Students, staff, and former staff of the Louis Riel School Division have been working hard practicing for the upcoming performances of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, being presented by Manitoba Opera on November 18, 22, and 24 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

This cross-cultural collaboration celebrates Métis women, language, and culture, conceptualized by Métis poet and librettist Dr. Suzanne M. Steele and co-composed by Alex Kusturok and Neil Weisensel.

A full-scale production, this epic music experience features 11 vocal soloists, an adult chorus, a children’s chorus, fiddlers, dancers, narrators, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

This opera re-places the Michif peoples and the kinship webs of the founding nationals at the central continent to the centre of the big stage while simultaneously redefining operatic form through an Indigenous worldview of story.

At its heart, this opera seeks to celebrate Métis languages and ways of being. Sung in Southern Michif, French-Michif, Anishinaabemowin, French, and English, the opera’s text was developed with Indigenous language keepers who continue to be involved with the project. Li Keur brings these languages, which have survived decades of attempted erasure, back to the centre stage at the heart of this continent.” – Manitoba Opera website

LRSD music teacher Jennifer Engbrecht, who has been leading the children’s chorus practices, has been enjoying the entire process of bringing this story to life, as well as learning more about her Métis culture.  

“It’s been amazing to have the opportunity to see a new musical work in its development, as well as working with the language keeper,” said Jennifer. “The students are so engaged in the music, which has so many elements of nature and history to be immersed in.”  

Retired LRSD choir conductor Steve Denby has been directing the adult choruses, as well as LRSD music teacher Steven Howes and English teacher David Boyes, who are singing in the men’s chorus.

Several LRSD students (Evangeline, Aurélia, Finley and Brynlea) are in the children’s chorus. Sisters Evangeline and Aurélia are sharing this new experience together. 

‘‘I feel good about being in the opera,’’ said Aurélia. ‘‘Not many people get the chance to do this, and I am very thankful for the opportunity.’’ 

“To me, being in the opera means honouring my Indigenous ancestors,” said Evangeline. “My great-great grandma was a residential school survivor. I like to sing in a language that was forgotten by many Indigenous peoples. It helps bring back language and memories.’’

More from the Manitoba Opera:

“Li Keur places Métis culture, a founding culture of our province, on Manitoba Opera’s mainstage. The Red River jig, which features prominently in the score, along with other traditional and contemporary Métis music by Kusturok, is for the Métis peoples, not only a national anthem, it is a prayer, a celebration, and a compass with which Michifs find their way home. Red River music, born of a specific place and rooted in a specific culture, continue to thrive, and with Li Keur this music is celebrated through the power of Métis fiddle, dance, language, and through the operatic voice.”

For more information: https://mbopera.ca/season/li-keur-riels-heart-of-the-north/