COVER PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: HENRY LEWIS AND MARILYN HORNE IN VANCOUVER FOR IL TROVATORE IN 1966; MARILYN HORNE, AUDREY GLASS AND KEN REMO
In 2024–2025, the spirit of celebration was alive, as we marked 65 years of artistic excellence, community building, and dazzling, grandscale performances. Since VO’s inaugural 1960 staging of Carmen, our ever-evolving city has been treated to world-class performances by a steady stream of international greats and local lights.
Fast forward to the present, and the energy around the company is absolutely crackling. Through our mainstage productions and grassroots outreach initiatives, we celebrated all-time operatic triumphs while inviting new voices into the richness of our beloved art form. With its boisterous party atmosphere, Strauss’ peak operetta Die Fledermaus was the perfect way to pop the cork on our season of celebration! In the “Mozart of the 21st Century’s” empathic, humorous Flight, we ecstatically presented a modern work that’s sure to be interpreted for generations to come. And we closed the historic season with an extended run of five blockbuster performances that saw Puccini’s timeless Madama Butterfly become the second-highest grossing opera in VO history, just behind 2024’s Carmen
We were thrilled to welcome creative lights such as Mo Zhou, Morris Panych, Ken MacDonald, Leslie Dala, and Ashlie Corcoran, and honoured to have Maestro Jacques Lacombe joining us for his second season as Music Director, bringing his powerful, nuanced conducting to Die Fledermaus and Madama Butterfly, while working behind the scenes to help shape seasons to come.
It was a phenomenal season, full of incredibly high-quality productions and positive engagement with audiences, particularly in the growth of our subscriber base. That said, the costs of producing world class opera has been consistently rising and we did not achieve the revenue we had hoped for, thus the $389K shortfall. Our subscribers and donors have kept this company strong for 65 years, and it’s more important than ever to have individuals and groups stepping up to help keep the legacy of Vancouver Opera alive and thriving, both in our mainstage productions and in our many outreach initiatives in schools, libraries, and anywhere the love of opera can be fostered.
We turned 65 in 2024–2025, and enjoyed the heady mix of nostalgia and inspired, forward-thinking energy. Here’s to bringing vibrancy to our city and magical evenings to our lives for another 65 years and beyond!
Sincerely,
Tom Wright, General Director & Krista Johanson, Board Chair
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 PRODUCTION OF FLIGHT. PHOTO BY DAVID COOPER.
DIE FLEDERMAUS JOHANN STRAUSS II
OCT 26, 31, NOV 2, 3M, 2024
Conductor: Jacques Lacombe
Director: Ashlie Corcoran
Starring: Owen McCausland, Claire de Sévigné, Lara Ciekiewicz, John Chest, Lyndon Ladeur, Peter Barrett, Giles Tomkins, Heidi Duncan, Mireille Lebel, Beatrice Zeilinger, Simran Claire
With the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus
With its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta was an effervescent toast to the opening of Vancouver Opera’s celebratory 65th anniversary!
An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the mostperformed operetta in the world for good reason. The vaudeville-inspired masterwork radiates charm, wit, and good-natured
mischief, while its madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback.
Ashlie Corcoran directed her second VO season opener in a row, having previously helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, and Strauss’s high-spirited score truly sparkled under the conduction of VO Music Director Jacques Lacombe. Stir Magazine praised the “plethora of talent” VO brought to the stage, noting standout performances
by baritone John Chest and sopranos Claire de Sévigné and Lara Ciekiewicz, while the Vancouver Sun called mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel “a powerhouse of rhinestonebespeckled decadence.”
These are heady times we’re living in, and opening the 2024–2025 season with the giddy charm of Die Fledermaus gave us a balm and a ball, right off the bat.
“…it
is damn good fun, kicking the season off not with a bang, but the pop of a Champagne cork.”
—Stir Magazine
“In the orchestral movement before the final act, the audience was even clapping along as if we were in a Viennese operetta hall…”
—Opera Canada
PHOTO: VO’S 2024 PRODUCTION OF DIE FLEDERMAUS. PHOTO BY EMILY COOPER.
In the grey midwinter, a triumph of colour, comedy, and compassion burst from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage, and Vancouver audiences enthusiastically opted in to the uplift of Flight.
Set in an airport departure lounge, the lives of a compellingly quirky cast of characters intertwine when a storm grounds all planes, and though it draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, Jonathan Dove’s Flight pulls off an improbable feat: it’s a triumph of pathos AND a wildly engaging, melodically accessible comedy. The most widelyperformed of any opera written in the last 30 years, it made its VO company debut at last in a striking, stylized production by the Canadian creative duo of director Morris Panych and designer Ken MacDonald, while Dove’s propulsive music was steered by Maestro Leslie Dala. Counter-tenor Cameron Shahbazi made an indelible mark as the Refugee—simultaneously the central figure and, ultimately, an outsider—but “it takes
JONATHAN DOVE
FLIGHT
FEB 8, 13, 16M, 2025
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Director: Morris Panych
Set Designer: Ken MacDonald
Starring: Cameron Shahbazi, Caitlin Wood, Asitha Tennekoon, Andriana Chuchman, Megan Latham, Alex Hetherington, Clarence Frazer, Neil Craighead, Stephanie Tritchew, Henry Chen With the Vancouver Opera Orchestra
versatile talent to pull off ”Dove’s expressive and layered ensemble piece,“ and the allCanadian cast did not disappoint” (Stir Magazine).
Called the greatest opera of the past three decades, the humour, beautiful music, and stylish design of Flight “made for a night filled with laughter, surprise, and reflection” (mySCENA).
“...this is opera on a traditional scale, designed to entertain and delight.”
—Vancouver Sun
“...the Vancouver Opera audience gave it a standing O”
—Stir Magazine
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 PRODUCTION OF FLIGHT. PHOTO BY DAVID COOPER.
“On Opening Night of Madama Butterfly, the anticipation inside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre was electric.”
—WBN News
“What’s not to love about this stellar production, bathed in a cherry blossom glow?” —Opera Canada
Puccini’s sublime masterpiece closed out our celebratory 2024–2025 season in grand style, with five performances directed by Mo Zhou, making her Canadian debut, and conducted by VO Music Director Jacques Lacombe. The Vancouver Opera Chorus, under the direction of Leslie Dala, “played
a vital role in bringing Puccini’s lush score to life, complementing the international cast with their seasoned artistry” (WBN News).
The extended run boasted a double cast bursting with world-class talents, including Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato. Praised for her “disarming, honest, refined, and authentic” approach, Sato gave a command performance as Cio-Cio-San in her Canadian debut, alternating with
Taiwanese soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho, who The Philadelphia Inquirer called “a magnificent Butterfly.”
Critical acclaim and full houses made for a moving, impactful close to an unforgettable 65th anniversary season, while proving that Puccini’s poignant classic remains “a hyperrelevant must see!” (Opera Canada).
“A poignant and resonant Madama Butterfly”
—Stir Magazine
GIACOMO PUCCINI
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
APR 26, 27M, MAY 1, 3, 4M, 2025
Conductor: Jacques Lacombe
Director: Mo Zhou
Starring: Robert Watson, Adam Luther, Julius Ahn, Nozomi Kato, Brett Polegato, Yasko Sato, Karen Chia-ling Ho, Luka Kawabata, Danlie Rae Acebuque, Insung Sim, Heidi Duncan, Myles Hunter-Gibbs, Edward Gootman, Zainen Suzuki, Karen Ydenberg, Dione Sellinger, Szu-Wen Wang
With the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 PRODUCTION OF MADAMA BUTTERFLY. PHOTO BY EMILY COOPER.
OPERA IN THE PARK
A successful third edition of what’s become a signature Vancouver Opera summer tradition took place July 14, 2024 in Deer Lake Park.
Presented by the City of Burnaby, Opera in the Park attracted over 10,000 people, with longtime opera supporters and curious picnickers alike treated to unforgettable music from the upcoming 65th anniversary season, all for free in an absolutely idyllic outdoor setting.
Honouring the power of the human voice, the harmonious pre-concert celebration, VOICES RISING, featured musica intima, one of Canada’s foremost a cappella vocal ensembles, and guest performers such as educator, composer, traditional Cree singer, and M’Girl ensemble member Sherryl Sewepagaham. Members of the Vancouver
Youth Choir, a group of enthusiastic young students, also took to the stage to showcase the vibrant energy and future of vocal music in our community.
As the midsummer sun began to set over the lush environs of Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park, Music Director Jacques Lacombe led the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and worldclass vocalists Eve-Lyn de la Haye, Simran Claire, Teiya Kasahara 笠原 貞野, Luka Kawabata, and Martin Renner Wallace through timeless duets and sublime arias from the forthcoming season.
Opera in the Park continues to raise awareness for VO and foster the love of music in people of all ages, while doubling as a delightful warmup to a celebratory season of spectacular mainstage productions.
PHOTO: VO’S 2024 OPERA IN THE PARK.
ENGAGEMENT & CIVIC PRACTICE
In 2024–2025, Vancouver Opera deepened its commitment to access, storytelling, and community connection through a vibrant season of free public programming, youth initiatives, and civic partnerships. At the heart of this work was the VOICES Series, a signature collection of concerts, conversations, and creative gatherings. With 12 free events held across libraries, rehearsal halls, and cultural centres, VOICES welcomed over 1,300 attendees into spaces where opera met dialogue, discovery, and belonging. Highlights included Stories of Flight, a powerful evening of refugee storytelling in partnership with ISSofBC; Voices We Carry, a sold-out cultural roundtable at the Nikkei National Museum; and Opera Miscast 2, a joyful and genreblending celebration of vocal identity and artistic freedom. Every VOICES event invited new and returning audiences to engage with opera in surprising and meaningful ways.
This season also saw a deep investment in arts education and mentorship.
• Opera Experience offered high school students rare access to the creative process behind Die Fledermaus, Flight, and Madama Butterfly
• Orchestra Experience, a new pilot, gave young instrumentalists the chance to observe rehearsals and speak with musicians and music staff.
• Project Opera supported elementary students in writing and performing original mini-operas with guidance from teaching artists.
• Over 1,000 students attended free performances of The Garden of Alice, many experiencing opera live for the first time.
Collaborations with VIFF, the Vancouver Public Library, Rumble Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, and the Nikkei National Museum helped extend opera’s reach into film, literature, cultural memory, and social justice.
Digital resources like study guides, opera comics, and the Inside Vancouver Opera podcast continued to support learning at home, in classrooms, and online.
Together, these programs reflect a shared belief: opera belongs to everyone. When we open the doors wider — through free events, creative learning, and honest conversation — opera becomes not just something to watch, but something to be part of.
FUTURE VOICES YOUTH ROUNDTABLE. PHOTO BY VINCENT AUGUSTO. 2 BRAHMA | BRAHMAN | BANDAR (WITH RUMBLE THEATRE). PHOTO BY ANGIE DESCALZI. 3. SIMPLY LYRICAL (WITH NO CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY). PHOTO BY CHRIS RANDALL. 4. STORIES OF FLIGHT: VOICES OF RESILIENCE, HOPE, AND COMMUNITY. PHOTO BY TABITHA BRASSO ERNST. 5. 88 YEARS, 88 KEYS: A TRIBUTE TO PHILIP GLASS. PHOTO BY JACK TUPPER. 6. VOICES WE CARRY: EXPLORING THE CULTURAL INHERITANCES OF MADAMA BUTTERFLY. PHOTO BY TABITHA BRASSO ERNST.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUNG ARTISTS
This season, Vancouver Opera reaffirmed its commitment to emerging talent through the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program. The 2024–2025 cohort welcomed three new artists and celebrated the return of three, fostering a vibrant and collaborative environment for artistic growth.
Throughout the year, the Young Artists rose to every challenge, often stepping in at the last minute during critical moments with confidence and professionalism. Lyndon Ladeur covered seamlessly as Bill, and Simran Claire stepped in as Minskwoman during the final room run of Flight. Tayte Mitchell walked the stage as Sharpless, while Danlie Rae Acebuque sang the role from side stage during the Madama Butterfly dress rehearsal. Heidi Duncan brought warmth and elegance to her portrayal of Kate Pinkerton.
A highlight of the season was the Young Artist production of Elizabeth Raum’s The Garden of Alice, conducted by Derek Stanyer and directed by Tayte Mitchell. The artists led the project from concept to performance, showcasing creativity, resourcefulness, and discipline.
Their development was further supported by a rich training curriculum. Esteemed guest artists such as Robert Tweten, Julius Ahn, Richard Margison, Valerie Kuinka, Andrea Grant, John Chest, and Jacques Lacombe offered masterclasses. Close mentorship f rom Leslie Dala and Tina Chang provided tailored artistic guidance. Additional specialized training included stage combat with Nicholas Harrison, dramatic coaching with Alan Corbishley, vocal health with Megan Morrison, and industry insight through agent feedback.
The Young Artists also connected with the public through performances at the YVR Airport Concert and Amica residences. These intimate events enriched both artists and audiences.
The 2024–2025 Young Artists demonstrated courage, commitment, and creativity at every turn. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the paths they will forge in the world of opera.
2024–2025 YOUNG ARTISTS
Tayte Mitchell – Stage Director
Derek Stanyer – Pianist
Heidi Duncan – Soprano
Simran Claire – Mezzo-soprano
Lyndon Ladeur – Tenor
Danlie Rae Acebuque – Baritone
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 YULANDA M. FARIS YOUNG ARTISTS PRODUCTION OF THE GARDEN OF ALICE. PHOTO BY JACK TUPPER.
65TH ANNIVERSARY GALA: A CELEBRATION AMONGST THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
On May 2, 2025, more than 250 guests gathered amidst the enchanting cherry blossoms and vibrant set of Madama Butterfly to celebrate a remarkable milestone—65 years of Vancouver Opera.
We were honoured to welcome some of opera’s most distinguished names, including Judith Forst, Richard Margison, Ben Heppner, Brett Polegato, and John Tessier—a powerful reflection of the extraordinary talent that has shaped VO’s legacy over the decades.
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the presentation of the inaugural Martha Lou Henley, C.M. Lifetime Achievement
Award—deservedly awarded to Martha Lou Henley herself. For over fifty years, Louie has been a cornerstone of our organization. Her unwavering dedication, generosity, and visionary leadership have been instrumental to our success. She has served as a mentor, a guiding force, and a steadfast friend, embodying the very spirit of VO.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the evening raised over $400,000 in support of VO’s education and community outreach programs.
We extend our deepest thanks to our title sponsor PH&N Investment Counsel, gold
sponsor MONTECRISTO, silver sponsors Deloitte, Yoshiko Karasawa, and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, as well as our supporters Anthem Properties, Odlum Brown, Imperial Metals, BLG, and to all our donors, partners, and guests who made the evening so memorable.
It was a spectacular way to close a milestone season—and we’re already looking ahead! Mark your calendars for May 1, 2026, when we return to the stage and transport our guests to the cafés and streets of Paris, with a celebration set amidst the romantic world of La Bohème
KAREN CHIA-LING HO AT MADAMA BUTTERFLY 65TH ANNIVERSARY GALA. PHOTO BY LUMINA WEDDINGS AND EVENTS.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Leadership Circle $50,000+
Michael And Inna O’Brian
Yoshiko Karasawa
Martha Lou Henley, C.M. *
Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt
Inner Circle $10,000+
Dr. and Mrs. Ian Strang
Ms. Patricia Charles
Gillian Smith, in memory of Russell Smith
Paul McEwen and Gwynneth Jones
Elizabeth-Anne Armstrong, in memory of Frank and Jill Allder
Dr. Linda Siegel
Pascal & Isabelle Spothelfer
Ms. Regina Boxer
Jacques Lacombe
Patron $1,500+
Mr. Ian Michaud
Jamie & Cindy Bruce
Val & Dick Bradshaw
Ms. Anona Thorne and Mr. Takao Tanabe
Dr. Lionel & Mrs. Beryl Herscovitch
Bob Sewell and Susan Van der Flier
Mrs. Margot & Mr. Klaus Richter
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fowlis
Susan Drury & Dennis Perry
Genny MacLean
Mr. Stanis Smith
Ms. Vivian Eliopoulos
Dr. Heather F. Clarke
Mr. Daniel R. Worsley
Dr. Peter Suedfeld & Dr. Phyllis J. Johnson
Mr. Harry Edinger
Ms. Gillian E. Chetty
Dr. Peter & Mrs. Eve Munns
Dr. & Mrs. David R. Neima
Mr. Harvey Loen & Mrs. Lois Binder
Doris Luking in memory of Hans Luking
Ms. Elisabeth Dawson
Diana and Tom Herbst
Mr. & Mrs. R. Michael LePage
Jens & Linda Lee Henriksen
Dr. Cecil Sigal
Mrs. Elaine Godwin
Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Lindsay*
Ms. Wendy G. Baker
Shirley Barnett
Arlene Gladstone & Hamish Cameron
Mr. & Mrs. Harold & Jenny Locke
Mary Tait & Bill Sirett
Mrs. Pamela Friedrich
Mrs. Carolyn Webster
Mr. Edward & Mrs. Dorothy Chiasson
Ms. Lynn Kagan
Ms. Elaine Mah
Pierre & Betty Lebel
Mr. Ross & Ms. Ursula Southam
Ms. Nancy Wu
Mike & Jean Kovich
Mollie Massie & Hein Poulus
William and Emmanuelle Davis
Roland and Catherine Haebler
Dr. Sandra Vestvik
Susan & Ken Ronalds
Mr. Paul Westwick
Lorna Court & John Mancini
Miriam Maisonville and David Sauder
Mr. Bruce Munro Wright
John Horning and Lorraine Larkin
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Eunice Chan
Ms. Kim Stevens
Ms. Lorraine Portier
Jana and Bill Maclagan
Mr. Robert Milne
Ms. Jony Van Den Bos & Mr. Thomas Lightburn
Marlene Mackenzie
Ms. Krista Johanson
Tom and Denise Wright
Ms. Judy Garner
Mr. Michael J. Chutter
Andrew & Yasmeen Strang
Mr. Hans Alwart
Dr. Paul Mitchell-Banks
Robert E. Radke
Leslie Dala
Dr. Martin Hosking
Ms. Alexandra Volkoff
Aaden, Brennan, Connor and Ivor Luk
Dr. Eugene Wang
Jane Macdonald
Micki & Michael Partridge*
Vladimir Marquez
Brigitte & Henning Freybe
Mathew & Masumi Smith
Fred & Minnie Toft Foundation
Catherine Morgan and Michael Jonker
Bryan and Susan Nethery
Mark Emanuel, P. Eng.
Heather Gilley & Peter Singer
Kevin Kelly & Landon Steele
Kevin Mah
Chloe Sauder
Yang Wang
Valeriya Berezina
Joshua Hutchinson
Richard & Elise Rees
Dr. Carol Tsuyuki & Mr. Craig Tomlinson
Mike & Kathy Gallagher
Mrs. Lorna Mochinski
Anonymous (2)
Public Funders
BC Arts Council
Canada Council for the Arts
City of Vancouver
Department of Canadian Heritage
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Vancouver Civic Theatres
Corporate Supporters
Amica
Anthem Properties Group
Blakes
BLG
BMO Financial Group
CIBC Wood Gundy
Deloitte
Edge Catering
IG Wealth Management
Imperial Metals
MONTECRISTO
PH&N Investment Counsel Inc.
TD Bank
Telus Friendly Future Foundation
Osler
Vancouver Opera Guild
Foundations
Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation
Andrew Mahon Foundation
Ann Claire Angus Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
The Arthur Toft Foundation
Chris Spencer Foundation
The David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund
Diamond Foundation
Frank and Joan Lew Charitable Trust
George W. Norgan Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Gift Funds Canada
The Hannah Woodnutt Smith Memorial Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Joan C McCarter Foundation, held at Victoria Foundation
Lagniappe Foundation
Lightburn Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation
McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Mirhady Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
Prentice Pauls Family Foundation
ZLC Foundation
Vancouver Opera Association Endowment Fund
Vancouver Foundation
Vancouver Opera Foundation
You Make Opera Possible!
Vancouver Opera remains a cornerstone of our community, proudly carrying forward the vision of our founders. We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our dedicated donors—many of whom have supported VO for decades—and we are equally inspired by the growing number of new supporters who joined us during our 65th season.
Thanks to your belief in our mission, VO is thriving and poised for a vibrant future. Your support ensures that opera will continue to enrich lives and connect communities for generations to come.
Thank you for making our 2024–2025 season such a resounding success!
The contributions listed reflect gifts made to VO to June 30, 2025. Every effort is made to ensure our lists are accurate at the time of printing. We sincerely apologize for any errors or omissions.
*Denotes Lifetime Opera Round Table Member
SUMMARY
VANCOUVER OPERA ASSOCIATION
Vancouver Opera Association (“VOA”) is a registered charity with a mandate to produce professional presentations of opera at a high musical and theatrical standard for a wide audience. VOA ended the season with net expenses over revenues of ($389K) and decreased its Net Assets to ($931K).
Condensed Statement of Financial Position
Condensed Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in net assets (As at June 30, in thousands) For the year ended June 30 (in thousands)
VANCOUVER OPERA FOUNDATION
Vancouver Opera Foundation (“VOF”) is a registered charity with the primary objective to solicit, hold and administer funds for the benefit of VOA. These funds are not included in the financial statements of the Vancouver Opera Association. VOF is the sole trustee of the Vancouver Opera Endowment Trust (“VOET”), which is an independent registered charity that supports VOA. The net assets, revenues and expenses of the VOET are not consolidated in the Foundation’s financial statements. Net assets of the VOET at December 31, 2024 were $14,059
Condensed Statement of Financial Position
Condensed Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Fund Balance
As at December 31 (in thousands) For the year ended December 31 (in thousands)
Full audited financial statements are available. Please contact William Murgatroyd, Director, Finance and Administration
