Annual report ye 31 December 2016

ANNUAL REPORT

2016

GIANNI SCHICCHI | THE RIDERS | THE ELIXIR OF LOVE | THE PEARL FISHERS

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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2016 Season

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Chairman’s Report I am pleased to present West Australian Opera’s Annual Report.

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 WAO is very grateful

The contribution of our patrons, sponsors and donors is critical to our success and we are proud to develop strong partnerships with our supporters.

West Australian Opera acknowledges and thanks Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts, media partners Channel Seven Perth and The West Australian, Official Airline Partner Qantas, Conductor Sponsor National Australia Bank, 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.

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.

We were proud to present the annual free event ‘City of Perth’s Opera in the Park’ and we thank Lotterywest for enabling the regional simulcast to fourteen townss and Healthway with the message alcoholthinkagain.

TERRY BOWEN 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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General Manager’s Report We gratefully recognise the support of Principal Partner Wesfarmers who continue to inspire with their dedication to the arts in Western Australia

In 2016 we were proud to present the new Australian work ‘The Riders’ based on the novel by Tim Winton and composed by Iain Grandage, commissioned and produced by Victorian Opera. Simon Phillips’s Australian setting of ‘The Elixir of Love’ and the new Opera Conference production of ‘The Pearl Fishers’ directed by Michael Gow completed the year of opera in His Majesty’s Theatre.

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.

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 workshop in Melbourne in March and in Auckland in November.

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 Terry Bowen ,Deputy Chairs Andrew Pascoe and Catherine Ferrari, Ingrid O’Brien, Julian Burt, Jan Stewart, Mario D’Orazio.

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 GENERAL MANAGER, WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA

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Artistic Director’s Report In 2016 the themes of repertoire renewal and audience engagement were manifest thoughout

2016 was my first programmed season, and the themes of repertoire renewal and audience engagement were manifest thoughout. Of the four productions, two were new repertoire for WAO, and two others (The Elixir of Love and Pearl Fishers) were given new productions.

Opera in the Park presented Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, which was well- received and attended. We trialled a shorter event running time, which anecdotal evidence suggests was popular.

Season One gave the WA premiere of Iain Grandage’s The Riders, which achieved excellent critical reception. As a signal of repertoire renewal, investment in WA creativity, and advocacy of Australian artists, the production achieved a number of important goals.

Season Two brought Simon Phillips’s outback production of The Elixir of Love to WAO for the first time. Again featuring largely Australian principals and an international guest conductor in Stuart Stratford, Elixir was warmly received by audiences, who especially relished the corrugated iron and the chook shed. Such deeply Australian perspective on a classic is a promising idea which, given opportunity, I hope to pursue in coming seasons.

Season Three presented The Pearl Fishers in an Opera Conference production new to WAO, again warmly received by both critics and audiences. A significant Company debut was made by Jonathan Abernethy, stepping into the role of Nadir at short notice.

2016 saw the appointment of Thomas Johnson as Head of Music. His impact on the Chorus has been most welcome and his musical and artistic support for my role is much appreciated.

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 49th anniversary in 2016. It is Western Australia’s full-time, professional state opera company.

The company presents operas drawn from the mainstream operatic repertoire and increasingly is involved in the commissioning and development of new repertoire.

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 Terry Bowen.

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 Terry Bowen

COMPANY General Manager Carolyn Chard

Deputy Chairs Andrew Pascoe Catherine Ferrari

Artistic Director Brad Cohen

Directors Julian Burt Warwick Hemsley Ingrid O’Brien Jan Stewart Mario D‘Orazio VICE REGAL PATRON Her Excellency the Honorable Kerry Sanderson AO Governor of Western Australia PATRONS Dr Jack Bendat AM CitWA Cav Uff Giuseppe Bertinazzo OMRI HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Dario Amara Cav Uff Giuseppe Bertinazzo OMRI Hon Julie Bishop MP Frank Cooper Erich Fraunschiel Colin Goddard Francis Landels Margaret McManus Richard Mills AM Marilyn Phillips Vincent A Warrener AM KHS Commissioned Artist Tim Finn OBE Wesfarmers Featured Artist Teddy Tahu Rhodes Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Paull-Anthony Keightley

Production Manager Mandy Farmer Head of Music Thomas Johnson Development Manager Coralie Bishop Marketing Manager Danielle Ierace Artistic Adminstrator Rebecca Kais Education Manager Terasa Letizia Accountant Debbie Liebgott Office Coordinator Marion O’Connor Publicity Consultant Lynne Burford Financial Accountant Sue Hobson Regional Project Manager Melanie Timms Music Librarian Allison Fyfe Stage Manager Karen Farmer Bendat Scholarship Paull-Anthony Keightley

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GIANNI SCHICCHI PUCCINI

CITY OF PERTH’S OPERA IN THE PARK A free event supported by Lotterywest and Alcohol. Think Again Langley Park 6 February 2016 Charity Partner – Nulsen Haven Simulcast to Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Onslow, Port Hedland Northbridge Piazza Conductor Director Production Manager Repetiteur Gianni Schicchi Lauretta Zita Rinunccio Gherardo Nella Gherardino Betto di Signa Simone Marco La Ciesca Maestro Spinelloccio Ser Amantio di Nicolao Pinellino Guccio

Brad Cohen Lindy Hume Mandy Farmer Tommaso Pollio Douglas McNicol Kiandra Howarth Fiona Campbell Virgilio Marino Matthew Lester Katja Webb Lucy Mervik Mark Alderson Andrew Collis Sam Roberts-Smith Ileana Rinaldi Robert Hofmann Robert Hofmann Paull-Anthony Keightley Mark Hurst

West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English surtitles

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THE RIDERS GRANDAGE

His Majesty’s Theatre 13, 14, 15, 16 April Composer Conductor Director Librettist Set & Costume Designer Lighting Designer Sound Designer Scully Jennifer Billie Alex Arthur Marianne

Iain Grandage Brad Cohen Marion Potts Alison Croggon Dale Ferguson Matt Scott Guy Smith James Clayton Emma Pearson Rosanna Radici / Mia Beattie Matthew Lester Wade Kernot Fiona Campbell

West Australian Symphony Orchestra Featuring Genevieve Lacey (Recorders) Sung in English with English surtitles The Riders by Iain Grandage and Alison Croggon , base o on the novel by Time Winton. The Riders was commissioned by Victorian Opera with support of the Robert Salzer Foundation and the Victorian opera New Work Syndicate.

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE DONIZETTI

His Majesty’s Theatre 14, 16, 19, 21, 23 July Conductor Director Revival Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Adina Nemorino Belcore Dr Dulcemara Gianetta

Stuart Stratford Simon Phillips Cath Dadd Michael Scott-Mitchell Gabriela Tylesova Nick Schlieper Rachelle Durkin Aldo Di Toro José Carbó Marco Nisticó Jennifer Barrington

West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in Italian with English surtitles The Elixir of Love is presented by arrangement with Opera Australia.

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THE PEARL FISHERS BIZET

His Majesty’s Theatre 25, 27, 29 October and 1, 3, 5 November Conductor Director Costume & Set Designer Lighting Designer Fight Coordinator Leila Nadir Nourabad Zurga

Brad Cohen Michael Gow Robert Kemp Matt Scott Scott Wit Emma Matthews Jonathan Abernethy Wade Kernot Sam Roberts-Smith

West Australian Opera Chorus and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Sung in French with English surtitles The Pearl Fishers was commissioned by Opera Conference Australia’s national partnership of professional opera companies.

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OPERA in Education In 2016 West Australian Opera presented 28 Smarter Than Smoking workshops and performances reaching over 5,000 people SMARTER THAN SMOKING OPERA’S GOT TALENT 9 schools, 1 community group resulted in 10 workshops and 2947 participants A performance workshop that addressed the stereotypes associated within the operatic genre.

Two sopranos and a baritone pit their wit and voices in a quiz show like no other

SMARTER THAN SMOKING WACE WORKSHOP 16 secondary students participated in this workshop Year 11 and 12 music students were welcomed into our opera studio to participate in a 2 hour workshop that explored pitch, tone, musical interaction and stylistic interpretation within the practical performance component of the WACE curriculum.

SMARTER THAN SMOKING SING OUT LOUD! 9 schools, 2 community groups resulted in 12 workshops and 1340 participants Exploring rhythm, tempo, pitch and dynamics this interactive workshop is suitable for singers of all abilities! Students had the opportunity to experiment with vocal sounds and to Sing Out Loud!

SMARTER THAN SMOKING OUR OPERA OUR WA (NEW) 5 schools resulted in 5 workshops and 970 participants Two singers and a pianist shared their opera musical journey with students of all ages. Featuring popular repertoire and lots of surprises we travelled to schools in Bunbury, Collie, Narrogin and Gingin.

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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 BACKSTAGE PASS An initiative enabling students to connect with the artform in an interactive and tangible way ‘backstage in the theatre’.

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 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. Opera in the Community was seen by over 200, 000 West Australians.

WESFARMERS ARTS SINGING WORKSHOPS NEW West Australian Opera threw open our studio doors and welcomed adult beginner and intermediate singers into our studio for a six week singing workshop series, Led by our Head of Music Thomas Johnson and tenor Perry Joyce participants were introduced to opera choruses , singing as part of a group and classical technique.

SUBSCRIBER OPEN DAYS West Australian Opera invited subscribers and the general public into its home to assist with subscription bookings and talk about the next annual season of work.

OPERA IN THE STUDIO We welcomed a special audience into the studio as part of Seniors Week with the support of COTA WA, Department of Local Government and Communities and Lotterywest. Our audience were treated to an intimate opera concert followed by morning tea and an opportunity to meet our artists.

RAC CHRISTMAS PAGEANT A chorus of 40 featuring West Australian Opera chorus members, Wesfarmers Arts Singing Workshop participants and children marched and sang as part of this iconic West Australian Christmas event. Approximately 200,000 West Australians attended this event

Audience Summary West Australian Opera touched the lives of 42,476 people in 2016 Fee

Ticketed Private Free

The Pearl Fishers The Elixir of Love The Riders

Opera in the Park

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Event and Attendance Summary 2016 Date

Event

Type

Total

Fringe Festival - Divalicious in association with WAO January 28 2016

Divalicious and the Impresario ( 2 shows)

Fringe

Ticketed

335

January 30 2016

Divalicious and the Impresario (2 shows)

Fringe

Ticketed

335

January 30 2016

WAO program distribution

Fringe

Ticketed

400

January 30 2016

WAO seat drop

Fringe

Ticketed

2000

Opera In The Park Gianni Schicchi February 6 2016

City of Perth's Opera in the Park: Gianni Schicchi

Free

Free

18,000

February 6 2016

City of Perth's Opera in the Park: Gianni Schicchi regional simulcast (see breakdown of regional venues below)

Free

Free

2,970

February 6 2016

Albany

Free

Free

607

February 6 2016

Geraldton

Free

Free

210

February 6 2016

Bunbury

Free

Free

200

February 6 2016

Broome

Free

Free

89

February 6 2016

Carnarvon

Free

Free

36

February 6 2016

Kalgoorlie

Free

Free

184

February 6 2016

Esperance

Free

Free

210

February 6 2016

Margaret River

Free

Free

169

February 6 2016

Merredin

Free

Free

48

February 6 2016

Port Hedland

Free

Free

49

February 6 2016

Onslow

Free

Free

8

February 6 2016

Moora

Free

Free

60

February 6 2016

Northbridge Piazza

Free

Free

100

February 6 2016

Westlink Channel 603

Free

Free

400

February 6 2016

Community Resource Centres

Free

Free

600

Education and Community March 14 2016

Nulsen Haven Performance (STS Opera's Got Talent)

Education Performance

Sponsored

March 15 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Richmond Primary School

Education Performance

Ticketed

340

March 15 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Winthrop Primary School

Education Performance

Ticketed

500

March 16 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Melville Primary School

Education Performance

Ticketed

300

March 16 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Koondoola Primary School

Education Performance

Sponsored

340

March 17 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - St Paul's Primary School

Education Performance

Ticketed

120

March 17 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Carmel School

EducationPerformance

Ticketed

217

March 18 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Midvale Primary School

Education Performance

Sponsored

380

March 18 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Swan View Primary School

Education Performance

Sponsored

400

April 15 2016

Smarter Than Smoking WACE Workshop

Education Workshop

Ticketed

18

20

16

April 19 2016

Wesfarmers Arts Make-Up Workshsop (Kickarts Festival)

Make-Up Workshop

Sponsored

26

May 23 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Home Schooling Families

Education Workshop

Ticketed

74

May 23 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Malvern Springs Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

325

May 24 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Rivergums Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

160

May 24 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Rivergums Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

122

May 25 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Sutherland Dianella Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

50

May 26 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Hilton Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

120

May 26 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Richmond Wellbeing

Education Workshop

Ticketed

10

May 27 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Malvern Springs Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

325

May 27 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud - Waddington Primary School

Education Workshop

Ticketed

74

July 07 2016

Richmond Wellbeing Introduction to The Elixir of Love

Education Workshop

Free

10

July 15 2016

Wesfarmers Arts Make-Up Workshsop

Make-Up Workshop

Ticketed

14

July 19 2016

The Elixir of Love Post Performance Backstage Tour

Education Workshop

Free

18

July 21 2016

The Elixir of Love Post Performance Backstage Tour

Education Workshop

Free

14

July 27 2016

Wesfarmers Arts Make-Up Workshop (South Perth Library)

Make-Up Workshop

Fee

6

July 29 2016

Wesfarmers Arts Make-UP Workshop (Coodanup SHS)

Make-Up Workshop

Fee

8

August 01 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA - Gingin District High School

Education Performance

Sponsored

200

August 02 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA - St Mary's School, Bunbury

Education Performance

Ticketed

180

August 03 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA - St Brigid's School, Collie

Education Performance

Ticketed

140

August 04 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA - St Matthew's School, Narrogin

Education Performance

Ticketed

150

August 05 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Our Opera Our WA - St Hilda's School, Mosman Pk

Education Performance

Sponsored

300

August 31 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Singing Workshop - South Perth Library

Education Workshop

Fee

12

September 14 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Singing Workshop - Presbyterian Ladies College

Education Workshop

Ticketed

48

September 14 2016

Wesfarmers Make-Up Workshop - Presbyterian Ladies College

Make-Up Workshop

Ticketed

48

September 19 2016

Subiaco Library Community Talk

Talk

Fee

81

September 20 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Opera's Got Talent - Doubleview Primary School

Education performance

Ticketed

320

October 28 2016

Smarter Than Smoking Sing Out Loud Workshop

Education Workshop

Ticketed

20

October 28 2016

Wesfarmers Arts Make-Up Workshop

Make-Up Workshop

Ticketed

20

November 9 2016

Seniors Week Performance

Community Performance

Free

90

November 24 2016

Italian Dinner at the Opera

Community Performance

Ticketed

75

20

December 03 2016

RAC Christmas Pageant

Community Performance

Free

200,000

January 19 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 19 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 19 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 19 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 19 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 21 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 21 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

January 21 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

February 4 2016

Brad Cohen: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

2

July 15 2016

Paull Anthony Keightley & Stuart Startford: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

3

July 22 2016

Paull Anthony Keightley & Marco Nistico: Mentoring Session

coaching

Free

3

March 22 2016

Elizabeth Bookshop Event: The Riders

Talk

Free

60

March 30 2016

The Riders Introduction to Opera

Talk

Free

70

April 6 2016

Woodvale Library Event

Talk

Free

78

April 11 2016

The Riders General Rehearsal

General rehearsal

Free

Closed

April 13 2016

Annie Patrick The Riders Pre-performance talk

Talk

Free

80

April 13 2016

The Riders Opening Night

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

April 14 2016

Annie Patrick The Riders Pre-performance talk

Talk

Free

April 14 2016

The Riders

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

April 15 2016

Annie Patrick The Riders Pre-performance talk

Talk

Free

April 15 2016

The Riders

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

April 16 2016

Annie Patrick The Riders Pre-performance talk

Talk

Free

April 16 2016

The Riders Closing Night

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

June 29 2016

The Elixir of Love Introduction to Opera

Talk

Free

65

July 12 2016

The Elixir of Love General Rehearsal

General Rehearsal

Free

291

July 14 2016

The Elixir of Love Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

86

July 14 2016

The Elixir of Love Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

July 16 2016

The Elixir of Love Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

July 16 2016

The Elixir of Love Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

621

July 19 2016

The Elixir of Love Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

105

July 19 2016

The Elixir of Love Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

597

July 21 2016

The Elixir of Love Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

The Riders

969 76 633 68 546 74 620

The Elixir of Love

859 93

98

21

July 21 2016

The Elixir of Love Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

661

July 23 2016

The Elixir of Love Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

106

July 23 2016

The Elixir of Love Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

741

October 12 2016

The Pearl Fishers Introduction to Opera

Talk

Free

70

October 22 2016

The Pearl Fishers General Rehearsal

General Rehearsal

Free

314

October 25 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

October 25 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

The Pearl Fishers

100 792

October 27 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

October 27 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

October 29 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

October 29 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

November 1 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

November 1 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

November 3 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

582 115

November 3 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

724

November 5 2016

The Pearl Fishers Pre-performance talk (Annie Patrick)

Talk

Free

124

November 5 2016

The Pearl Fishers Performance

Main Stage Season

Ticketed

100 686 115 845 98

912

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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 General Manager on a regular basis.

A package is prepared for the Board by the General Manager 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 General Manager.

All matters of significance were referred to the board for discussion, review and decisionmaking at monthly board meetings and/or at subcommittee level.

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Board Biographies TERRY BOWEN Chairman Member Finance and Nomination Committees 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 Co-deputy Chair Member Sponsorship and Nomination Committees Andrew Pascoe is a partner in the corporate group of Allens in Perth. He is also the Perth Practice Director. 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. Andrew is also a member of the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

CATHERINE FERRARI Co-deputy Chair Chair, Finance Committee, Member Nominations Committee Catherine was the Chief Executive Officer of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and prior to that was the Western Australian Director of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants. She has a strong record in the strategic positioning of organisations and of engagement with key stakeholders and the community. In 2004, she began her current role as General Manager Communications with the Water Corporation. She is Deputy Chairman of the West Australian Opera Board, a trustee of the Legal Contribution trust, a board member of the John Curtin Art Gallery and the State Library of Western Australia Foundation

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JULIAN BURT Member, Sponsorship 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 Warwick Hemsley 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 Chair, Sponsorship Committee Ingrid holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a Master of Marketing from the University of Western Australia. 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 works as a Marketing Strategy Consultant.

21

JAN STEWART Board Director (appointed 29 April 2015) Jan Stewart PSM, BA, MSW. HonDLitt.WAsust, FAIM, GAICD Jan Stewart 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 and 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 and that of trustee of the Feilman Foundation. She is Chairman of the advisory committee of the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Social Impact.

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 (Sociology and History) from the University of Western Australia.

He is a member of the board of the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Mario advises Edith Cowan University on the direction of the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). He is also the Chairman of the Perth Public Art Foundation, an organisation that raises funds, creates and promotes public art in the CBD. Through his role Mario has restructured the former foundation to gain more independence from the City of Perth, appointing a new board and engaging the inaugural General Manager.

Mario is the director of the Asia Business Centre Advisory Board. This is a new initiative by Curtain University’s Business School and aims to develop research projects and grow WA’s links to businesses in the region. He is also the director of the Australian Institute of Management, a highly respected professional educational, research and training institution. Mario is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

21

Private Giving Report PRIVATE GIVING PROGRAM

Thank you to each and every donor for your important, valued and appreciated contribution.

The Private Giving Program enables the company 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 artform 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 Each valuable contribution from generous individuals provide the means to: • Attract and retain artistic talent from around the world • Present ‘Opera in the Park’ a free concert for over 15,000 people annually • Tour to regional centres in Western Australia • Offer education and outreach programs for young people and adults • Introduce school age children to opera at His Majesty’s Theatre through discounted tickets and education packs • Develop the careers of West Australian artists through the Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program 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 feel welcome to phone 08 9278 8901 or refer to the website www.waopera.asn.au

22

Private Giving Report BEQUEST 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 into the future, for new generations of West Australians. 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 performances 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.

23

Private Giving Cast of Supporters West Australian Opera thanks every donor for their generous donation to the Private Giving Program.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($10,000+) Warwick Hemsley Richard Tarala & Lyn Beazley AO Sam & Leanne Walsh PRINCIPAL PATRON ($5,000+) Dr Jack Bendat AM & Mrs Eleanor Bendat Liz & Erich Fraunschiel Dr Patricia Kailis The Robert Kimpton Family Dr Robert Larbalestier Joyce Westrip OAM BENEFACTOR ($2,500 - $4,999) Neil Archibald & Alan R Dodge AM Eleanor John & Finn Barrett Catherine Ferrari Hon J McKechnie Neil & Annie Patrick Anonymous (1) SUPPORTER ($1,000 - $2,499) Her Excellency The Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC Mrs Gaysie Atkinson Betty Barker Gay & Robert Branchi Dr Peter & Mrs Rae Breidahl Jennifer Brukner Lynne Burford Publicity Mrs Joan Carney Helen Carroll Frank Cooper AO Dr C & Mrs C Denz Lorraine Ellard Dr Dennis Hayward Kathryn Hogan & Graham Droppert Francis & Suzette Landels John McKay & Claire Brittain Patrick Lilburne Richard Noble & Co

Sonia Phelan Maria & Robert Radici Len & Sue Roberts-Smith Dr Peter Simpson OAM Dana Trtica The Late Mrs Robin Wheatley TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Bendat Family Foundation James Galvin Foundation Society of WA Opera Lovers Stan Perron Charitable Trust Tuite Family Foundation 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 and 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 (1)

Private Giving Cast of Supporters FRIEND ($200 - $999) Ian & Kerry Adams Prof David Ambrose Cathy Bardon & Bob Cassie Siobhan Beilin David Black Henry Boston Peter Briggs Darryl Bruce Mrs Marilyn Burton Mary Carr Dr Charlene Caspersz Carolyn Chard and Hon. Melissa Parke Gary Chard Douglas Clifford & Cliff Eber Tony & Sheila Cockbain Helen Cook Peter Davies Ian Dewar Peter Edwards Mrs Shirley Egan John Evans Noel and Freida French Allison Fyfe Friends of His Majesty’s Theatre Isobel Glencross Mindy Green & Stephen McDonald Peter Hawkins Christine Hedges Dr Penny Herbert Mary Hillman Ian & Sue Hobson Keith Holt & Anne Fuller Robin Horne & Taui Pinker Prof Lynne Hunt Margaret Jarman Dita Jevons Norma & Max Kay AM CitWA Ulrich & Gloria Kunzmann Dr Louis Landau Megan Lowe Jill Lowes Dr Toby Manford

Anthony Munro Katharine Nash Celia Patterson Anne Pedlow Jennifer Rankin Ernie Robinson Henry Simmons Dr Louise Sparrow Kim Spence Jan Stacey 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 (9)

25

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 with Naming Rights for the signature outdoor summer event ‘City of Perth’s Opera in the Park’ and to Lotterywest who provide the infrastructure and means to enable the regional simulcast of City of Perth’s Opera in the Park for the fifth consecutive year.

The company is grateful to the ongoing loyalty and commitment of sponsors and partners who generously support the state opera company.

Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts Civic Partner City of Perth Official Airline Partner Qantas Community Partner Lotterywest Conductor Partner National Australia Bank Major Partner Healthway Media Partners Channel 7 Perth The West Australian Education Partner Healthway Opera Sponsors Abbott & Co Printers Avant Card Future Logic Konica Minolta Kreepy Krauly Toby Creative Voyager Estate Government Partners Government of Western Australia Department of Culture and the Arts Lotterywest Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts

26

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNER

CIVIC PARTNER

COMMUNITY PARTNER

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNERS

EDUCATION PARTNER

OPERA PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

CONDUCTOR PARTNER

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

West Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report Year ending 31 December 2016

27

THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN OPERA COMPANY INCORPORATED

Financial Report

For the year ended

31 December 2016

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Directors’ Report Your Directors submit the financial report of The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated for the year ended 31 December 2016.

1.

Directors during the financial year and until the date of this report: Mr Terry Bowen (Chairman) Ms Catherine Ferrari (Deputy Chair) Mr Andrew Pascoe (Deputy Chair) Mr Julian Burt Mr Mario D’Orazio Mr Warwick Hemsley Ms Ingrid O’Brien Ms Jan Stewart

2.

Principal Activities The principal activity of The Western Australian Opera Company Inc in the course of the financial year was the presentation of opera.

3.

Significant Changes No significant change in the nature of these activities occurred during the year.

4.

Operating Result The profit from ordinary activities for the financial year was $209,673 (2015: profit $277,335).

5.

Auditor’s Independence declaration The auditor’s independence declaration under section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission Act 2012 is included in this Annual Report and forms part of the Directors’ Report of The Western Australian Opera Company Inc for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Signed in accordance with a Resolution of the Board.

........................................................................

Terry Bowen (Chairman) Dated this 12th day of April 2017 1

........................................................................

Catherine Ferrari (Deputy Chair)

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2016 NOTES

2016 $

2015 $

Revenue

2

1,156,026

1,081,292

Other Income

2

4,123,795

4,336,222

(2,283,701)

(2,236,983)

(13,323)

(8,483)

Employee expenses Depreciation Impairment of Available-for-sale investment Other expenses Production sets, costumes and sound Theatre rental and associated costs Other costs of production Administration expenditure Marketing and promotion expenditure Opera Conference contribution

-

(135,988)

(657,951) (519,502) (306,185) (379,344) (629,562) (280,580)

(475,971) (473,902) (587,703) (302,479) (642,649) (276,021)

Net profit attributable to the Association

209,673

277,335

Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods Increase in Investment Revaluation Reserve

628,358

-

Total comprehensive income for the year

838,031

277,335

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

2

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2016 NOTES

2016 $

2015 $

1,083,224 1,225,000 212,552 64,917

600,929 1,325,000 132,221 175,239

2,585,693

2,233,389

850,000 128,354 920,654

845,000 55,333 292,296

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

1,899,008

1,192,629

TOTAL ASSETS

4,484,701

3,426,018

577,837 61,975

387,986 48,336

639,812

436,322

44,730

32,568

44,730

32,568

684,542

468,890

3,800,159

2,957,128

1,346,801 2,453,358

1,137,128 1,820,000

3,800,159

2,957,128

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Deposits Trade and other receivables Other current assets

3 4 6 7

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Restricted cash deposits Property, plant and equipment Available-for-sale investment

5 8 9

CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Short-term provisions

10 11

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Long-term provisions

11

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS EQUITY Retained profits Reserves

12

TOTAL EQUITY

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

3

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Statement of Changes In Equity for the year ended 31 December 2016

Retained Profits $ Balance at 1 January 2015 Net profit attributable to the Association Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 1 January 2016 Net profit attributable to the Association Increase in Investment Revaluation Reserve Addition to Restricted Funds Reserve Balance at 31 December 2016

Restricted Funds Reserve $ (Note 12)

Unrestricted Funds Reserve $ (Note 12)

Investment Revaluation Reserve $ (Note 12)

Total $

859,793

845,000

975,000

-

2,679,793

277,335

-

-

-

277,335

1,137,128

845,000

975,000

-

2,957,128

1,137,128

845,000

975,000

-

2,957,128

209,673

-

-

-

209,673

-

-

-

628,358

628,358

-

5,000

-

-

5,000

1,346,801

850,000

975,000

628,358

3,800,159

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

4

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2016

NOTES

2016 $

2015 $

1,553,060 2,665,052 26,795 1,064,135 (4,967,591) 90,738

1,557,441 2,231,628 16,529 1,396,727 (4,910,884) 90,962

432,189

382,403

Cash flows from Investing Activities Net Payment for property, plant and equipment

(49,894)

(2,631)

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

(49,894)

(2,631)

Cash flows from Financing Activities Addition to Bel Canto Reserve

5,000

-

Net Cash provided by Financing Activities

5,000

-

387,295

379,772

2,770,929

2,391,157

3,158,224

2,770,929

Cash flows from Operating Activities Donations and sponsorship received Grants received Dividends Received Receipts in the course of operations Payments to suppliers and employees Interest Received Net cash provided by Operating Activities

16(b)

Net increase in cash held Cash at beginning of the financial year Cash at the end of the financial year

16(a)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements 5

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 1.

Summary of significant accounting policies

a)

Basis of preparation The Financial Report is a general purpose financial report that has been drawn up in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (WA) 2015.

The financial report covers The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated as an individual entity. The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated is an Association incorporated in Western Australia under the Associations Incorporation Act (WA) 2015.

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated is a not-for-profit entity.

The financial report is prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs and does not take into account changing money values, or, except where stated, current valuations of non-current assets. Cost is based on the fair values of consideration given in exchange for assets. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.

b)

New accounting standards and interpretations In the current year the Association has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that are relevant to its operations and effective for reporting periods beginning 1 January 2016. The adoption of these new and revised Standards and Interpretations did not have any effect on the financial position of the Association.

Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective have not been adopted by the Association for the annual reporting period ended 31 December 2016. The directors have not yet fully assessed the impact of these new and amended Standards and Interpretations.

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the Association in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.

c)

Property, Plant and Equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation.

The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the Association to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from those assets.

6

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows which will be received from the assets’ employment and subsequent disposal.

7

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 Property, Plant and Equipment cont.

Depreciation The depreciable amounts of all property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight line basis over the useful lives of the assets to the Association, commencing from the time the assets are held ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are: Class of property, plant and equipment Office Equipment, Furniture & Fittings Pianos Music library Sound Shell Production Equipment

Depreciation Rate 10 - 50% 10% 10% 10% 10%

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains and losses are included in the income statement. d)

Employee Benefits (i)Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to settle within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

Expenses for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and are measured at the rates paid or payable. (ii)Long service leave The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method.

Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employees departures, and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

8

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 e)

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks, other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.

f)

Revenue Interest revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method.

This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate.

Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers.

Government grants are initially recognised in the balance sheet as a liability when the grant is received. When the grant relates to an expense item it is recognised as income over the periods necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate.

Revenue from donations is recognised on receipt.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).

g)

Goods & Services Tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST) except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the Balance Sheet.

Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the ATO are classified as operating cash flows in the statement.

9

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 h)

Income tax The Association is deemed a non-profit organisation for income tax purposes and has tax exempt status under Section 50-45 9.2 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

i)

Financial Instruments Recognition Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations arise.

Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as set out below.

Loans and receivables Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale investments are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale.

After initial recognition, available-for-sale investments are measured at fair value with gains and losses being recognised as a separate component of equity until the investment is derecognised or until the investment is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in equity is recognised in profit or loss.

For available-for-sale financial investments, the Association must assess whether there is objective evidence that the investment is impaired.

In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, objective evidence would include a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost. The determination of what is “significant” or “prolonged” requires judgement.

In making this judgement, the Association evaluates, among other factors, historical share price movements and the duration or extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost.

Financial liabilities Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

Impairment At each reporting date, the Association assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

10

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 j)

Leases Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

2

2016 $

2015 $

1,066,733 87,413 1,880 1,156,026

986,051 93,161 2,080 1,081,292

REVENUE, OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

(a) Revenue Performance income Interest received Members subscriptions Total Revenue (b) Other Income Operating grants - Department of Culture & the Arts WA – Base grant - Department of Culture & the Arts WA – Regional Touring grant - Australia Council – Base grant Sponsorship – Healthway Private and corporate support Co-production income Dividends Received Gain on Sale of Fixed Asset Sundry income Total Other Income

1,896,212

1,896,212

470,830 200,000 1,414,330 26,795 36,450 79,178 4,123,795

152,000 463,416 200,000 1,403,663 180,000 16,529 24,402 4,336,222

Total Revenue and other income

5,279,821

5,417,514

13,323 42,500 53,700

8,483 40,500 53,700

(c) Expenses Depreciation of plant and equipment Audit fees (reimbursed by corporate donation) Operating lease rental payments

11

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016

3

Effective interest rate

1,083,224

600,929

1,083,224

600,929

0.90%

2.25%

1,225,000

1,325,000

1,225,000

1,325,000

3.35%

2.59%

850,000

845,000

850,000

845,000

2.90%

2.47%

1,650 40,000 170,902

5,855 20,000 106,366

212,552

132,221

DEPOSITS Deposits with maturity of more than 3 months

Effective interest rate 5

2015 $

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash at bank and on hand

4

2016 $

RESTRICTED CASH DEPOSIT Restricted cash deposit

Access to cash restricted under terms of the Reserve Incentive Scheme, Bendat Family Foundation Deed of Gift and Bel Canto Fund. Refer Note 12 for more details.

Effective interest rate 6

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade Debtors Income receivable from Healthway Other receivables

These amounts are non-interest bearing receivables which relate to sundry debtors and accrued interest.

7

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments

64,917

12

175,239

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016

8

2016 $

2015 $

190,079 (154,360) 2012 35,719

182,186 (146,853) 2012 35,333

161,449 (68,814) $ 92,635 20,000 1,257 (1,257) -

119,749 (99,749) $ 20,000 20,000 20,000 1,257(1,257) -

Sound Shell – at cost Less accumulated depreciation

13,505 (13,505) -

13,505 (13,505) -

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Production equipment – at cost cont.

Less accumulated depreciation

44,406 (44,406) 128,354 -

44,406 (44,406) 55,333 -

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Office furniture and equipment – at cost Less accumulated depreciation

Pianos – at cost Less accumulated depreciation

Music Library – at cost Less accumulated depreciation

8

(a) Movements in carrying amounts Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial year 2016

Balance at 1 January 2016 Additions Depreciation Carrying amount at 31 December 2016 2015

Balance at 1 January 2015 Additions Depreciation Carrying amount at 31 December 2015

Office Furniture & Equipment $ 35,333 7,894 (7,508) 35,719 Office Furniture & Equipment $ 41,185 2,631 (8,483) 35,333

Pianos $ 20,000 78,450 (5,815)

Music Library $

92,635 Pianos $ 20,000 20,000

13

Sound Shell

Production Equipment

$

Total

-

-

-

$ 55,333 86,344 (13,323)

-

-

-

128,354

Music Library

$

Sound Shell

$

Production Equipment

$

Total

-

-

$ -

$ 61,185 2,631 (8,483)

-

-

-

55,333

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 2016 $

2015 $

292,296 628,358 920,654

428,284 (135,988) 292,296

9 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT Movement in available-for-sale investment Value as at 1 January Revaluation/(Devaluation) increment

During the 2011 financial year the Association acquired an investment in listed shares of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) by donation. The fair value of the shares is determined by reference to published price quotations on the ASX. The valuation of this available-for-sale investment is classified as a level 1 valuation under AASB 13.

2016 2015 $ $ 10 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade Creditors Accruals Loan from UWA Income received in advance Grants received in Advance - DCA WA – Additional Activity Funding - DCA WA – Regional Touring Grant - Creative Partnerships Australia

92,897 4,200 20,000 112,730

83,066 60,920 20,000 174,000

150,000 198,010 577,837

50,000 387,986

The amount of the Loan from UWA is based on an agreed value of a piano on loan to the Association from the University of Western Australia.

11 PROVISIONS Annual Leave $

Long Service Leave $

Opening balance at 1 January 2016 Additional provisions raised during the year Amounts used Balance at 31 December 2016

44,155 54,277 (38,694) 59,738

36,749 13,228 (3,010) 46,967

80,904 67,505 (41,704) 106,705

Opening balance at 1 January 2015 Additional provisions raised during the year Amounts used Balance at 31 December 2015

52,911 48,090 (56,846) 44,155

30,966 5,783 36,749

83,877 53,873 (56,846) 80,904

14

TOTAL $

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 11 PROVISIONS cont.

Annual Leave Current Long Service Leave Total Current Provisions

2016 $ 59,738 2,237 61,975

2015 $ 44,155 4,181 48,336

Non-Current Long Service Leave Total Non-Current Provisions

44,730 44,730

32,568 32,568

106,705

80,904

Total Provisions

A provision has been recognised for employee entitlements relating to annual and long service leave for employees. In calculating the present value of future cash flows in respect of long service leave, the probability of long service leave being taken is based upon historical data. The measurement and recognition criteria for employee benefits have been included in Note 1.

The current provision for long service leave represents the value of employee entitlements expected to be paid within the next year.

2016 2015 Number of employees at year end

9

7

12 RESERVES Restricted Funds Reserves are comprised of: (1) Reserve Incentive Scheme Agreement – This $300,000 (2015: $300,000) reserve is established with contributions received from the Australia Council through the Major Performing Arts Board ($100,000), Department of Culture and the Arts WA ($100,000) and the transfer from the Association’s retained profits ($100,000). These funds are to be held in escrow subject to the terms and conditions of the Reserve Incentive Scheme and have not been used to secure any liabilities of the Association.

(2) Bendat Family Foundation Deed of Gift – This $400,000 (2015: $400,000) reserve has been established for the purpose of establishing the Bendat Scholarship Fund and the Bendat Scholarship Fund no. 2 to assist the WA Opera Company to fund scholarships awarded to talented young artists. These funds are to be held in escrow, with interest earned on the funds to be used to fund scholarships.

(3) Bel Canto Fund Reserve – This $150,000 (2015: $145,000) reserve has been established for the purpose of providing interest earnings to assist WA Opera Company to develop and nurture talented local artists. These funds are to be held in escrow, with interest earned on the funds to be used to assist local artists.

15

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 12 RESERVES cont.

Unrestricted Funds Reserves are comprised of: (4) Production Loss Reserve – This $500,000 (2015: $500,000) reserve has been established to provide against costs incurred should a production or a number of performances of a production be cancelled due to the unavoidable unavailability of artists or other essential personnel.

(5) Capacity Building Reserve – This $475,000 (2015: $475,000) reserve has been established to provide against additional development costs incurred in the presentation of additional production seasons in future years.

Other Reserves are comprised of: (6) Investment Revaluation Reserve – This $628,358 reserve (2015: nil) is used to record increases in the fair value of available-for-sale investments and decreases to the extent that such decreases are not either significant or prolonged.

13 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS Non-cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the financial statements.

Payable – minimum lease payments - not later than 12 months - between 12 months and five years

2016 $

2015 $

53,700 26,850

53,700 80,550

The property lease is a non-cancellable lease with a remaining term of 1 year and 6 months, with rent payable monthly in advance.

An option exists to renew the lease for a further 3 years at the end of the term.

14 FORWARD PLANNING COMMITMENTS At 31 December 2016 the Association had committed to financial commitments totalling $1,046,884 (2015: $765,442) for principal artists, creative team and production team for Opera in the Park in February 2017, Tosca in March 2017, The Merry Widow in July 2017 and Lucia di Lammermoor in October 2017. Payment of this amount is dependent on the productions taking place.

16

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 15 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES The Association’s principal instruments are cash, short term deposits from grants and donations received, accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Risk Exposures and Responses (a) Interest rate risk The Association’s exposure to interest rate risk arises from assets and liabilities bearing variable interest rates.

At balance date, the Association had the following financial assets and liabilities exposed to variable interest rate risk:

Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents Total

2016 $

2015 $

799,194 799,194

471,317 471,317

The Association does not enter into any form of hedging instruments to mitigate this risk.

The following sensitivity analysis is based on the interest rate exposure in existence at the balance sheet date: At 31 December 2016, if there was a movement in interest rates and all other variables were held constant, there would have been negligible impact on profit and equity. (b) Credit risk The Association’s maximum exposures to credit risk in relation to each class of recognised financial asset is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet.

There are no long outstanding trade receivables. (c) Foreign exchange risk The Association is not exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies.

17

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 15 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES cont. (d) Liquidity Risk The Association manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast cash flows. (e) Price risk The Association is not exposed to any material price risk. (f) Fair Values The carrying amount of the Association’s financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their fair value. Therefore fair values are as follows:

Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents Deposits with maturity of more than 3 months Restricted cash deposits Trade and other receivables Available-for-sale investments Financial liabilities Trade and other payables

2016 $

2015 $

1,083,224 1,225,000 850,000 212,552 920,654

600,929 1,325,000 845,000 132,221 292,296

577,837

387,986

16 CASH FLOW INFORMATION a) Reconciliation of Cash For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash includes cash at bank and short term deposits at call. Cash as at the end of the financial year is as follows for the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows: NOTES Cash on hand and at bank Deposits with maturity of more than 3 months Restricted funds

18

2016 $

2015 $

3 4

1,083,224 1,225,000

600,929 1,325,000

5

850,000

845,000

3,158,224

2,770,929

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 16 CASH FLOW INFORMATION cont. b) Reconciliation of Cash Flows from Operations with Profit from Ordinary Activities Profit from Ordinary Activities Add/(less) non-cash income and expense items: Impairment of available-for-sale investment Non-cash gain on sale of fixed asset Depreciation Net cash provided by Operating Activities before change in assets and liabilities Change in assets and liabilities during the financial year: (Increase)/Decrease in debtors Decrease in other assets Increase/(Decrease) in trade creditors, accruals, grants in advance and other current liabilities Movement in employee benefits provisions Net cash provided/(used) by Operating Activities

2016 $

2015 $

209,673

277,335

(36,450) 13,323

135,988 8,483

186,546

421,806

(80,331) 110,322

201,995 104,345

189,851 25,801

(342,770) (2,973)

432,189

382,403

c) The Association has no credit stand-by or financing facilities in place.

17 SEGMENT REPORTING For management purposes, the Association is organised into one main operating segment, which involves productions. All of the Association’s activities are interrelated, and discrete financial information is reported to the Board (Chief Operating Decision Makers) as a single segment. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Association as one segment. The financial results from this segment are equivalent to the financial statements of the Association as a whole.

18 EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE DATE There were no material events occurring after the reporting date that had a financial effect on the Association.

19 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Directors perform their duties on an honorary basis.

No related party transactions occurred during the financial year.

19

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 20 AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION The auditor of The Western Australian Opera Company is Ernst & Young.

The audit by Ernst & Young is a donation in-kind.

Value of donation in-kind

2016 $

2015 $

42,500

40,500

21 ASSOCIATION DETAILS The principal place of business of the Association is: The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Level 3, His Majesty’s Theatre 825 Hay Street PERTH WA 6000

20

The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated Financial Report for Year Ended 31 December 2016

Statement by Directors

In the opinion of the Board the accompanying accounts as set out on pages 2 to 19: (a)

Represent a true and fair view of the financial position of The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated as at 31 December 2016 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act (WA) 2015 and Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission Act 2012.

(b)

At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board and is signed for and on behalf of the Board by:

Terry Bowen (Chairman)

Catherine Ferrari (Deputy Chair)

Dated this 12th day of April 2017.

21

Ernst & Young 11 Mounts Bay Road Perth WA 6000 Australia GPO Box M939 Perth WA 6843

Tel: +61 8 9429 2222 Fax: +61 8 9429 2436 ey.com/au

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated In relation to our audit of the financial report of The Western Australian Opera Company Incorporated for the financial year ended 31 December 2016, and in accordance with the requirements of Subdivision 60-C of the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission Act 2012, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission Act 2012 or any applicable code of professional conduct.

Ernst & Young

P Teale Partner 12 April 2017

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

PT:RH:WAO:006