Love Languages

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of music, art, and emotion as Flipside Opera and the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg proudly co-present Love Languages: Songs & Pictures on Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch. Join us on January 11, 2025, at the Desautels Concert Hall for a unique performance that will explore the many shades of love through music, art, and storytelling.

Featuring legendary Canadian soprano Tracy Dahl and the “silky-smooth” baritone Clarence Frazer, this 80-minute concert brings to life Hugo Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch—a collection of 46 miniature masterpieces that delve into the universal feelings of love. Accompanied by pianist Lisa Rumpel, you will be guided through a musical journey of infatuation, yearning, heartbreak, and devotion.

But this is more than a concert—it’s a fully immersive experience. As the performers weave their stories through song, you’ll also be treated to 46 original, whimsical illustrations by soprano and artist Ana Toumine, each one reflecting the heart of every song. These delightful visual “program notes” cleverly use food imagery and a dash of humour to bring the songs’ meanings to life, offering a fresh perspective on Wolf’s timeless work.

Tickets are on sale now! Secure your seat and immerse yourself in this celebration of love languages.

Why You Can’t Miss This Performance

• A rare opportunity to hear the entire Italienisches Liederbuch song cycle performed in one evening—something rarely staged due to its unique structure requiring two distinct singers.
• Experience the intimacy of art song, where poetry, voice, and piano intertwine in an emotionally potent storytelling format.
• Enjoy a multidisciplinary production that blends the beauty of music with stunning illustrations, offering a fresh and accessible approach to classical music.
• Limited-edition illustrated Liederbuchs will be available for purchase, a perfect keepsake of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Whether you’re a seasoned classical music lover or new to the world of art song, Love Languages promises to captivate and inspire. Join us in celebrating love in all its forms—romantic, whimsical, and heart-wrenching—through this extraordinary fusion of music, art, and performance.

This project is presented with the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council.