Latest news with #Desrochers
Winnipeg Free Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Changing of guard at three cultural organizations
Cultural leadership in the city is undergoing a shuffle in triplicate. This week, the Royal Aviation Museum (RAM), Manitoba Opera (MO) and Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM) all announced they'll soon have new general managers. Starting next Monday, staff at the Aviation Museum will find Peter George in the company's big chair. The museum's new chief executive officer and president most recently served as CEO of McKim Communications Group, a well-known Winnipeg-based marketing agency. He succeeds Terry Slobodian, who retires from the RAM after six years. Slobodian, noted for his strong record of capital campaigns, oversaw the construction of RAM's new facility during the pandemic, finishing ahead of schedule and under budget. 'I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to help this Canadian institution fulfil its potential,' said George in a release. 'The RAMWC has been an icon in Manitoba for a generation. With the museum's beautiful new home at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the sky's the limit to how we can further elevate its profile and celebrate the rich history and future of aviation in Canada.' Meanwhile, over at the Manitoba Opera, Michael Blais is moving up from director of operations to executive director, effective Aug. 1. Blais, a member of MO's administrative team since 2010, takes over as general director and CEO from Larry Desrochers, who decided not to pursue a renewal of his contract. 'I've had the privilege of growing alongside the organization — working with the community, our board of trustees and staff, patrons, as well as donors, sponsors, and funders to support the great work our artists and company does,' said Blais. 'I'm honoured to continue serving Manitoba Opera in this new capacity, and I'm excited to help lead this next chapter for the company.' As part of his responsibilities as executive director, Desrochers also served as MO's de facto artistic director, producing more than 50 productions and cast nearly 400 artists in his 25 years at the company. His 'Manitobans first' hiring policy helped launch the careers of many well-known local singers, who through MO often shared the stage with leading Canadian and international soloists. Opera production's comparatively expensive nature tends to incline major companies to lean on trusted 19th- and 20th-century favourites. And while Desrochers produced sumptuous Mozart and Puccini megahits many times over, his commitment to local arts development led him to commission Transit of Venus, MO's original opera (premièred 2007), and Keur: Riel's Heart of the North, the first Indigenous-led opera on a Canadian mainstage (premièred 2023). Desrochers will continue to serve as MO's interim artistic director while a search is conducted to fill this role, now distinct from the company's executive director position. Across the Red River in Saint Boniface, the CCFM — Winnipeg's flagship francophone cultural organization — will soon welcome Patricia Bitu Tshikudi as its CEO. After 14 years as a cultural reporter, producer and host at Radio-Canada Manitoba — including more than five as host of Le 6 à 9 — Tshikudi will now oversee the 10-plus organizations housed at the CCFM, as well as the many creatives who pass through its doors. 'Patricia Bitu Tshikudi's impressive background, her unwavering commitment to francophone culture and her in-depth knowledge of the cultural landscape make her an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead our institution,' says Alphonse Lawson Héllu, chairman of the CCFM board of directors. 'We look forward to working with her in this new chapter for the CCFM.' Currently on hiatus A review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe. Winnipeg has seen an influx of French-speaking newcomers from African countries in recent years. In this light, it's unsurprising that Tshikudi emphasizes the organization's role in promoting both cultural transmission and a diversified approach to Francophonie. 'Now more than ever, the CCFM must work alongside local organizations, broaden its scope beyond Saint-Boniface and Winnipeg, and reach out to new audiences, including youth, francophiles, and newcomers,' she said in a release. 'The CCFM must be a place for gathering and innovation, and a reflection of a changing Francophonie, while honouring our local history and roots. It should open itself to the world, yet remain grounded in its own reality.' Conrad SweatmanReporter Conrad Sweatman is an arts reporter and feature writer. Before joining the Free Press full-time in 2024, he worked in the U.K. and Canadian cultural sectors, freelanced for outlets including The Walrus, VICE and Prairie Fire. Read more about Conrad. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Career coda
Rocking out on a kid-friendly guitar as a four-year-old Elvis wannabe, Larry Desrochers could never have imagined he would go on to helm one of North America's leading regional opera companies for a quarter-century. The arts leader announced today he'll be stepping down in May 2026 as Manitoba Opera's general director and CEO after 25 years. He's Canada's longest-serving general director and one of the longest-serving general directors on the continent. His tenure includes producing and casting over 50 productions showcasing nearly 400 artists — more than 90 per cent Canadian with a 'Manitobans first' policy — with world-class performances grounded in savvy, eclectic programming. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Manitoba Opera's Larry Desrochers is Canada's longest-serving general director. 'Not in a million years did I ever think I would be working in the arts. It never crossed my mind at all; however, I think it all worked out just fine,' says the famously down-to-earth director, 66, who studied theatre at the University of Winnipeg during the mid-1980s and once nursed a passion to become a journalist. Upon recommendation of an ongoing leadership transition committee, his dual roles will be divided into two distinct full-time positions: artistic director and executive director. Desrochers, who hails from Baldur (population: 320), is currently putting the finishing touches on the 2026/27 season. He will become interim artistic director in early August, working in tandem with the company's newly appointed executive director, whose name will be revealed in July, while continuing to support the 52-year-old company until his successor is in place. A new artistic director will be announced next season following an extensive search, with Desrochers taking his final curtain call when his five-year contract officially expires on May 31, 2026. 'This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Manitoba Opera,' MO board of trustees chairwoman Judith Chambers says in a press release. 'For 25 years Larry Desrochers has led with vision, creativity and a deep commitment to our community, helping to elevate the company's standing as one of Canada's leading opera companies. 'The new leadership model builds on the strong foundation Larry has established, and we are confident it will bring a reinvigorated focus, new ideas, and will position the company to grow and thrive in a changing arts landscape.' Desrochers's multifaceted 40-plus-year career has spanned opera, theatre and film as both artist and administrator. He's served as associate artistic director for the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, was the founding executive producer of the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and executive director of the Winnipeg Film Group. JEFF DE BOOY / FREE PRESS FILES Larry Desrochers was the executive producer of the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in 1988. Among the many feathers in his cap is producing and directing the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1999 Pan American Games, watched by a live stadium crowd of 30,000 and a televised audience of 1.93 million. For the games' grand finale, he helped organize a reunion of legendary Winnipeg band the Guess Who — there's that rock influence again — that also featured the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. His numerous awards and accolades include the University of Winnipeg's Distinguished Alumni Award (2000), Opera America's Distinguished Service Award (2010), Lifetime Honorary Membership from the Winnipeg Film Group (2011), and the Winnipeg Arts Council's Making a Difference Award (2012). His departure has already garnered fond words from colleagues: 'A steady, generous and wise presence in the Canadian opera sector for over two decades' said Association for Opera in Canada (AOC) executive director Christina Loewen, while Opera America president and CEO Marc Scorca called him a 'great colleague and cherished friend.' Desrochers admits he only planned to lead the company for an initial five years after being invited in early 2000 to help brainstorm ways to help the then-struggling troupe, which had a skeletal six-member board and ballooning deficit. Under his watch, Manitoba Opera currently boasts a $2.9-million operating budget and a healthy subscriber base of 1,842, with the decades-old deficit retired in 2019. His Midas touch has also been instrumental in raising money for a $10-million endowment fund that will help ensure the organization's future in perpetuity. 'Even though I listened to opera when I was studying theatre in university, I didn't really know the repertoire, or singers and their voice types and all that. That became a real challenge for me,' he says of the steep learning curve after he was appointed to his position in 2000. 'During those earliest years I just dug in as hard as I could, and saw as much opera as I could, travelling across Canada and throughout North America to build up my knowledge of the art form. I also learned how to manage the risks in keeping patrons engaged, which is particularly important in a two-show season.' JEFF DE BOOY / FREE PRESS FILES Larry Desrochers with Royal Winnipeg Ballet students during rehearsals for the Magic Flute in 2001. Asked for his personal highlights, he mentions the war-torn production of children's opera Jason and Hannah staged in 2008, Fidelio (2014) and the company's inaugural commissioned opera The Transit of Venus (2007), penned by Manitoba playwright Maureen Hunter and composer Victor Davies. He also notes Susannah (2019), which saw award-winning composer/librettist Carlisle Floyd, who has since died, in the house opening night. Another is last season's groundbreaking world première of Li Keur: Riel's Heart of the North, featuring a libretto by Métis poet Suzanne Steele, and co-composed by Alex Kusturok and Neil Weisensel. 'Li Keur was significant for us because of Riel's importance to Manitoba, as such a foundational piece of the province's history. If this opera was going to be done anywhere in the country, it needed to be done here, so that's why we worked so hard to make it happen,' he says of the first all-Indigenous led opera performed on a Canadian mainstage, a $1.1-million production that also led to Manitoba Opera becoming a signatory to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord in 2024. Desrochers is also rightfully proud of navigating — and surviving — the global pandemic, during which so many arts organizations around the world shuttered their doors forever. Manitoba Opera pivoted to livestreamed performances, including the Sopranos of Winnipeg recital celebrating Manitoba's treasure trove of internationally acclaimed vocal artists. Those years also saw the launch of its hugely successful and nationally recognized Digital Emerging Artist Program. His intuitive leadership approach has forged a robust legacy of flourishing community education and outreach programs, with the company hosting an ongoing series of talks and panel discussions focused on such pertinent social issues as mental health and global strife as reflected in opera, making the centuries-old art form relevant for 21st century audiences. When it comes to his next act — and his own swan song with the company he's called home for a quarter-century — Desrochers says he's keeping his options open for now. ROBERT TINKER PHOTO Li Keur was the first all-Indigenous led opera performed on a Canadian mainstage. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'I don't look back very much, but prefer to look forward, ' he says, adding that future plans might potentially include directing, teaching or continuing to serve in his various advocacy and advisory roles. Opera buffs might even spot Desrochers and his writer/producer wife, Laurie Lam in the audience after next May — that early Elvis fan now a diehard devotee of the 'glory of opera' for life. 'Opera creates a transcendent experience, and there will always be a place for that,' he says about the future of the art form. 'While it's always evolved and styles have changed, it creates an immensely human experience, which is why it's so important to see it performed live, and especially in the 21st century. There's nothing like being in the audience. You're all laughing together. You're all crying together, and the interaction between the performers, orchestra and audience becomes a powerful, enriching experience that touches people on such an incredibly deep level.'
Ottawa Citizen
25-05-2025
- Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa man charged with second-degree murder in femicide
An Ottawa man has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to a femicide of 54-year-old Rachelle Desrochers, who was reported missing last month. Article content Desrochers was last seen on March 14 at the McDonald's on Elgin Street, according to an Ottawa Police Service release last month. Article content On Sunday, the OPS said they have charged a man in relation to her death. Article content Joshua Blair, 35, was charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a dead body. Article content Article content Police said he appeared in court on Sunday. Article content Article content 'While the remains of Rachelle Desrochers have not yet been recovered, investigators have reason to believe she was killed and that her body may be located in a local landfill, where search efforts are ongoing,' police said in a release. Article content Police said the murder is considered a femicide. The OPS defines a femicide as the intentional killing of women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender women and gender non-conforming individuals because of their gender. Article content 'OPS names femicide as part of its commitment to ongoing efforts to improve their response to Violence against Women (VAW) and to prevent femicide and commits to ongoing collaboration with the VAW sector. Article content 'Identifying and naming instances of femicide in Ottawa is critical to the development of more nuanced prevention initiatives and more accurate documentation of this form of violence,' the police said in an emailed statement on Sunday morning. Article content
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conference center reveals upgrades to draw business
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Johnstown's Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center now includes upgrades to make it a premier destination for business events. Nearly all the walls of the conference center executive board room are lined with monitors, allowing businesses to hold virtual meetings with participants across the world. The only wall not equipped with technology displays a commemorative plaque of the facility's namesake, the late Frank J. Pasquerilla, former CEO of Crown American Realty Trust and Crown American Hotels. The plaque honors the local businessman's philanthropy that has made a lasting impact on the Johnstown region. Another multi-purpose conference room is similarly outfitted with cutting-edge audio and video equipment. The renovation was made possible by a $35,000 sponsorship by Concurrent Technologies Corp. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted at the conference center Thursday. Jean Desrochers, general manager of the conference center, approached the company with the idea, Concurrent Technologies Corp. CEO Ed Sheehan said. 'Businesses need a place like this, and when we think about attracting businesses to our region, this venue is an important asset – a tool in our toolbox – so preserving it and making it better is really important,' Sheehan said. Desrochers said the new upgrades make the facility an ideal choice for organizations conducting multi-day conferences, which could provide an economic boost for the city. As of last April, the Cambria County War Memorial Authority manages the city of Johnstown-owned conference center at 301 Napoleon St. 1st Summit Arena @ the Cambria County War Memorial is across the street from the conference center. Desrochers is the general manager for both venues. Desrochers said several key partners including local businessman Mark Pasquerilla, son of Frank J Pasquerilla, are working with the conference center management to upgrade the 22-year-old facility. Collaboration also includes the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and Johnstown Area Regional Industries. Those organizations have made sustained contributions to the facility, Desrochers said. He said leadership from Johnstown City Council and the Cambria County commissioners has helped steer the venue in its new direction. And state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R–Richland Township, secured $1 million in state funding for ongoing renovations at the conference center. 'It's easy to advocate for (state) dollars when you have such a broad collaboration,' Langerholc said. 'This is an example of a team working together for the betterment of this city.' Desrochers plans the conference center to be an extension of the 1st Summit arena. Together, the venues create an entertainment district, he said. 'You'll see more concerts here,' he said. Thirty concerts are slated through the rest of the year at the conference center, and the region's annual trade show, the Showcase for Commerce, is approaching at the end of the month. Such events book hotels, fill local restaurants and generate amusement tax for the area, Desrochers said. 'The main thing we want to do is create tourism,' he said. Follow Russ O'Reilly on Twitter @RussellOReilly.
CBC
29-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Quebec cuts all funding to Montreal organization that helps young Anglos find work
A Montreal community organization that assists young Anglophones in their job search will no longer receive financial support from the Quebec government starting in June — a loss representing about a fifth of the group's total funding. Two of Youth Employment Service (YES)'s core programs — Youth on the Rise and Services d'aide à l'emploi — will end due to this funding gap. These two programs, one ending in March and the other in June, help young Anglophones secure their first job and provide personalized career counselling. YES' services are all offered free of charge. The group says it will maintain other services. Andrew Desrochers, a Montrealer who's been using the organization's services for over a month, says they've had a "great experience" and benefited from their counsellor's action plan, which holds them accountable for their progress. But when they found out the program they're involved in will be discontinued at the end of March, Desrochers admitted to feeling a "bit of fury," though they say they were not surprised. "It was absolutely not lost on me that an English language program is being cut by the provincial government," said Desrochers. "I don't think making those things harder for [Quebec's English-speaking population] endears anybody to the French language." In a statement, Quebec's Employment Ministry explained that the reductions stem from a $145 million cut in funding by the federal government. "The executive management of Services Québec de Montréal has decided to regroup services for young people in the Carrefours jeunesse-emploi, and it's important to mention that there will be no interruption of services," read the statement, highlighting that these groups offer bilingual services for youth. Desrochers argues that this move by Quebec does not represent an investment in the population, adding that reducing funding to programs that help individuals find employment increases the likelihood they will eventually require more social assistance. "You're going to have to pay out that money in social assistance, versus collecting it from people paying taxes because they have gainful employment," said Desrochers. "You're shooting yourself in the foot." 'Worst timing possible,' says employment counsellor YES employment counsellor Annalise Iten says she was "completely shocked" when she heard about the scale of the cuts, which impact the counselling program — a cornerstone of YES for over 20 years. Iten notes that many of her clients reached out to her after they heard the news, concerned about their well-being. Many of them, she adds, don't have family in the country or parents who are financially able to support them. She also works with recent graduates and individuals with higher education. "In many ways, we're a safe haven for our clients who come to us because they need the support," said Iten. "They don't feel comfortable necessarily going to other organizations who are bilingual where they might not be received in what they perceive as the same way." She believes the news comes at the "worst timing possible." Quebec recently estimated that up to 160,000 jobs could be jeopardized by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. "It's very likely that we're going to see a huge increase of people going on [employment insurance] and social assistance," said Iten. Iten also worries that these cuts will saturate the health and social services sectors. "I believe that we are a preventative measure for our clients, our population, our English-speaking population," she said. Despite these challenges, the organization says it will continue to offer services and will rely more on private funding and donations. "We're still here, we're still there to support you," said Iten.
