ANNUAL REPORT
2017
50TH GALA CONCERT | TOSCA | THE MERRY WIDOW | LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR | OPERA IN THE REGIONS
West Australian Opera Vision and Goals Vision We will enrich the cultural landscape by presenting high quality opera and be a source of pride for West Australians
Goals 1. SUSTAINABILITY As custodians of the art form we will present, sustain, develop and ensure the long-term viability of opera.
2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT We will engage and inspire West Australians, develop and retain audiences, and ensure relevancy.
3. ARTISTIC VIBRANCY We will present the standard repertoire and develop the artform while increasing artistic vibrancy.
4. INTEGRITY We will act with integrity and responsibility in all that we do and provide a safe and supportive environment where everyone can produce their best work.
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OPERA IN THE PARK 50TH GALA CONCERT SUPREME COURT GARDENS 8pm Saturday 4 February
TOSCA HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE 7.30pm 28, 30 March 1, 4, 6, 8 April
THE MERRY WIDOW HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE 7.30pm 15, 18, 19 (matinee), 20, 21, 22 July
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE 7.30pm 26, 28 October 2, 4 November
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Chairman’s Report I am pleased to present West Australian Opera’s Annual Report for the company’s 50TH anniversary year. West Australian Opera receives support from the Western Australian Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest, and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for which we are very grateful
The contribution of our patrons, sponsors and donors is critical to our success, even more so after 50 years of operation. We are proud to develop strong partnerships with our supporters all of whom have contributed to our success, viability and vitality throughout these years. West Australian Opera acknowledges and thanks Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts, Official Airline Partner Qantas, City of Perth, Lotterywest and Healthway with the message alcohol.think.again. We are grateful to the Western Australian Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest and to the Australian Government through the Australia Council. Thank you to patrons who offer personal contributions and continued commitment to the company through the Private Giving Program. We are grateful for leadership donations through the Bendat Scholarship, the Belcanto Fund, Minderoo Foundation, the James Galvin Family Trust and trusts and foundations who give their support. We are grateful for the gift of FMG shares which we hold. I thank my fellow directors for their support, time and expertise, and the management and staff of West Australian Opera for their passion and commitment in bringing opera to the stage.
ANDREW PASCOE CHAIRMAN, WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA
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Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts Wesfarmers is Western Australia’s leading corporate supporter of the arts with a demonstrated leadership position in Australia and is the Principal Partner of the state opera company.
Wesfarmers Arts recognises that opera offers a unique and rich experience involving principal singers, actors, chorus, orchestra, a conductor, director, choreography and high production values including sets, costumes, lighting and backstage elements: it is indeed a multi-sensory art form. Wesfarmers and West Australian Opera first worked together in 1998. Since then the partnership has expanded to embrace production seasons, the commissioning of a new opera in 2007 through the Wesfarmers Arts Commission Series (The Love of the Nightingale by Richard Mills), annual support and the development of the Wesfarmers Young Artists program. In 2009 Wesfarmers became Principal Partner of West Australian Opera. This Principal Partnership underpins the ongoing life and vitality of the state opera company. This award winning partnership is fundamental to the state opera company and is appreciated and valued by the board, management, company and audiences.
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Executive Director’s Report We gratefully recognise the support of Principal Partner Wesfarmers who continue to inspire with their dedication to the arts in Western Australia
This has been a wonderful year of celebration recoginising West Australian Opera’s 50th anniversary year. I acknowledge Annie Patrick for program notes and pre-performance talks. I acknowledge and thank all of the company’s donors and foundations including support for the Bel Canto Fund, the Bendat Scholarship, Simon Lee Foundation, Galvin Family Foundation,, Andrew and Nicola Forrest and the Minderoo Foundation, the Society of WA Opera Lovers, the generosity of our anonymous donors and all supporters of the company. I am grateful to the state government for additional support in the 50th year which enabled the introduction of Opera in the Regions which delivered opera concerts in iconic West Australian locations including the Pinnacles, Greenough, Valley of the Giants and Broome. In 2015 we commissioned Tim Finn OBE to write a new work in collaboration with our colleagues at New Zealand Opera and Victorian Opera and we took the commission to a third workshop in Auckland in March. It is the aim of West Australian Opera to deliver excellence both on and off the stage, and I wish to acknowledge and thank the Board including Chairman Andrew Pascoe, deputy Chair Catherine Ferrari, Ingrid O’Brien, Julian Burt, Jan Stewart, Mario D’Orazio, Warwick Hemsley, Darren Lewsen and Anthony Gianotti. I thank Terry Bowen, who retired from the board at the end of 2017, and recognise his years of leadership as a board director and Chairman and I thank him both personally and on behalf of the company for his support. My grateful thanks to staff and colleagues with whom I work closely all year-round at West Australian Opera, His Majesty’s Theatre, Department of Culture and the Arts, Perth Theatre Trust, the Australia Council, Lotterywest, Healthway and industry colleagues. CAROLYN CHARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA
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Artistic Director’s Report 2017 was my second programmed season as Artistic Director, and the themes of repertoire renewal and audience engagement were displayed in different ways to 2016. The three stands of renewal - new works and formats, new productions, and building sustainable Australian operatic careers - were to the fore throughout our fiftieth Anniversary Year. Opera in the Park inaugurated this anniversary year with a Gala Concert, presenting soloists, the West Australian Opera Chorus, members of the UWA Music Faculty, and WASO in a spectacular event which audiences statewide enjoyed. Season One presented Puccini’s Tosca in a production by Stuart Maunder, new to Perth. The success and popularity of this production highlights the importance of continual renewal of the core repertoire, and the need to introduce new stagings of even the most familiar work on a regular basis. Season Two premiered the Opera Conference production of The Merry Widow. Featuring Taryn Fiebig and Alexander Lewis - both Australian principals with strong WA connections - the glamour, refined sensuality and expensive production values of Graeme Murphy’s direction won plaudits from audiences. It was desirable that WAO be the first Company to present this production, and the immense popularity of the season strengthened us in our conviction that the leading of new productions plays an important role in our artistic vibrancy. Season Three presented Lucia di Lammermoor in the well-loved Copley production. We programmed this as a celebration of the Company’s long history in curating traditional repertoire and stagings. The necessary degree of refreshment came from our casting, which featured a new generation of Lucia sopranos in the sensational Emma Pearson. Our anniversary year also strengthened our reach beyond Perth, through our Opera in the Regions programmes. Opera at the Pinnacles, Opera in the Valley of the Giants, Opera in Greenough, Opera in Broome and Opera in the Quarry were enjoyed by delighted local audiences, who experienced the power of the singing voice telling stories in an accessible, relaxed concert format with four singers and a piano. WAO intends to continue development and reach of this format, throughout 2018 and beyond. It signals that opera and His Majesty’s Theatre are not co-terminous, and that opera can reach well beyond the proscenium arch, and can also be stripped bare without compromising artistic standards in any way. My Artistic Director’s blog, published monthly, continues to receive good feedback as a tool for Company outreach and persuasion to an attentive audience. My goals as Artistic Director of WAO remain: to refresh the repertoire we offer, whether old or new; increase our connection with our audiences, some of whom want the familiar, some the new; achieve artistic standards of consistent and rising excellence; and strengthen and further deepen my relationships with the community, WAO staff, Board, benefactors, institutions, and artists. BRAD COHEN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA
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West Australian Opera The Company BACKGROUND West Australian Opera was established in 1967 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. It is Western Australia’s full-time, professional state opera company. The company presents operas drawn the mainstream operatic repertoire increasingly is involved in commissioning and development of repertoire.
from and the new
The company offers an annual subscription season of main stage productions as well as programs in regional Western Australia and a strong education program and ancillary activities, including concerts and community events in Western Australia. It is an incorporated association with a board of eight directors chaired by Andrew Pascoe. The company receives income from federal and state funding, box office revenue, donations and sponsorship. We are grateful to the federal government and Australia Council, the state government and Department for Culture and the Arts, and local government through the City of Perth. We acknowledge our valued Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts.
PRODUCTIONS Each year West Australian Opera presents three operas in His Majesty’s Theatre and the free community event City of Perth’s Opera in the Park.
TOURING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS West Australian Opera is committed to taking the art form to as many people in Western Australia as possible through the touring of small scale work to regional Western Australia and the participation of the company in community events.
EDUCATION West Australian Opera provides support for students and teachers for each opera. We recognise the place West Australian Opera occupies in the study of music in Western Australia and we work to offer the best possible experience for students.
YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM Young and emerging artists are offered training, advice, support and a creative pathway into the Company. We work with established artists locally, nationally and internationally to provide opportunities for creativity and career advancement.
‘The arts lift people out of their everyday’ (Nicola Forrest)
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West Australian Opera Board and Company BOARD Chairman Andrew Pascoe Deputy Chair Catherine Ferrari Directors Julian Burt Warwick Hemsley Ingrid O’Brien Darren Lewsen Jan Stewart Mario D‘Orazio Anthony Gianotti
COMPANY Executive Director Carolyn Chard
VICE REGAL PATRON Her Excellency the Honorable Kerry Sanderson AC Governor of Western Australia
Artistic Administrator Rebecca Kais
PATRONS Dr Jack Bendat AM CitWA Cav Uff Giuseppe Bertinazzo OMRI
Artistic Director Brad Cohen Production Manager Mandy Farmer Head of Music Thomas Johnson* (*to November 2017) Development Manager Coralie Bishop
Accountant Debbie Liebgott Education Manager Terasa Letizia
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Dario Amara Cav Uff Giuseppe Bertinazzo OMRI Hon Julie Bishop MP Frank Cooper Erich Fraunschiel Colin Goddard Francis Landels Margaret McManus Annie Patrick Bruce Martin Richard Mills AM Marilyn Phillips Vincent A Warrener AM KHS Annie Patrick Bruce Martin AM
Marketing Manager Danielle Ierace
Commissioned Artist Tim Finn OBE
Stage Manager Karen Farmer
Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists Paull-Anthony Keightley, Rebecca Bunn Fleuranne Brockway
Bendat Scholarship Paull-Anthony Keightley, Rebecca Bunn Fleuranne Brockway
Marketing Assistant Daniele Foti-Cuzzola Office Coordinator Marion O’Connor Publicity Consultant Lynne Burford Financial Accountant Sue Hobson Regional Project Manager Melanie Timms
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th 50 Gala Concert CITY OF PERTH’S OPERA IN THE PARK A free event supported by Lotterywest and Alcohol. Think Again Supreme Court Gardens 4 February 2017 Charity Partner Telethon Simulcast to Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River, Merredin, Northbridge Piazza, Community Resource Centre throughout the State, Westlink Regional Satellite TV Channel 602 Conductor Director Production Manager Repetiteur Soprano Mezzo Soprano Tenor Baritone Baritone
Brad Cohen Brendan Hanson Mandy Farmer Tommaso Pollio Emma Pearson Fiona Campbell Virgilio Marino Teddy Tahu Rhodes Sam Roberts-Smith
West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra
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TOSCA PUCCINI His Majesty’s Theatre 28, 30 March & 1, 4, 6, 8 April Composer Libretto Conductor Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Floria Tosca Mario Cavaradossi Baron Scarpia Cesare Angelotti Sacristan/Jailer Spoletta Sciarrone
Giacomo Puccini Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa Brad Cohen Stuart Maunder Jan Ubels Elizabeth Whiting Jason Morphett Antoinette Halloran Paul O’Neill Teddy Tahu Rhodes Wade Kernot Andrew Foote Matthew Lester Paull-Anthony Keightley
West Australian Opera Chorus West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English surtitles A New Zealand Opera production
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THE MERRY WIDOW LEHAR His Majesty’s Theatre 15, 18, 19 (matinee), 20, 21, 22 July Composer Libretto English Translation Conductor Director & Choreographer Associate Director Assistant Director Set Designer Assistants to Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Hanna Glavari Danilo Danilovich Valencienne Camille de Rosillon Baron Mirko Zeta Njegus Vicomte Nicolas Cascada Raoul de St. Brioche Dominik Bogdanovich Sylviane Alexis Kromow Olga Konrad Pritschich Praskovia
Franz Lehar Viktor Leon and Leo Stein Justin Fleming Vanessa Sammell Graeme Murphy Janet Vernon Shane Placentino Michael Scott-Mitchell Isabel Hudson, Charles Davis Jennifer Irwin Damien Cooper Taryn Fiebig Alexander Lewis Emma Pettemerides John Longmuir Andrew Foote Michael Loney Sam Roberts-Smith Jonathan Brain Thomas Friberg Harriet O’Shannessy Mark Hurst Penny Shaw Mark Alderson Ileana Rinaldi
West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in English surtitles This production was commissioned by The Opera Conference, the national partnership of professional opera companies. The Merry Widow is presented by alcoholthinkagain
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LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR DONIZETTI His Majesty’s Theatre 26, 28 October & 2, 4 November Composer Libretto Conductor Original Director Rehearsal Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Lucia Enrico Edgardo Arturo Raimondo Normanno Alisa
Gaetano Donizetti Salvadore Cammarano Brad Cohen John Copley Matthew Barclay Henry Bardon Michael Stennett Donn Byrnes Emma Pearson Samuel Dundas Aldo Di Toro David Woodward Wade Kernot Matthew Lester Fiona Campbell
West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English surtitles An original production by Opera Australia
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OPERA in Education WESFARMERS ARTS BEHIND-THE-SCENES PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS It is a delight to introduce students to the hidden world backstage. Students participating in the workshops gain an insight into the elements that make up a professional theatre production including lighting, flying and staging.
WESFARMERS ARTS MAKE-UP WORKSHOPS An exciting introduction to the world of theatrical hair and make-up and great fun for all students. Following a demonstration on the techniques involved in creating a character and special FX makeup, students have a go at transforming themselves and their classmates. With many questions and much exuberance this is a wonderful learning experience.
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OPERA in Education SMARTER THAN SMOKING OUR OPERA OUR WA 28 workshops for 4644 participants. This incursion performance for primary and secondary students takes our audience on a engaging musical journey on the lives of two of our artists. How they began to sing, what led them to Opera as an art form and who their hero’s were growing up and today. Featuring popular operatic works and an opportunity to ask questions . Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA also toured to schools in Geraldton, Dongara and Mullewa.
SMARTER THAN SMOKING WACE WORKSHOP 1 workshop for 16 secondary students Facilitated by Department for Education (Instrumental Music School Services) Head of Voice/Piano and featuring West Australian Opera artists this workshop assists year 11 and 12 students in the delivery of the practical performance component of Music ATAR (voice). It addresses performance technique, stylistic interpretation, performance psychology and more.
SMARTER THAN SMOKING SING OUT LOUD! 17 workshops for 2477 participants This interactive singing workshop has been specially created for primary school students and introduces students and teachers to musical concepts as prescribed within the Western Australian curriculum. Your voice is your own mobile musical instrument and within this incursion we have lots of fun empowering students to use their voice and introduce them to musical concepts such pitch, dynamics and tempo. When David, Year 6 Parkwood Primary School, attended on his birthday the artists led the whole school in singing Happy Birthday to him. He was thrilled. WAO’s Education Manager, Terasa said ‘I received a call from his Mum. His class are doing a project on what they’d like to be when they grow up and to write about a person doing that job. David is doing his project on Lachlann Lawton (Baritone). His Mum said that he loved hearing about him, how he grew up and the fact he studied singing and plays sport’.
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OPERA in the Community We will engage and inspire West Australians, develop and retain audiences and ensure relevancy West Australian Opera produces and presents opera for and with West Australians through performances, concerts and community events. Our 50th anniversary year saw West Australian Opera connect with communities throughout the state. WESFARMERS ARTS SINGING CLASSES 2 seasons, 16 workshops, 102 participants Led by Head of Music Thomas Johnson and tenor Perry Joyce the community singing classes welcomed participants into the opera studio. Over the course of 8 weeks adult students were introduced to opera works, singing technique concepts such as breathing and projection and of course the opportunity to sing, In 2017 two eight-week courses (March and September) were presented. LEARN AT THE LIBRARY 4 Talks, 225 participants The Learn at the Library program enables engagement with local communities on a deeper level. This one hour program includes an information based talk punctuated by live arias. Topics include Introduction to Opera and Opera in Popular Culture. The talks conclude with an informal Q &A and an opportunity for participants to learn more about the artists. COSTUME EXHIBIT 6 locations, 4550 participants In celebration of the 50th anniversary a display of the original Lucia di Lammermoor costumes made their way around Perth as a free exhibition in community spaces such as libraries and council houses. Viewers of the exhibition could get up close and personal to the costume pieces many commenting on the sheer weight and attention to detail. e general public into its home to assist with subscription bookings and talk about the next annual season of work.
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OPERA IN THE REGIONS (50th anniversary year initiative) 4 performances, 2300 participants This free event series was made possible with support from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts, Lotterywest and the Royalties for Regions program, Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts, Minderoo Foundation, Healthway with the message Alcohol.Think Again. Each concert was presented in an iconic venue in Western Australia: • Opera in The Pinnacles • Opera in Greenough presented by alcohol.thinkagain • Opera at Shinju Matsuri (Broome) • Opera in the Valley of the Giants (Walpole) West Australian Opera was overwhelmed by the response to this concert series which was warmly received by all who attended and participated. A highlight for the company was the integration between community volunteers, performers, production and management. The weather was perfect and access to the venue was really easy. There was a wonderful atmosphere amongst the giant karri trees - the trees were lit with varying colours and looked spectacular. The artists were exceptional and the audience response was amazing. Even the kookaburras joined in - it was so funny. I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed the evening, sitting in comfort listening to these delightful artists.
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Audience Summary In 2017 West Australian Opera reached 54,763 people 46 Schools engaged through WAO Education program 16 Mainstage performances staged. 5 completely sold out. 11 Venues hosted regional simulcasts plus dozens more CRC’s 8 Community library events 6 New events staged 5 Major fundraising events 4 Regional Concerts, all at capacity 3 Young Artists mentored 2 terms of Wesfarmers Arts Singing Classes 1 Opera in the Quarry (50th initiative, completely sold out)
Column1 Opera in the Park Concerts and Events Education and Community
Opera in the Regions Mainstage Opera Fundraising
1% 0%
28%
33%
6% 29% 3% 17
BOARD Corporate Governance Throughout the year the Board maintained a proactive role in risk management and corporate decision-making processes. The Board offered a range of expertise in the disciplines of finance, legal, sponsorship, marketing and business management. The Board met on a regular basis throughout the year. In addition to board meetings, the Chairman met with the Executive Director on a regular basis. A package is prepared for the Board by the Executive Director for distribution one week prior to each meeting. This package includes the board agenda, minutes from the previous meeting, a summary of resolutions and actions from the previous meeting, financial papers, written reports, copies of key correspondence, contracts and media. The Minute Register is held in the company’s offices. The Board monitored the company’s finances at the Finance Committee and at board meetings and the Financial Consultant reviewed finances throughout the year. The Board ensured that the company maintained adequate insurance covers including workers compensation, directors’ liabilities, public liability insurance and travel insurances. The company produced a comprehensive Risk Management Report for Opera in the Park and maintained risk reports on productions. The Board delegated the day-to-day operation of the company to its Executive Director. All matters of significance were referred to the Board for discussion, review and decisionmaking at monthly Board meetings and at subcommittee level.
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Board Biographies TERRY BOWEN Chairman (retired 5 December 2017) Member Finance and Audit Committee. Nomination Committee Terry joined Wesfarmers in 1996 and undertook various roles with Wesfarmers Landmark where he was appointed Chief Financial Officer until its acquisition by AWB Limited in 2003. He was then appointed the inaugural Chief Financial Officer for Jetstar Airways. Terry re-joined Wesfarmers as Managing Director, Wesfarmers Industrial & Safety in November 2005. He became Finance Director, Coles in 2007, prior to his appointment as Finance Director, Wesfarmers Limited in May 2009. He is also a director of a number of Wesfarmers group subsidiaries and related companies; a member of the Advisory Board of Curtin University’s Business School and an Advisory Forum to the Australian Stock Exchange. Previously, Terry was the President of the National Executive of the Group of 100 Inc. and a director of the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research Inc., previously known as the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research Inc. Terry holds a Bachelor of Accountancy and is a Certified Practicing Accountant.
ANDREW PASCOE Chairman (appointed 5 December 2017) Deputy Chair (to 5 December 2017) Member Development Committee, Nomination Committee Andrew Pascoe is a partner in the corporate group of Allens in Perth. Andrew specialises in mergers and acquisitions transactions, and major project and infrastructure development. He also practices in the area of equity capital markets, corporate governance, incorporated and unincorporated joint ventures, foreign investment in Australia, private equity transactions, and a range of commercial contracts and transactions.
CATHERINE FERRARI Deputy Chair Board Director (appointed 2005) Chair, Finance and Audit Committee, Member Nomination Committee Ms Ferrari joined Water Corporation in 2004 in the role of General Manager, Communications Group. In 2013 she became General Manager of newly formed Customer and Community Group. She was previously Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and Western Australian Director of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants. Ms Ferrari is also Deputy Chair of the West Australian Opera; a Board Member of the Energy and Water Ombudsman; and a trustee of the Legal Contribution Trust.
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JULIAN BURT Board Director (appointed 2014) Member, Development Committee Julian Burt graduated from Christchurch Grammar School in 1987 and studied at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, England 1991-1992. On return to Australia he worked in the family mineral business, known as the Drillex Group of Companies. He was appointed a Director of the company in 1998. In 2003 he became a Director and part-owner of Metzke Pty Ltd a manufacturer in mineral drilling technology. Julian has extensive experience in governance and community service. He is currently involved in the following Company Directorships since 2003; Director/Owner, MJW Rail Pty Ltd; Director, Margaret Court AO Community Outreach Foundation; Director, WA Opera; Director, Kimberley Foundation Australia; Foundation Member/Director, National Gallery of Australia; Patron, Football (Soccer) Hall of Fame WA; Committee, St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts; Justice of the Peace (WA) and Lay Canon and Member of the Chapter of St George’s Cathedral, Perth. Julian is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in history and political science at The University of Western Australia WARWICK HEMSLEY Board Director (retired 17 April 2018) Warwick Hemsley is Chairman of Hemsley Paterson Valuers and Property Advisors, having previously served as Managing Director of Peet Limited for 17 years and was a Director of the company from 1985 to 2011. After graduating from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce, he commenced his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and subsequently moved into the property development industry and gained his formal property qualifications. Warwick is a past President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA Division), and a past President of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Warwick’s commitment to community, and in particular the Arts and Education, continues through his various involvements as a past Chairman of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA, a former Council Member from 2007-2016 of the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, Chairman of the Anglicare Winter Appeal Committee, a Board Member of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a Member of the Curtin Business School Advisory Council.. DR INGRID O’BRIEN Board Director (appointed 2010) Chair, Development Committee Ingrid is a Marketing Strategy Consultant, running her own boutique consultancy firm. As a specialist in the area of marketing strategy, Ingrid has over 15 years international consulting experience. She has worked in Australia, UK, Europe, USA and China, with a variety of blue-chip companies across a range of sectors such as financial services, resources, not-for-profits, professional services, healthcare, retail, agriculture, government, online marketing and education. Ingrid also works as a Lecturer in the School of Management and Governance at Murdoch University. DARREN LEWSEN Board Director (appointed 27 April 2017) Member, Finance and Audit Committee Darren is the Western Region Assurance Leader for Ernst & Young, where he leads a practice comprising 15 partners and 160 employees. With more than 20 years’ experience providing assurance services and advice across a diverse range of industries, Darren is highly regarded in the Perth business community for providing practical and pragmatic solutions to his clients. Darren has led audits, due diligence assignments and advisory engagements for a number of Perth’s largest listed companies. 23
JAN STEWART Board Director (appointed 29 April 2015) Jan Stewart PSM, BA, MSW. HonDLitt.WAsust, FAIM, GAICD held the position of CEO of Lotterywest from 1992 to December 2014. Prior to that, Jan was the Director of Grants and Community Development at Lotterywest. From February 1016 to September 2016 she was acting General Manager of West Australian Ballet. Jan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Western Australia. Her career prior to Lotterywest included 8 years as Chief Social Worker at Perth’s major paediatric teaching hospital. Jan has held many voluntary board positions both locally and internationally for many years. These have included that of Senior Vice President on the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association for more than eight years. She was the inaugural position of President of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association from 1999 to 2004 and was again a member of the Executive Committee of that organization from 2012-14. She was a member of the Hale School Board for 12 years and on the board of Save the Children for 5 years. Her current board positions apart from the West Australian Opera board are the Perkins Medical Research Institute, St Bartholomew’s House, MercyCare, Country Arts and she is a trustee of the Feilman Foundation. Jan is Chairman of the advisory committee of the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Social Impact, Chairman of the Raine Study Board and member of the University of Western Australia's Sports Advisory Committee. Jan was awarded a Medal for outstanding service to the University of Western Australia in 2004, a Public Service Medal in the Australia Day honours of 2009 and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2016 she was awarded the honourary degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Western Australia in recognition of her services to the community and to the arts. MARIO D’ORAZIO Board Director (appointed 29 April 2015) Since 2011 Mario has been the Managing Director of Channel Seven in Perth. TVW 7 Perth has been Australia’s highest rating and best performing TV station for several years with a strong focus on community engagement, local production and sport. It created the wonderful children's charity, Telethon, in 1968, which has set new standards in philanthropy in WA. Mario has the trustee of Telethon Trust since 2011. Mario holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education from the University of Western Australia. He is on the board of the board of the WA Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University. He is also the Chairman of the Perth Public Art Foundation, an organisation that raises funds, creates and promotes public art in the CBD. He was recently appointed Chair of the Contemporary Dance Company of WA, Co3. Mario is also the director of the Australian Institute of Management WA, a highly respected professional educational, research and training institution, and recently stepped down as a director of HealthEngine, a national healthtechnology company based in Perth. ANTHONY GIANOTTI Board Director (appointed 1 January 2018) Anthony is the Chief Financial Officer of Wesfarmers Limited. He was appointed to this role in November 2017 following his appointment as Deputy Chief Financial Officer in July 2017. Prior to this, he was Deputy Managing Director of the Industrials division from February 2017 and Finance Director from August 2015. Anthony started with Wesfarmers in 2004, and his other roles include Manager, Investor Relations; Finance Director of Wesfarmers Insurance and Managing Director of Wesfarmers Insurance. Anthony began his career with Ernst & Young in business services and corporate finance and has held senior corporate finance roles advising on mergers and acquisitions and corporate strategy with Hambros Bank and Société Générale in Sydney, London and Melbourne. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investments, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is a director of Gresham Partners Holdings Ltd and a number of Wesfarmers Group subsidiaries.
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Private Giving Report PRIVATE GIVING PROGRAM
To our donors, thank you to each and every one of you for your important, valued and appreciated contribution. Art changes lives. Supporting West Australian Opera’s young artists, artistic development, community and education programs can have a lifelong impact. Giving to support the art forms we love can be a civic virtue, whether through bequests, gifts, donation or sponsorship. The generosity of each and every supporter enables West Australian Opera to present and develop Australian artists, to reach out into communities, to put opera on the stage and with the power of our offering to enrich the cultural landscape of our State. Annual giving is the most important way to support the company and underpins our everyday operations. The Private Giving Program enables West Australian Opera to continue to seek ways to shape the company in a sustainable way. It helps to keep opera affordable and accessible to a wide audience. Donors demonstrate a shared passion for the art form and stretch the way they appreciate opera. The Program’s key investment areas are: • Distinctive, world’s best performances • Youth and education programs • Community and access projects • Young & emerging artists development Donors are publicly acknowledged in season programs, on the website and in the Annual Report. Donors receive e-newsletters and invitations to donor events which offer opportunities to meet West Australian Opera artists. If you are interested in supporting the state opera company please contact the Development Manager on 08 9278 8902 or check www.waopera.asn.au
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Private Giving Report PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM Bequests to West Australian Opera are preserved as the legacies of their donors, people with vision who understand the importance of opera to a community. These legacies help us to continue with the presentation of world-class opera and development of young artists. Unless otherwise stipulated, monies received from bequests will be invested and preserved in the Endowment Fund and income earned used to support the company’s key investment areas or specific projects as outlined in the bequest. ENDOWMENT FUND Becoming an endowment fund supporter is a unique opportunity to partner with West Australian Opera. Endowment fund support represents a meaningful investment in the arts and in the diverse community of Western Australia. Established in 2008 the Endowment Fund’s purpose is to build capital reserves, which support the company’s ability to present world-class opera productions of the highest calibre with the most talented artists of our time now and for the next generation of artists and individuals. Bequests, major gifts and capital funds created by individuals will be placed within the Endowment Fund. Income earned enables West Australian Opera to keep opera a live and accessible art form for all West Australians. FORTESCUE METALS GROUP SHARES In 2011 the company gratefully received a major gift from the Forrest Family. Individual giving in the arts is greatly valued. The support that foundations, trusts and donors offer to arts companies has a significant impact on the ability to plan and deliver initiatives. West Australian Opera wishes to acknowledge and thank Andrew and Nicola Forrest for the generous gift of shares. This contribution stands as testament to their commitment to a strong and vibrant arts sector in Western Australia. This unique and unprecedented gift is vital to the company’s future and success.
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Private Giving Cast of Supporters West Australian Opera thanks every donor in the Private Giving Program.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($10,000+) Alexandra & Julian Burt Mario D’Orazio Liz & Erich Fraunschiel Warwick Hemsley & Melissa Parke Sam & Leanne Walsh PRINCIPAL PATRON ($5,000+) Dr Jack Bendat AM CitWA & Mrs Eleanor Bendat Dr Patricia Kailis The Robert Kimpton Family Dr Robert Larbalestier Hon J McKechnie Richard Tarala & Lyn Beazley AO Joyce Westrip OAM BENEFACTOR ($2,500+) Neil Archibald & Alan R Dodge AM Catherine Ferrari Eleanor John Bryant Macfie Annie & Neil Patrick Dr Peter Simpson OAM Michael & Helen Tuite Anonymous (1) SUPPORTER ($1,000+) Her Excellency The Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC Betty Barker Gay & Robert Branchi Dr Peter & Mrs Rae Breidahl Peter Briggs Jennifer Brukner Lynne Burford Publicity Mrs Joan Carney Helen Carroll Frank Cooper AO Lorraine Ellard Dr Dennis Hayward Kathryn Hogan & Graham Droppert Ulrich & Gloria Kunzmann Francis Landels
Patrick Lilburne Richard Noble & Co Sonia Phelan Maria & Robert Radici Len & Sue Roberts-Smith Dr Chris and Mrs Vimala Whitaker Anonymous (5) TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Bendat Family Foundation James Galvin Family Foundation Stan Perron Charitable Trust Wright Burt Foundation ANDREW AND NICOLA FORREST The generous gift of FMG shares is testament to the Forrest’s commitment to a strong and vibrant arts sector in Western Australia. We acknowledge the Minderoo Foundation. YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM The Bendat Scholarship James Galvin Family Foundation Mr Andrew Mitchell Society of WA Opera Lovers BEL CANTO FUND Thanks to the leadership donors of the Bel Canto Fund BEQUEST CIRCLE Ailsa West Anita & James Clayton Anonymous (3)
Private Giving Cast of Supporters FRIEND ($200+) Ian & Kerry Adams Prof David Ambrose Cathy Bardon & Bob Cassie Siobhan Beilin David Black Henry Boston Claire Brittain & John McKay Darryl Bruce Mrs Marilyn Burton Mary Carr Dr Charlene Caspersz Carolyn Chard Gary Chard Douglas Clifford & Cliff Eber Tony & Sheila Cockbain Helen Cook Harvey Collins Peter Davies Ian Dewar Peter Edwards Mrs Shirley Egan John Evans Noel and Freida French Friends of His Majesty’s Theatre George Gavranic T & E Gerner Isobel Glencross Mindy Green & Stephen McDonald Cameron Gruber Peter Hawkins Christine Hedges Dr Penny Herbert Ian & Sue Hobson Keith Holt & Anne Fuller Prof Lynne Hunt Margaret Jarman Dita Jevons
Norma & Max Kay AM CitWA Dr Louis Landau Suzette Landels Rosalind Lilley Jock and Jennifer Laurie Megan Lowe Jill Lowes Dr Toby Manford Rosemary McGlashan Anthony Munro Katharine Nash Beverley and Tony Noakes Celia Patterson Anne Pedlow Jennifer Rankin Emie Robinson Henry Simmons Dr Louise Sparrow Kim Spence Jan Stacey Margaret Stockton Warren Surtees Mrs Janet Thackray Jeanette Thompson Yannis Vrodos Diana Warnock and the late Bill Warnock Miss Anne Watson Olive Wheeler-Brennan Dr Peter Winterton Anonymous (11)
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Sponsorship Report The company is very proud of its partnership with Wesfarmers Arts, Principal Partner. The contributions made by sponsors, trusts, foundations and supporters is vital to the continued success of West Australian Opera. Sponsorship plays a critical role in the growth and development of the company and enables the company to present opera of the highest standard and fulfil the aim of making opera an evolving, relevant and valuable art form that can be a source of pride for West Australians. We are grateful for the support of the City of Perth as Civic Partner for the signature outdoor summer event ‘City of Perth Opera in the Park’ and to Lotterywest who provide the infrastructure and means to enable the regional simulcast of City of Perth Opera in the Park. The company is grateful to the ongoing loyalty and commitment of sponsors and partners who generously support the state opera company. In 2018 we welcome Herbert Smith Freehills, KPMG, Hotel InterContinental.
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Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts Official Airline Partner Qantas Civic Partner City of Perth Community Partner Lotterywest Major Partners Healthway APN Outdoor Minderoo Foundation Opera Partners EY Voyager Estate Quest East Perth Atlas Pearls & Perfumes Toby Creative Future Logic Abbott & Co Printers Konica Minolta Kreepy Krauly Government Partners Government of Western Australia Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts
Level 3, His Majesty’s Theatre 825 Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000 PO Box 7052, Cloisters Square Perth, WA 6850 www.waopera.asn.au www.facebook.com/waopera
Principal Partner