October 20, 2024, 3:00 pm, Desautels Concert Hall, University of Manitoba
Curators: Andrew Balfour and Mel Braun
Conductor: Mel Braun
Special thank you to concert sponsors Winnipeg 150, City of Song
Nestaweya means “three points” in Cree. Locally, it represents The Forks and the great rivers that brought the Cree, Ojibwe and Lakota peoples together.
Curated by Andrew Balfour and Mel Braun and conducted by Braun, Dead of Winter celebrates water, women as water-keepers and the pre-settler roots of Winnipeg with a concert featuring the poetry of katherena vermette (Winnipeg-based Metis poet, acclaimed novelist and activist), set to music by Indigenous composers Melody McKiver, Ian Cusson and Andrew Balfour. The audience is in for a special experience with readings by vermette, teachings/songs by Indigenous Song-keepers Laura Horton, Taylor Galvin, and Ellen Cook and ceremony with voice, crystal bowls and percussion.
Dead of Winter is proud that Nestaweya will be the first choral concert at the new Desautels Concert Hall, opened September 2024 at the University of Manitoba.
Lots of free parking available!
Nestled next to the historic Tache Hall, the Desautels Concert Hall’s entrance is on Maclean Crescent. The entrance is marked with the iconic Forever Bicycles sculpture by celebrated Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei. There is ample free parking for events after 4:30 PM and on weekends, just a short stroll from the venue.
Click on the videos below to see footage from Andrew Balfour’s recent Truth and Reconciliation concerts.
