (gospel and work music) and Summerchör (choral/orchestral masterworks). With his wife Rachel Landrecht, Neil co-composed and performed an original song, I Feel a Change Today, for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation in Vancouver. He and Rachel have provided keynote musical presentations for Oscar winner Al Gore and also Justin Trudeau, and Neil had an exclusive engagement performing solo piano at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Neil's big band collaborations with superstar Michael Bublé earned him a Genie nomination. Neil is an Associate Professor of Music at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg where he teaches in the areas of composition, music theory and music technology, and serves as Chair of the Department of Music.

Gisela In Her Bathtub (libretto: M. Cavanagh, music: N. Weisensel)

Rob Herriot, Director

"It’s still hard to grasp a world without Michael Cavanagh. Yet, while we dearly miss his physical presence, Michael’s incredible spirit endures. He was, as so many knew, one of the most intelligent, witty, and talented individuals to grace our lives. His contributions to opera were immense, but his impact as a human being was even greater. If ever there was a man to model oneself after, Michael was that man – a paragon of charm, kindness, patience, and honesty. Growing up in Winnipeg, Michael was always in the periphery of my life. He lived just two streets away, and we attended the same elementary, junior high, and high schools. Being five years my senior, he was always 'That Guy' – the one everyone looked up to and adored. He excelled at everything: an expert rugby player and golfer, the lead in the school musical, a top academic. His charm and winning smile were legendary, but it was truly his soul that captured the hearts of those who knew him. My personal connection with Michael changed the course of my life. I can say with certainty that if it hadn’t been for him, I would not have had a career in Stage Directing. It was his profound kindness, his belief in me, and his willingness to give me a chance that was the greatest gift. He guided me with a firm yet supportive hand, opening doors to opportunities I would never have otherwise encountered. He was both a mentor and a dear friend, and I will never forget his incredible, kind generosity. It is an immense honor and privilege now to direct his and Neil’s masterpiece, Gisela in Her Bathtub, a work that so beautifully reflects his spirit."

Mariam Bernstein, Gisela

Mariam Bernstein has been working as an actor, director, and theatre instructor for over 35 years. A graduate of the University of Winnipeg and the National Theatre School of Canada, she has performed or directed over 70 productions. Among her favourite acting credits are Angels in America, Sweeney Todd, and Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. As a director of both musical and non- musical theatre, her credits include Death of a Salesman, Romeo and Juliet, and most recently, Tuesdays with Morrie. She has mentored teen and adult artists as an acting coach, and instructor at the U of W, the U of M Opera and Musical Theatre programs, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and Prairie Theatre Exchange. Mariam is honoured to have premiered the roles of Gisela in Gisela in her Bathtub and Mrs. DeMers in City Workers in Love.

Diana Rockwell, Helga

Originally from Yellowknife, NWT, soprano Diana Rockwell is an emerging artist, having just completed her Masters of Music at the University of Manitoba, studying with Tracy Dahl. She has been a passionate performer since the age of 6 as a dancer, actor, singer, and instrumentalist. She made her solo debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra after claiming the Madeleine Gauvin Scholarship with WMC of Winnipeg and the Rose Bowl trophy with the Winnipeg Music Festival in 2024. She was also the First Prize winner in the 2023 CFMTA National Vocal Competition. No stranger to the stage, Diana has taken part in both Edmonton Opera’s and Manitoba Opera’s Chorus over the last three seasons and has performed roles such as Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte and Mère Marie in Dialogues des Carmélites (excerpts) with University of Manitoba, Frederic from The Pirates of Penzance and La Contessa from Le nozze di Figaro, with University of Alberta’s Opera Theatre, and Phoebe D'Ysquith in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder with NUOVA Vocal Arts. She'll be making her role debut as Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte this summer with Summer Opera Lyric Theatre (Toronto). Diana is a proud graduate of the BMus Vocal Performance program at the University of Alberta, having studied with Canadian tenor John Tessier and vocal coach Shannon Hiebert.

Nolan Kehler, Olaf

Treaty One-based tenor Nolan Kehler is a performer dedicated to collaboration and reconciliation. Recent operatic highlights have included performances with the Banff Centre (Indians on Vacation), Manitoba Opera (Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North), and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (Alcina). A noted Baroque specialist, Nolan has made appearances performing the music of J.S. Bach with American Bach Soloists, Emmanuel Music (Boston) and Victoria Baroque. Nolan has also had the pleasure of working with Juno-nominated Cree composer Andrew Balfour on his compositions Captive and Nôtinikêw in performances with Winnipeg’s Dead of Winter at the Montreal New Music Festival, the Brandon University Chorale, and with Edmonton’s Chronos Vocal Ensemble. When not performing, Nolan is a radio host with Winnipeg’s Classic 107, where he covers Manitoba’s fine arts community and curates listener experiences in a wide range of repertoire. Nolan’s bylines as an arts writer and broadcaster have appeared with CBC Radio, Opera Canada, CANNOPY, and IDAGIO.

Christopher Dunn, Snorre

Christopher Dunn is a singer, improviser, actor, and producer from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a recipient of the Memorial University Performance and Communications Media Diploma. He currently studies under Monica Huisman completing a vocal performance undergrad from the University of Manitoba. He debuted this past Winter with Manitoba Opera as Sergeant in their production of "La Bohème." Other recent credits include Hermann / Schlemil in "The Tales Of Hoffman" (MUO;) Sarastro in "The Magic Flute;" Father/Prophet in "Dark Sisters" (UofM Chamber Opera Ensemble;) and Monsieur Reyer in “Phantom of the Opera” (Opera On The Avalon). His musical improv endeavours include “Mundane Problems" and "The Operavisers". "Mundane Problems" recently featured at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and The Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. "The Operavisers" opened for renowned improv troupe "Outside Joke" this past Winter and will perform for Flipside Opera's "Opera By The Pint" on June 11th.

Nathan Perkins, Percussion

Nathan Perkins (20) is a passionate student pursuing music and composition at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). His musical journey began in 2020, initially exploring music creation on his laptop. This exploration sparked a deeper fascination, leading him to join the concert band at Fort Richmond Collegiate, which further ignited his passion for music and composition. During this time, Nathan also committed his life to Christ and dedicated two years to self-teaching composition and piano. Now a student at CMU, he aims to refine his skills as a composer and musician, aspiring to create music that enriches others and glorifies God.

Robert Butler, Costume Design

I believe that it was in 1984 that I was an extra in the Manitoba Opera production of Aida. There was a very young, attractive, 20ish looking man who was stage managing. He had this huge music score in front of him and was very much in charge, on top of things, cueing the entrances & exits of a multitude of performers & extras. ( The term "supers" was new to me then). That young man was Michael Cavanagh. Some time later, that same young man was at my door asking me to help with costumes for a new opera with Viking characters. I made some of the costumes, handed them over & never did see the opera or any of the singers in a costume. Coming full circle, I recognized the same costumes from pictures of the original production of Gisela in her Bathtub and re-made semi-replicas of the original costumes. I didn't get to make the interesting head- gear the first time, so it was a fun challenge this time round.