2022 Donor Impact Report

2022 DONOR IMPACT REPORT

VISION

Growing a community connected by the transformative power of opera.

PURPOSE

Creating a vibrant and sustainable program of classic, contemporary and new work by diverse artists for diverse audiences across Queensland and beyond.

VALUES

CREATIVITY

We create opportunities for artists, a space to play, experiment and be ambitious. We embrace difference, take risks, inspiring the community to explore and imagine new possibilities.

RESPECT

Our relationships are built upon listening, empathy, trust and inclusiveness. Integrity is central to everything we do. We are accountable, committed and fair.

COLLABORATION

Opera is a multifaceted artform, requiring a myriad of different skills. Working with our partners generates new ideas and opportunities, enabling all to achieve more than we could alone.

VIRTUOSITY

We are focused, rigorous and questioning. We are committed to the highest standard of excellence in our art and our business.

JOY

We delight in our work. Joy and happiness is a vital ingredient of what we do, create and give.

Opera Queensland acknowledges the First Peoples of the Lands across Queensland upon which we perform. We pay our respects to all of Queensland’s First Peoples, their ancestors and Elders and to our shared future.

WELCOME

From Brisbane to Quilpie, Windorah to Camooweal, Cairns to Gympie, the extraordinary array of performances and programs we offer are significantly enhanced by the generous support of our donor community. We conclude 2022 grateful for all we have been able to achieve and excited about the good things in play for 2023.

We launched the year with the announcement of four new members of our Young Artist program – three singers, Eleanor Greenwood, Amber Evans and Sebastian Maclaine were joined by composer John Rotar. Under the expert guidance of our Head of Music, Narelle French, these artists were provided with extraordinary opportunities to challenge and extend themselves – participating in performances on our mainstage, touring with our regional program and in John’s case, writing several new works for voice.

Our Annual Appeal played an important role in supporting the work of these young artists, and we were thrilled to exceed our target once again. A special thank you to the Mather Foundation and The Frazer Family Foundation whose generous support enables us to extend the program in ways that would not otherwise be possible.

In 2022, we presented three mainstage productions for the first time since 2019. Significantly, the year was comprised of entirely new productions, including Sarah Holland-Batt’s exploration of women in opera in The Sopranos and the world premiere of The Call by Brisbane composer Connor D’Netto. The support and vision of our donor community makes such bold programming possible.

The extraordinary generosity of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation means our regional program goes from strength to strength. This year we launched Home Grown Opera, a new initiative inviting communities to collaborate with professional artists on the development of operas inspired by local stories.

We also reignited our Composed in Queensland program, with artists, Jason Barry-Smith, Luke Volker, Sara Storer and Marcus Corowa working with schools around Mount Isa, Camooweal, Charleville, Cunnamulla and Quilpie, creating songs born of images the children share about living in these remote places.

Our Festival of Outback Opera in Winton and Longreach returned for a second successful year. Audiences increased on last year’s festival with one visitor flying from Los Angeles to experience the wonder of opera in the Outback. Local businesses have embraced the festival, reporting some of their busiest days due to the robust appetites of the OQ community.

Central to the success of the festival and our regional tour are our corporate partners – The Southport School, Brisbane Racing Club, Kawai, Cisco, Data3, Rex Air, Angove Wines and COX Architecture. With the support of these companies the connections we make through our regional work, deepens each year.

The Chair’s Circle achieved its target to grow the company’s reserves matched by funding from the Australia Council. We are sincerely grateful to David Siddle for his careful leadership of The Chair’s Circle during his tenure.

Special thanks also to Philip Bacon AO and the Hall-Brown Family Foundation whose generosity enables us to create opportunities for artists and audiences that lifts the quality of all we create at OQ.

Finally, thank you to Megan Kair and the wonderful Development team, who all go above and beyond to ensure our donor community are well looked after.

Through the goodwill of all our donors and partners we are inspired as a company to strive for better outcomes and higher standards. On behalf of everyone at Opera Queensland, heartfelt thanks for the generosity that enables us to share the wonder of opera.

PATRICK NOLAN CEO & Artistic Director

ANNUAL APPEAL

We would like to extend a warm thank you to the Mather Foundation and The Frazer Family Foundation, for the crucial support given to this year’s Annual Appeal, as well as each donor that contributed in 2022. The generosity and commitment of our donors is vital to our mission of bringing opera to all Queenslanders. These contributions allow us to continue taking the transformative power of opera out to the community and provide enriching professional development opportunities to emerging artists.

We would like to celebrate our 2022 Young Artists, Amber Evans, Eleanor Greenwood, Sebastian Maclaine and John Rotar, for their commitment to professional growth.

The Mather Foundation's commitment to match funding with a $25,000 donation, led to this year's Annual Appeal raising over $126,000.

"Taking part in the YAP has been an opportunity to develop and to ‘try out’ new repertoire... This allowed me to develop my understanding and technique in performing such repertoire, and in October I could perform some of it at West Village in a concert.

The highlight of my YAP experience was taking part in the regional tour of ‘The Sopranos’ as I could connect with and take part in expanding enthusiastic opera audiences throughout Queensland."

From left to right: Amber Evans, John Rotar, Eleanor Greenwood & Sebastian Maclaine

Eleanor Greenwood

©Glenn Hunt

Singing in the Night, at the Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Winton. One of the two major concerts during the Festival of Outback Opera.

SING INSPIRE CONNECT CREATE

Each year, Opera Queensland shares opera with communities far and wide across our breathtaking state. As custodians of the artform, it is our mission to make opera an integral part of Queensland life by empowering, educating, and inspiring audiences from Mount Isa to Winton to Cunnamulla.

Opera Queensland’s commitment to regional touring, community engagement and education programs, such as Composed in Queensland, Home Grown Opera, our regional Queensland Tour and Festival of Outback Opera increases the reach and relevance of opera through teaching, collaboration, and performance.

The vital funding Opera Queensland receives from the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation enables us to bring our mission to life while giving people across Queensland the chance to experience an artform that is powerful, enriching and relevant.

Composed in Queensland was one of many highlights in 2022.

For our program, Composed in Queensland, students from Camooweal, Mount Isa, Quilpie, Cunnamulla and Charleville worked with songwriters Sara Storer and Marcus Corowa to write a series of songs about the highs and lows of life in the Outback from a child's perspective. The sweet and tender songs that emerged were presented in a community concert led by the two OQ guest artists. Families travelled far and wide to attend the performances.

“The whole experience was incredible, and music will be part of my life forever”

Participating student

©Simone Doczkal

OPERA QUEENSLAND GALA

Opera Queensland’s annual Gala brings together our generous community of friends and donors for an unforgettable night of fine music, delicious food and great generosity.

This year’s Gala was the most successful in Opera Queensland’s history, with the company exceeding its fundraising targets for the second consecutive year. The night boasted a larger selection of prizes than ever before and featured a multitude of performances from seven artists. Guests were wined and dined in the beautiful setting of the Brisbane Racing Club’s St Leger Marquee with a specially curated menu by Brisbane Racing Club Executive Chef John Felesina.

Thank you to all our wonderful prize donors and bidders on the night who helped us raise over

$100,000 exceeding our fundraising targets. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donor community who support our endeavours year after year. The members of the Gala Committee share a belief in the importance of the arts and the power of storytelling through song.

"Our annual fundraising Gala brings together opera lovers and industry leaders whose generous participation in auctions and raffles help OQ support artists and provide school programs from the city to the outback. And, of course, bring the world’s most beloved operas to the people of Queensland."

Gala Committee

Gala Committee members

Megan Kair

Judy Mather

Kristen Sinclair

Megan Brooks

Gemma Alker

Susan Urquhart

Deborah Quinn

Shannon Miller

Mark Taylor

Simone Nevison

Alice Marian

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

This year, the Giving Circle transitioned into its next three-year phase as the Artistic Director’s Circle.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the members of The Chair's Circle for their commitment over the past three years. With the support we received from The Chair’s Circle, we achieved our matched funding goal with the Australian Council, establishing strong reserves and ensuring the company’s growth over the coming years.

The Giving Circle will now transition to the Artistic Director’s Circle, and will now be dedicated to supporting Opera Queensland’s various artistic programs.

Artistic Director’s Circle

Mr Philip Bacon AO , Dr Damien Foong & Mrs Xiaohong Foong, Professor Ian Frazer AC & Mrs Caroline Frazer, Dr Colin Furnival & Dr Isobel Furnival, Mrs Mary Gannon & Professor Frank Gannon, Mr Hien Le, Emeritus Professor Andrew Lister & Ms Kate Lister, Ms Judy Mather, Mr Iain Saul, Emeritus Professor David Siddle & Emeritus Professor Christa Critchley, Dr Susan Urquhart & Dr Philip Aitken

Members of the Artistic Director’s Circle understand the importance of producing powerful contemporary work to ensure the future of the artform.

Philanthropic support from our donors for the next three year phase will support innovative projects and initiatives whilst giving members unparalleled access to the artform and Artistic Director’s vision.

We invite our donor community to join us on this thrilling journey and thank our existing members for their continued support.

Scan below or visit oq.com.au/artistic-directors-circle/ e development@oq.com.au p (07) 3735 3030

ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

Each year we create an extensive program of events that provide the Opera Queensland donor community opportunities to connect while experiencing music making of the highest calibre.

These events are made possible through our valued partnerships and play an essential role in helping us understand what our donor community need as audience members and advocates for Opera Queensland.

YOUNG ARTIST

SHOWCASE

PROGRAM

COX ARCHITECTURE

Earlier in the year Opera Queensland invited a close group of donors and friends to attend an intimate evening with some of Opera Queensland’s 2022 Young Artists.

This special event was hosted at COX Architecture where guests enjoyed a newly commissioned work by one of Queensland’s most exciting new composers and 2022 Young Artist, John Rotar.

The first of his commissioned works was a song cycle for fellow Young Artist, Amber Evans, who performed the world premiere in the beautiful and intimate setting of COX Architecture.

GOVERNOR’S HOUSE RECEPTION

Opera Queensland was invited by The Hon. Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM in her recently appointed role as Governor of Queensland to host an intimate gathering of donors and patrons at Government House to thank them for their support and celebrate their love of opera.

A breathtaking performance was given by Eva Kong and José Carbó accompanied by John Woods on piano. Dr Young and her husband Professor Nimmo are great supporters of the Arts and took on the role of joint patrons of Opera Queensland upon Dr Young's appointment as Governor.

SONGS AT SUNSET WEST VILLAGE

In partnership with West Village, we once again presented a beautiful program of arias and duets in our Songs at Sunset concert.

Tenor, Carlos Bárcenas and Young Artist soprano Eleanor Greenwood joined their powerful voices together, and blew audiences away with their powerful voices and sensational chemistry.

Opera Queensland’s Head of Music and renowned pianist, Narelle French enchanted the audience with her remarkable talent.

FESTIVE SEASON WITH OPERA QUEENSLAND

The end of the year is the most wonderful time for our donors and partners to celebrate the Festive Season with Opera Queensland. We remain committed to delivering performances to spread festive cheer, delight the community and celebrate the season of giving.

CAROLS IN THE COMMON WEST VILLAGE

We are delighted to once again bring back Carols in The Common in partnership with West Village. This intimate concert will pair the wonderful outdoor setting with Opera Queensland’s artists for a delightful program of festivities and iconic Christmas tunes under the evening sky.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

BRISBANE RACING CLUB

Opera Queensland will bring their Community Chorus together this December to celebrate the festive season with a community concert at Brisbane Racing Club.

This community event will allow everyone to join in with some of Opera Queensland’s talented artists to celebrate and spread the spirit of Christmas through song.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

BRISBANE AIRPORT

Opera Queensland will bring the Christmas spirit to Brisbane Airport again this December with two magical pop-up performances.

Passengers enjoy the magnificent voices of Opera Queensland’s talented artists who will perform well-known Christmas classics.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

EMPORIUM HOTEL SOUTH BANK

We are thrilled to again perform some Christmas favourites for Emporium Hotel South Bank guests this Festive Season.

Turning the hotel foyer into a pop-up concert venue, Opera Queensland singers will surprise an delight hotel guests with a delightful festive program of songs.

©Tony Phillips

THE SOPRANOS

This year Opera Queensland embarked on its regional tour with an adaptation of the mainstage production of The Sopranos. The regional tour travelled to 11 regional communities across Queensland. This tour was made possible by the vital support of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, who are crucial to the success of our learning, regional and community programs. Their contribution allow us to go where we’ve never been before creating new and innovative works for audiences near and far.

We would also like to extend a thank you to Arts Queensland and the Playing Queensland Fund who make significant contributions to our regional programs, allowing us to bring the transformative power of opera to our audiences around the state.

“Bringing opera to the regions is extremely valuable and we would love to see it happen every year. Last year we attended in Quilpie, this year in Cairns. It is a great opportunity.”

Audience member in Cairns

©Jade Ferguson

©Murray Summerville

©Jade Ferguson

FESTIVAL OF OUTBACK OPERA

Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera returned to Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo and Windorah from 18 – 27 May 2022.

Set in Queensland’s iconic Outback, the Festival celebrated the wonder of opera under an endless sky. This year’s Festival was headlined by Kang Wang with music direction by Dane Lam, leading the University of Queensland Pulse Chamber Orchestra.

“The atmosphere associated with the amazing location, combined with time of day which added to the experience would be difficult to replicate anywhere in the world. This was a world class experience.”

Audience member at Camden Park Station

“The best of the events was relationship between the music and the landscape. The soaring skies and the magnificent singing. Hopefully the company will continue to deliver works of this calibre – a very fine experience”

Audience member in Winton

SING SING SING

In 2022 Sing Sing Sing brought people together each month from all over Brisbane as well as tourists staying in the precinct to experience the joy of singing. Over two hundred people of all ages and musical tastes gathered across the year to share their love for music and singing.

Opera Queensland are very grateful to the continuing support of our loyal partners Emporium Hotel South Bank who provided the beautiful setting of their Piano Bar and gifted participants with a drink and canapes on arrival.

"I really enjoy attending Sing Sing Sing with Opera Queensland because it fills me with joy. We learn new songs in a fun, energetic way and meet new friends with similar interests. Some of the nicest people go to Sing Sing Sing. It engages my mind and my soul, and I love it!"

Janice Stenton, Brisbane participant

©Jade Ferguson

©Jade Ferguson

©Jade Ferguson

OUR DONORS, OUR FUTURE

LEGACY DONORS

The Estate of Lois Schultz & June Wheeler

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

Mr Philip Bacon AO, Dr Damien Foong & Mrs Xiaohong Foong, Prof Ian Frazer AC & Mrs Caroline Frazer, Dr Colin Furnival† & Dr Isobel Furnival†, Mrs Mary Gannon & Prof Frank Gannon, Mr Hien Le, Emeritus Prof Andrew Lister & Ms Kate Lister, Ms Judy Mather, Mr Iain Saul, Emeritus Prof David Siddle & Emeritus Prof Christa Critchley, Dr Susan Urquhart† & Dr Philip Aitken†

FOUNDATION

DONORS $15,000 AND ABOVE

Mr Philip Bacon AO, Mr Tim Fairfax AC & Mrs Gina Fairfax, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, The Frazer Family Foundation, Hall-Brown Family Foundation, Mather Foundation, Emeritus Prof David Siddle & Emeritus Prof Christa Critchley, Mr Iain Saul

PLATINUM DONORS $10,000–$14,999

Emeritus Prof Peter Coaldrake AO, Geoff Ross Endowment – Australian Philanthropic Service Foundation GOLD DONORS $5,000–$9,999

Miss Adele Dickman, Dr Damien Foong & Mrs Xiaohong Foong, Dr John Gough & Ms Ann Page, Ms Sarah Holland-Batt, Ms Di Jameson, Mr Douglas Murphy KC & Mrs Gerry Murphy, Mr Hien Le, Ms Katie McNamara, Mr Lee Nevison§ & Mrs Mary Louise North, Dr Mark Walker SILVER DONORS $1,000–$4,999

Dr Philip Aitken† & Dr Susan Urquhart†, Emeritus Prof Catherin Bull AM & Emeritus Prof Dennis Gibson AO , Dr Glenise Berry† & Dr Damien Thomson†, Ms Marilyn Christiansen, Emeritus Prof Francis Clarke, Ms Anne Cross AM, Mr Robert Cumming§, Ms Alison Clarke & Mr Leo Pilkington, Mr Will Fellowes & Dr Michael McLaughlin, Mr David Gow & Dr Kirsten Gow, Ms Julia Gray, Ms Valmay Hill & Mr Russell Mitchell, Jameson Charitable Foundation, Ms Megan Kair, Mrs Andrea Kriewaldt & Mr Martin Kriewaldt, Mr Ross Lamont & Ms Sophie Lamont, Prof Andrew Lister & Ms Kate Lister, Ms Kate McLoughlin, Ms Denise McManus, The Hon Justice Margaret McMurdo AC§, Mr Patrick Nolan & Ms Mathilde de Hauteclocque, Ms Lyn Parsons, Dr Sally Pitkin AO, Mr Ray Poon, Dr John Quinn† & Mrs Deborah Quinn, Dr Jonathan Ramsay, Mrs Larissa Shumilo, Mr Allen Smith & Mrs Mitzi Smith, Mr Adam Tucker, Mrs Cornelia Van Zyl, Wagner Corporation, The Hon Margaret White AO, Anonymous 1 BRONZE DONORS $500–$999

Mr Damian Bartholomew, Mr Geoffrey Beames, Ms Georgina Blomfield, Mr Neale Cumming-Harris, Mr Terence Daubney, Dr C. Davison†, Dr Malcolm Davison & Dr Margaret Davison, Ms Marian Gibney, Mrs Marie Isackson, Dr Annette Kortlucke† & Dr Peter Kortlucke†, Mr David Looke†, Dr Ranjeny Loneragan, Dr Desmond Misso ESQ†, Ms Nancy Mules, Dr David Pitman, Mr Paul Reynolds, Mr Douglas Ritchie & Mrs Janine Ritchie, Mr William Rivers, Mr Henry Smerdon AM, Mr Robert Wilson & Mrs Patricia Wilson, Anonymous 1

†

The Medical Chapter § The Legal Chapter The information in this document is current as of 28/11/22.

THE ART OF MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS

An exciting world is created when Opera Queensland partners with leading corporations.

We are honoured to partner with leading organisations across many industries that support our mission to deliver thrilling opera with exceptional artists to the Queensland community.

Opera Queensland partnerships are unique, delivering a suite of tailor-made benefits that exceed expectations, including:

• Behind the scenes access to the extraordinary world of opera with our internationally acclaimed creative teams and artists

• Increase brand exposure and connections to Opera Queensland’s highly sought after audiences

• Collaborate with us on our award-winning learning, regional and community programs that take the joy of singing right across Queensland.

Our valued relationships with organisations from the corporate and cultural sectors help us deliver exciting works of scale and build connections with audiences in new and compelling ways.

To learn more visit oq.com.au

Email development@oq.com.au

Phone 07 3735 3030

PIANO KEY CAMPAIGN

The Piano Key Campaign has been created to support our Artistic Director's vision to work with instruments as virtuosic as the singers they accompany. This campaign will support the acquisition of the renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert Grand Piano, to take centre stage in our 2023 Studio Series.

A key can be gifted to Opera Queensland for $1,800. A commemorative piece of musical history in the form of a bespoke illustration with your desired name inscribed will be gifted to you in return for your support. A key can be scribed with your name or be shared as a gift to friends and family in their name.

Each of the 88 keys is symbolic of the impact your gift will make on presenting opera of the highest quality in our studio. To secure your key, please contact Simone Nevison on snevison@oq.com.au or 07 3735 3038

"Opera is arguably the highest and most complex art form. In speaking to the human condition, it engages our senses, our emotions and our intellect. Even more important is its commitment to make opera available to as many regions of Queensland as possible and to introduce children to the joys of opera. Piano Keys – what an important role they play in opera.

This initiative, which we have gladly supported, provides a marvellous opportunity for lovers of opera to support the company in a way that leads to a great practical outcome in the form of access to a wonderful instrument that is so important for voice practice, for rehearsals and of course, as an accompaniment to solo singing."

Emeritus Professor David Siddle & Emeritus Professor Christa Critchley

Piano Key Ambassadors

Dr Philip Aitken

Dr Damien Foong

Professor Ian Frazer AC and Mrs Caroline Frazer

Dr Colin Furnival and Dr Isobel Furnival

Professor Frank Gannon and Mrs Mary Gannon

Mr Hien Le

Ms Judy Mather

Mr Patrick Nolan

Mr Iain Saul

Emeritus Professor David Siddle and Emeritus Professor Christa Critchley

Dr Susan Urquhart

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Development team at Opera Queensland, we would like to thank our donor community who play an important role in the success of Opera Queensland. Your involvement in our 2022 Season was crucial to the future of our company and this incredible artform we are so proud of.

Thank you to our Board, CEO & Artistic Director, artists and entire team, who are committed to building meaningful relationships with our supporters, to make them feel valued and appreciated. The gift of giving ensures we are able to continue enriching the lives of our audiences for years to come.

From left to right: Phoebe Rouse (Partnerships Manager), Simone Nevison (Events and Administration Officer), Megan Kair (Director of Development) and Alice Marian (Development Officer)

Opera Queensland is proud to partner with leading organisations who are committed to enriching lives through this wonderful artform. Each of our partnerships is unique and meaningful. We deliver a tailored suite of exclusive benefits with the intention to exceed expectations. To our Corporate Partners, we thank you for your continued support. If you would like to join us, please phone 07 3735 3030 or email development@oq.com.au