Hello, I am Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and your Travel Manitoba Arts & Culture Ambassador. Although I’m still getting used to the cold Winnipeg winters, the most exciting parts about this season are the traditions, both old and new that we can experience in the fantastic arts and cultural events throughout Manitoba.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra virtuoso Principal Tuba Chris Lee performs the world premiere of Victor Davies' Tuba Concerto. Principals Karl Stobbe and Meredith Johnson jump through the acrobatics of Bottesini's lively Gran duo concertante. Our Beethoven symphony cycle continues with the sunny Symphony No. 8. Don't miss Beethoven 8, Jan 16 - 17, 2009

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is also in the business of fostering new traditions – as they bring back the much-loved original ballet, Peter Pan, for its second holiday run. The ballet, which premiered in December 2006, is full of fantasy, fun and flight – perfect for any families with big imaginations.

If theatre is more your thing, Manitoba Theatre Centre is presenting Jitters, a sophisticated backstage comedy. Jitters plays from January 1 - January 24, 2009 Preview: December 31.

I invite you to make one of these events a part of your family’s traditions. I hope to see you at a concert soon!

See Spectacular Dinosaur Fossils from China at The Manitoba Museum’s Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit

Get ready for a Jurassic experience as The Manitoba Museum presents Dinosaur Dynasty: Discoveries from China. This immense exhibit from Asia features over 20 full-size dinosaur skeletons, fossil dinosaur eggs that are millions of years old, and a dino dig pit for kids.

This exhibit, the first large-scale dinosaur exhibit in Manitoba Museum history, is a rare opportunity to examine specimens from one of the world's hottest fossil recovery sites. Dinosaur Dynasty boasts the largest collection of authentic Chinese fossils that have ever toured. More than 20 skeletons and 20 fossil objects will be displayed in an evocative environment. The fossils are accompanied by four original 70-foot murals that were created by Chinese artists and the Royal Museum of British Columbia.

Dinosaur Dynasty illustrates how a changing Earth led to the amazing diversity of these reptiles, over millions of years of evolution. Among the authentic fossils and life-size casts on view are the 70-foot Mamenchisaurus, the longest-necked animal that ever lived, and the feathered dinosaur Caudipteryx. Visitors will witness how dinosaur life begins-two very different fossil egg nests-and how it may have ended for at least one plated Toujiangosaurus. This exhibit is interactive, and offers guests the opportunity to touch a real, six-foot-tall dinosaur leg bone, along with much, much more. Children of all ages will also be able to experience their own dinosaur dig.

Dinosaur Dynasty is open during regular Museum hours, Tues-Fri 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Let’s go shopping! Our first stop is Osborne Village where you’ll find the funk. It’s all about trendy clothes, organic food and music for every taste. Spend an afternoon in The Village ducking into unique boutiques and when you get a little tired, take a break with a fabulous piece of cheesecake.

Next we’re off to the Exchange District where a delightful mix of shops are tucked into the grand architecture of this historic area. Tear your eyes away from the soaring streetscapes to find a hip hat shop, one of Canadian most prestigious art galleries or a moody coffee house. Jewelry, fashion, toys and even a shop dedicated to Made in Manitoba gifts awaits you.

Feeling international? Head to Corydon Avenue where our Italian district welcomes shoppers with open arms and a cappuccino. Here you’ll find home décor boutiques, streetwear shops, fine fashions and glittery giftware. Stroll the avenue and embrace la dolce vita.

If one stop shopping is more your style, visit the grand St. Vital Centre with its attached cinemas, bookstore and several major department stores. After a day of strolling through the mall, come spend the evening at the Holiday Inn Winnipeg South and enjoy a sumptuous meal, then head off to the therapeutic whirlpool to relax.

Winnipeg’s largest mall, Polo Park, offers upscale shops, cinemas, spacious walkways, lush foliage and a 500 seat food court. The Holiday Inn Airport West is the place to relax with something for the whole family, casual dining for mom and dad and the Holidome Recreational Centre featuring the popular “ Pirate’s Cove Playland.

A chance to kayak with Beluga whales? Wow! Share your best Manitoba travel moment for a chance to win. Here's a recently submitted moment from Eve Hughes, from her experience in Winnipeg:

RAINBOWS & STAGES
I lived in Cumberland House in downtown Winnipeg in the 1970s. The Winnipeg Ballet was my favorite treat when they performed at home in the Centennial Concert Hall. Quite a few of the troupe lived in my apartment block. I have so many good memories of the 5 years I lived in Winnipeg, and still have a few friends there from that time...READ MORE

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