06/04/2026
Congratulations to Larry Desrochers on being recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M., for his outstanding career, including his 25-year tenure as Manitoba Opera’s general director & CEO.
On Thursday, May 28, a reception was held in his honour at Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, with family members, past and present MO board members, staff, artists, and many other community members in attendance.
The evening began with remarks by Her Honour where she commended Larry’s storied career and quoted the artist Vincent Van Gogh, which truly captures Larry’s guiding personal philosophy: “…The legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh once said, ‘I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.’ Larry’s work in transforming the Manitoba Opera into one of North America’s leading regional opera companies is a genuine highlight of his long and brilliant career…his positive impact on the Manitoba Opera – past, present, and future – is undeniable.”
Manitoba Opera Executive Director Michael Blais also highlighted Larry’s unfailing belief in local investment and the countless opportunities he created for artists, administrators, and cultural workers to develop, lead, and be successful in Manitoba.
After some remarks from the honouree himself, soprano Monica Huisman and mezzo-soprano Meagan Reimer, with piano accompaniment by Tadeusz Biernacki, performed one of Larry’s favourite duets, Delibes’ The Flower Song from the opera Lakmé.
Bravo Larry!
