Le Spring Swing Soirée

It's been six years since WMC's last annual Swing into Spring! We are planning a smaller but equally fun version of this fundraiser, with a French twist!  Now titled Le Spring Swing Soirée, the proceeds of this event will support of the 2026 WMC McLellan Competition for Solo Performance with the WSO. Readers who have followed us through our 131-year history know that this competition has propelled many musicians into performance careers.

You are sure to love the French pastry, the art, and the fabulous accordionist who will set the perfect atmosphere in La Maison des Artists in the St. Boniface area. We would love to see you there! Get your tickets at Le Spring Swing Soirée | Wmcwpg. Parking for those with limited mobility via rue Saint-Joseph, back lane. We hope to see you on May 7!

If you are unable to attend, we hope you will give consideration to supporting this one-of-a-kind competition and the artists that it affirms at Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg | Donate.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased * at Le Spring Swing Soirée | Wmcwpg

* by calling us at 204-944-9431 * by sending a cheque to Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, 46 Ashford Drive, Wpg, MB. R2N 1K8

A partial tax receipt will be provided.

Anne-Marie Williot is a trilingual multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from rural Quebec, and now based in Winnipeg. A poet and performer, she writes and sings in a deliciously melodic blend of old and new sounds, often evocative of candle-lit cafes. In recent years, the accordion has become her main instrument. Anne-Marie has been performing since the age of four, a journey that has taken her from singing solos in choir to the release of her 2020 album: Cheval Géant.  She has toured Canada from coast to coast and has filled the sidewalks of her neighbourhood with her music.

Pastry Chef and Chocolatier Eric Bari has been perfecting his trade since 1986, beginning in France and Switzerland. In 1992, he moved to Canada, running his own pastry shop, and ultimately holding the title of Executive Pastry Chef at the Manitoba Club. He also helped in the start-up of the newly renovated 5 star Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort at Hecla Island, the Aromansse Retreat Centre, Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery.

Eric has built up a large following of pastry lovers and you can drool over some of them on his website at Eric Bari Pastry Winnipeg.

The WMC McLellan Competition for Solo Performance with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: The purpose of this competition is to provide funds to emerging Manitoba musicians who are performing at an advanced level and aiming to pursue careers in classical music. The prize money, due to a generous bequest by longtime supporter Doris McLellan, is invested at the Winnipeg Foundation. WMC works hard to raise the funds necessary to administer this biennial event that includes the cost of the orchestra, the halls, three panels of adjudicators and other expenses incurred.  Your donation is highly valued. Thank you!  Since its inaugural competition in 2006, $200,000 has been awarded to Manitoba musicians, all of whom have gone on to make their mark in the world! Here are testimonials from a few: Christina Thanisch-Smith (2024): "In the early parts of our careers, many of us do leave Manitoba. We go where life takes us, school-wise and professionally. When we come back, we’re greeted with warmth, we feel loved, supported and nurtured in a way that doesn’t happen in a strange city.  I feel that I’m a part of the WMC’s love for music."

In her young life, Christina has already sung numerous title roles with companies across Canada and has been featured as Opera Canada’s Artist of the Week. In 2024, she made her main-stage debut as Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore, and sang Beauty in Giannini’s Beauty & The Beast.

David Liam Roberts (2022): "The WMC McLellan Competition almost single-handedly makes it a distinct privilege to be a Manitoban young musician, as no other province has an opportunity like this for their young musicians, offering such generous prizes and allowing three finalists to perform a full concerto with the WSO."

David Liam’s awards also include the Michael Measures Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts, 1st Prize and Grand Award at the 2018 National Music Festival of Canada, and being named to CBC's "30 Classical Musicians under 30". His Rilian Trio recently won the 1st Prize, Audience Prize and Commission Prize at the 12th Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition in Norway.

Joshua Peters (2014): "Thanks to the support of the Winnipeg Women’s Music Club for the many scholarships and performance opportunities I received over the years growing up in Winnipeg. WMC is the most important source of support and community for young musicians in Manitoba."

Joshua is 2nd Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra since 2016. A multiple prize winner, he took first prize in both the 2015 Eckhardt-Gramatté Music Competition, two Sylva Gelber Foundation Awards, and the 2015 Golden Violin Award from McGill University.

Madeline Hildebrand (2012): "The McLellan Competition was a career-turning event for me. Making my debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra allowed me to foster many connections in my community with the foremost players of classical music here on the prairies. Thanks to the WMC for affording this incredible opportunity to emerging classical musicians!"

Madeline recently completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at Stony Brook University, NY, and has enjoyed solo concerts across Canada, the U.S.A. and Europe, and has performed with such prominent personalities as Philip Glass, Ariel Barnes, and the Kronos quartet. She recently launched her first CD together with oboist Caitlin Broms-Jacobs, titled Sing to Me Again.