2025–2026 SEASON
General Director Tom Wright Music Director Jacques Lacombe 2025–2026 Board of Directors* Chair Krista Johanson Vice Chair Stanis Smith Secretary Jennifer Choi Past Chair Susan Van der Flier Directors Reda Akladios Amanda Burrows Krysta Chapman Ally Dick Shaun Dolman Joshua Hutchinson Kevin Kelly Kirk LaPointe Pierre Lebel Ivor Luk Emily MacKinnon Allie Meeres Richard Rees Andrew Robb Chloe Sauder Stephen Schachter Isabelle Spothelfer Carol Tsuyuki Wilson Williams Yang Wang Distinguished Honorary Member Martha Lou Henley, C.M. Vancouver Opera Guild Nancy Wu, President Vancouver Opera Foundation Richard Rees, Chair Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Darlington *as of June 30, 2026
COVER PHOTO: VO’S 2026 PRODUCTION OF LA BOHÈME. PHOTO BY EMILY COOPER. THIS PAGE: MICHAEL CHIOLDI, WITH MAESTRO JACQUES LACOMBE CONDUCTING, IN VO’S 2025 RIGOLETTO, PHOTO BY EMILY COOPER.
As we look back on a successful 2025–2026 season, we’re filled with gratitude for the fantastic work of our artists, crews, and staff, the generous support of our donors, and an expanding, enthusiastic audience base. It also fills us with great energy and excitement for what’s next for Vancouver Opera. But let’s not jump ahead too soon! 2025–2026 was a success both artistically—with rave reviews for all three shows—and financially, as we ended the season with a surplus of $96K. A sold-out production of Verdi’s taut tale of revenge and regret, Rigoletto, kicked things off in October 2025, before February’s cheeky, sorry-notsorry Canadiana spin on Mozart’s Così fan tutte brought laughter to a Vancouver midwinter. The season closed with a beautiful La Bohème that transported us to the heart of 1890s bohemian life in Paris, while packing the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for five performances. Of course, the bigger-than-life mainstage productions are only part of what we do. Year-round, our outreach programs help people of all ages discover, understand, and fall in love with opera. With VOICES, sponsored by TD, we present new approaches to opera, music, and theatre in a variety of venues. The Opera Sprouts Initiative, a mentorship program in partnership with Pacific Opera Victoria, develops brand-new operas for youth. One new work, HOWL, will be produced for Vancouver Opera in Schools, a province-wide touring program that helps inspire the artists and audiences of tomorrow. Another essential part of the opera ecosystem, the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program provided six emerging artists with mentorship and performance experience as they bridge from academic training to the world of professional opera. We’ve also found great success in people’s ears, and the space in between them, as Inside Vancouver Opera became the fourth most listened-to opera podcast in the world! None of this would be possible without our donors and supporters, including those who attended our signature gala on the set of La Bohème. Musetta’s Waltz was not only a highlight of the social calendar: our generous gala-goers raised over half a million dollars to help fund the great programs mentioned above! A hugely positive development in 2025–2026 was MONTECRISTO coming aboard as official season sponsor. This collaboration marked the first season sponsorship for Vancouver Opera since 2018–2019, and a significant milestone as the company entered its 66th season of delivering exceptional opera to audiences across the region.
Immense gratitude to everyone who was part of Vancouver Opera’s phenomenal 2025–2026 season, Tom Wright, General Director, and Krista Johanson, Board Chair | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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CONTENTS Rigoletto
6
Così fan tutte
8
La Bohème
10
Opera in the Park
Engagement and Civic Practice
Our Commitment to Young Artists
13 14
Musetta’s Waltz Gala
15
The Season in Numbers
16
Our Supporters
18
21
Financials
4
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| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
PHOTO: VO’S 2026 PRODUCTION OF COSÌ FAN TUTTE. BY EMILY COOPER. | PHOTO 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT 5
GIUSEPPE VERDI
RIGOLETTO OCT 25, 30, NOV 2M, 2025 | QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE CONDUCTOR: JACQUES LACOMBE DIRECTOR: GLYNIS LEYSHON Starring: Michael Chioldi, Sarah Dufresne, Yongzhao Yu, Nathan Berg, Emma Parkinson, Neil Craighead, Mihnea Nitu, Lyndon Ladeur, Jason William Cook, Julia LoRusso, Marianne Bertrand, Henry Chen, and Heather Molloy WITH THE VO ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS CO-PRODUCTION WITH PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA
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In a new production built in partnership with
debuts. In the title role, American baritone
The production also showcased five of our
Pacific Opera Victoria, the 2025–2026 season
Michael Chioldi leapt from “cruel buffoonery
Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists, including
opener pushed Verdi’s immortal story of love
to obsessive concern, to desperate supplication
performances by Mihnea Nitu, Lyndon Ladeur,
and revenge to dramatic new heights. Guided
and then towering rage without ever losing
Julia LoRusso, and Marianne Bertrand, plus
by stage director Glynis Leyshon and the
our sympathy” (Review Vancouver). As Gilda,
the invaluable contribution of Derek Stanyer as
unfaltering baton of Vancouver Opera Music
“the staggeringly talented” Canadian soprano
répétiteur in the rehearsal hall.
Director Jacques Lacombe, unforgettable pieces
Sarah Dufresne delivered “24-carat clarity in
like “La donna è mobile” and “Caro nome”
her polished high notes and coloratura” (Stir),
Verdi’s tense tragedy was a triumph: despite
soared to life, sung by extraordinary voices like
while tenor Yongzhao Yu was resplendent as the
Rigoletto’s curse, we were blessed with a sold-
the three stars who made their company
repugnant Duke.
out run of sublime performances to kick off a fantastic 2025–2026 season.
“As we’ve come to expect from Vancouver Opera, this season debuts with another preeminent production; creative sets and brilliant costumes, outstanding orchestra and stratospheric singing” — JayMinter.com
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 PRODUCTION OF RIGOLETTO. PHOTO BY EMILY COOPER.
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
COSÌ FAN TUTTE FEB 7, 12, 15M, 2026 | QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE CONDUCTOR: LESLIE DALA DIRECTOR: ROBERT HERRIOT Starring: Owen McCausland, Clarence Frazer, Daniel Okulitch, Jamie Groote, Alex Hetherington, Tracy Dahl, Daniel Curalli, and Tina Chang WITH THE VO ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS
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After a two-decade absence, Così fan
Sadly, this was one of Robert Herriot’s final
tutte made a triumphant return to the
productions, as the beloved director passed
Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage, this time in
away in July of this year. His warmth, humour,
a Canadiana reimagining that called for
and distinct artistry were the heart of this joyful
considerably more plaid than any previous
production. He will be forever missed by all
production of Mozart. Set in an elegant hotel
who knew and loved him, and by everyone who
on the edge of the Canadian wilderness, two
had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a
couples are put to the ultimate test of fidelity in
production helmed by him.
a whirlwind of mischievous mountain hijinks and buffa low blows.
Some say love is a rollercoaster. This uproarious production of Così fan tutte saw it more like log
More than just a comic romp, Così is a canny
driving on swift, choppy currents, which made
exploration of relationships, and widely
for an irresistible musical ride through love’s
considered Mozart’s greatest ensemble
every twist and turn.
opera. Led by director Robert Herriot and the conduction of Maestro Leslie Dala, the exquisite cast—including veteran performers Tracy Dahl and Daniel Okulitch, who Opera Canada described as “an unholy alliance of wit and machination”—brought gales of laughter to a rainy Vancouver February.
“It’s all quite clever, stylish, and witty” — Vancouver Sun
PHOTO: PHOTO: VO’S 2026 PRODUCTION OF COSÌ OF FAN TUTTE.PHOTO PHOTOBY BYDAVID EMILY COOPER. VO’S 2025 PRODUCTION FLIGHT. | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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GIACOMO PUCCINI
LA BOHÈME APR 25, 26M, 30, MAY 2, 3M, 2026 | QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE CONDUCTOR: JONATHAN DARLINGTON DIRECTOR: BRENNA CORNER Starring: Gregory Dahl, Matthew White, Zachary Rioux, Alex Halliday, Justin Welsh, Thomas Goerz, Jonelle Sills, Lucia Cesaroni, Brent MacKenzie, Lyndon Ladeur, Lara Ciekiewicz, Willy Miles-Grenzberg, and Angus Bell WITH THE VO ORCHESTRA, CHORUS AND CHILDREN’S CHORUS
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| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2025–2026 season closed with a lush,
As intimate as La Bohème gets, Stir noted that
powerhouse production of one of opera’s most
“it’s hard to think of another VO production
enduring and affecting love stories. Five sold-
where the Queen E. stage has felt quite so full,
out performances of Puccini’s tragic masterpiece
colourful, and alive” as in the second act, when
transported us to a Quartier Latin populated
the crackling Quartier Latin energy spills out
by vibrant dreamers and beautiful melodies.
from the Momus Café patio, delivered by VO’s
What’s more, it became the second-highest
chorus, children’s chorus, supernumeraries, and
grossing opera in VO history, just behind 2024’s
a troupe of rhythmic gymnasts!
blockbuster Carmen. From rapturous highs to poignant drama, VO Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Darlington
Puccini’s masterpiece made for a sublime close
returned to conduct, and “sprinkled magic
to a spectacular 2025–2026 season.
on every note” (Review Vancouver), while director Brenna Corner explored Bohème’s full emotional range, “upping the lighthearted antics that make the tragedy all the more tearjerking” (Stir). The split-cast run brought an abundance of world-class artists to the stage, including Jonelle Sills, a Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program alum and standout as Mimì, and Lara Ciekiewicz—called a ”force-of-nature” by Opera Canada—as Musetta.
“…if you are lucky enough to score a ticket, this is a production that will both please die-hards and hook opera rookies.” — Stir
PHOTO: VO’SVO’S 20262025 PRODUCTION OF LA PHOTOBY BYDAVID EMILY COOPER. PHOTO: PRODUCTION OFBOHÈME. FLIGHT. PHOTO | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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OPERA IN THE PARK Vancouver Opera celebrated a successful fourth
of Indigenous women whose empathic and
edition of our now-signature summer tradition
expansive original works speak to connection—
on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Deer Lake Park.
to the land, to culture, to spirit, and to each other.
Presented by the City of Burnaby, Opera in the Park attracted over 7,500 people, with longtime
As the midsummer sun set over Deer Lake,
opera lovers and curious picnickers treated
VO Music Director Jacques Lacombe led the
to unforgettable music from the 2025–2026
Vancouver Opera Orchestra and world-class
season, all for free in an absolutely idyllic
vocalists Eve-Lyn de la Haye, Heidi Duncan,
outdoor setting.
Martin Renner Wallace, and Geoffrey Schellenberg through timeless duets and sublime
The harmonious pre-concert event VOICES
arias from the forthcoming season’s blockbuster
RISING kicked off the mainstage festivities with
productions of Verdi’s Rigoletto, Mozart’s Così
performances by two ensembles, Sarabande
fan tutte, and Puccini’s La Bohème.
and M’Girl. A bold chamber choir from the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs, Sarabande
Opera in the Park continues to raise awareness
brought dynamism to arrangements of Sia and
for Vancouver Opera and foster the love of
Roberta Flack, alongside contemporary choral
music in people of all ages, while doubling as
works that showcased the emotional power
a sublime prelude to a season of spectacular
of ensemble singing. Rooted in Indigenous
mainstage productions.
traditions and storytelling, M’Girl is a group
PHOTO: VO’S 2025 OPERA IN THE PARK. PHOTO COURTESAY OF THE CITY OF BURNABY.
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ENGAGEMENT & CIVIC PRACTICE Start with a number: 14 minutes. That’s how
A door opened 16 times through the VOICES
country, and grounded in wise practices. The
long it took to sell out $14 tickets after a movie
Series, supported by TD Bank Group. Premier
resulting report, with recommendations for
star declared that nobody cared about opera
David Eby and Suzanne Simard talked about
opera companies across Canada, will guide the
anymore. We didn’t argue. We opened a door.
art and public life with 300 guests. 70 strangers
formation of our Indigenous Advisory Board
sang La Bohème and RENT together at karaoke
with honoured members from the Musqueam,
night. Artists from Mozambique shared a stage
Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations—and
with a Stó:lō artist. Pi Theatre’s Blue Horse
shape how this company works, listens, and
A door opened for 4,000 students who met
Opera and Rumble Theatre’s I’m Good At This,
shows up on these territories for years to come.
The Bremen Town Musicians—many stepping
Right? brought bold new work into our halls.
inside a working opera house for the first time.
Nearly everything sold out.
That was the spirit of the whole season.
For the babies at Storytime at the Opera, where
And the stories travelled: Inside Vancouver Opera is now the fourth most listened-to opera
every session sold out within five minutes.
We’re learning to walk through some doors
podcast in the world, with 22,000 followers
For the children who helped shape three new
ourselves. With Canada Council support,
and counting.
Canadian operas through Opera Sprouts with
we completed a national research project
Pacific Opera Victoria—and voted on which one
on Indigenous mentorship in opera—built on
You can’t argue someone into loving opera.
tours the province next season.
empathy-based conversations with Indigenous
But you can open a door—and trust the art to
artists, scholars, and practitioners across the
do the rest.
PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT, CLOCKWISE: 1. OPERA SPROUTS COMMUNITY PRESENTATION WITH SCOTT RUMBLE AND MISHELLE CUTLER. 2. STYLIX ARTIST FRANCES BAPTISTE PERFORMING AT A VOICES CONCERT. 3. CHLOE HURST AND DEREK STANYER PERFORMING AT THE PAUL WELLS ROADSHOW. 4. JULIA LORUSSO PERFORMING AT THE VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY. 5. VO BOARD MEMBER AND SQUAMISH NATION CHAIRPERSON WILSON WILLIAMS AND CANADIAN JOURNALIST PAUL WELLS. ALL PHOTOS BY ASHLEY DANIEL FOOT 6. STUDENTS OF OUR 2025–2026 OPERA EXPERIENCE COHORT. PHOTO BY SAM ARMAS GOUGH. | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUNG ARTISTS The Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program
répétiteur. When Opera Unbound required
work in stage combat, drama, fitness, diction,
brought together three returning artists and
urgent musical support for its new opera,
and career development. Performances at Meet
three new participants for a season of artistic
The Fox by Roan Shankaruk, Derek stepped in
the Artists events and Amica residences also
growth and collaboration.
at short notice, demonstrating the adaptability
created meaningful connections.
and generosity that define the program. The cohort met every challenge of the immersive
This close-knit cohort brought a strong ensemble
residency with professionalism. Lyndon Ladeur
A season highlight was Dean Burry’s The
spirit to every opportunity. As they sang in The
earned praise as “a scene-stealer” for his
Bremen Town Musicians, conducted by Derek
Bremen Town Musicians, they truly embodied
performance as Parpignol in La Bohème. In
Stanyer and directed by Tayte Mitchell.
the words, “We are all in this together.” We
Rigoletto, Julia LoRusso performed Countess
Lighting design by Director of Artistic and
look forward to following the paths they will
Ceprano and stepped in to sing Giovanna
Production Nicole Lamb, and set design by
forge and the culture they will shape as they
during a technical rehearsal; Marianne Bertrand
Stephen Field Elgar, Head of Props, reflected
take on leadership roles in the world of opera.
brought warmth and elegance to Giovanna,
the depth of support the program receives from
while Mihnea Nitu gave Marullo a compelling
Vancouver Opera’s varied departments and
balance of nobility and cunning.
specializations. Through 11 performances, the
2025–2026 YOUNG ARTISTS
Young Artists distinguished themselves through
Tayte Mitchell – Stage Director
Tayte Mitchell continued as a trusted Assistant
vivid characterization, musical sensitivity,
Derek Stanyer – Pianist
Director, bringing clarity to complex staging
theatrical instinct, and dynamic stage presence.
Julia LoRusso – Soprano Marianne Bertrand – Mezzo-soprano
and contributing positively to company morale. He also created three stagings for developing
Training included masterclasses with Judith Forst,
Lyndon Ladeur – Tenor
works of Opera Sprouts, a program that
Tracy Dahl, Daniel Okulitch, Jason Ferrante,
Mihnea Nitu – Baritone
captures the imagination of children and
and Jonathan Darlington; mentorship from
adults. Derek Stanyer remained an invaluable
Leslie Dala and Tina Chang; and specialized
PHOTO: VO’S 2025–2026 YULANDA M. FARIS YOUNG ARTISTS. PHOTO BY BY VELOUR PRODUCTIONS.
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LUCIA CESARONI PERFORMS AT THE MUSETTA’S WALTZ GALA ON THE SET OF LA BOHÈME. PHOTO BY LUMINA WEDDINGS AND EVENTS.
MUSETTA’S WALTZ GALA The Development team at Vancouver Opera is
evening of song, sumptuous food catered by
the next generation of artists was truly
delighted to share that Musetta’s Waltz, our
Savoury Chef, and delicious wine from Poggio
inspiring; we felt the generosity in the room and
signature fundraising gala, raised $520,000 in
Torselli. Donors and friends were entertained on
understood the transformative power of legacy,
support of our community programming, opera
the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, on the
of making financial investments in the next
in schools programs, and ongoing engagement
set of La Bohème, by talented Vancouver Opera
generation of exceptional operatic voices.
with emerging artists in our province. With
artists Lucia Cesaroni, Zachary Rioux, Olivia
thanks to our Title Sponsor RBC PH&N
Howe, and Tina Chang.
Investment Counsel Inc; our Gold Sponsor
When Fred Lee hit the stage with his energetic, engaging live auction bidding, our guests were
MONTECRISTO; Silver Sponsors Anthem
Co-chaired by Isabelle Spothelfer and
ready to bid often and high to take home one-
Properties, Deloitte, Haywood Securities Inc,
Bruce Munro-Wright obc, with tributes to
of-a-kind experiences to enjoy with friends.
Imperial Metals, and Osler; as well as our Wine
our longstanding, dedicated donors Yoshiko
One very lucky guest took home the stunning Tu
Sponsor Poggio Torselli, Vancouver Opera
Karasawa and Regina Boxer, the gala
Sei diamond pendant donated by Montecristo
is extremely grateful for our community of
also celebrated the international career of
Jewellers. It was a night to remember, and we are
generous supporters.
Vancouver-based mezzo-soprano Judith Forst
excited to do it all over again on April 30, 2027.
obc, oc, and James Wright was recognized as
Vancouver’s preeminent gala welcomed over
Vancouver Opera General Director Emeritus.
300 guests on May 1, 2026, for a stunning
Yoshiko Karasawa’s message about supporting | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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SEASON IN NUMBERS MAINSTAGE 26,800+
PODCAST
mainstage ticket holders
25
3,100+
Inside Vancouver Opera podcast episodes released
season ticket holders
22,000+
11
podcast followers
mainstage opera performances
33+ hours of live opera at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
2,200+ attendees joined us for our Community Dress Rehearsals
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| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
SOCIAL MEDIA 19,200+ Facebook followers
13,300+ Instagram followers
721 hours of watch time on YouTube
13,859,000+ social media impressions
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING 27+ individual performances, rehearsals, and public events
4,600+ total audience experiences across community and civic programming
11 performances of The Bremen Town Musicians for school and family audiences
2,500+ school and public audience members attended The Bremen Town Musicians
7+ formal organisational partnerships
22 students engaged with Opera Experience and Orchestra Experience programs
| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS OPERA ROUND TABLE
Mark Emanuel, P. Eng. Dr. Rebecca England Mr. & Mrs. Allen Fowlis Leadership Circle $50,000+ Frank and Joan Lew Charitable Trust Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation Yoshiko Karasawa Mrs. Pamela Friedrich Ms. Judy Garner Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation Mrs. Elaine Godwin Michael and Inna O’Brian Family Foundation Mike Goetz Bradley Gross Director’s Circle $20,000+ Roland and Catherine Haebler Ms. Patricia Charles Penelope B.M. Hedges Ms. Signe Jurcic Dr. Lionel & Mrs. Beryl Herscovitch Dr. Ian & Mrs. Jane Strang Ms. Edith E. Hewitt Elisabeth Grant Hoole Inner Circle $10,000+ John Horning and Lorraine Larkin Patricia Akiyama & David Larsen D&V Horswill Family Foundation Ms. Regina Boxer Dr. Martin Hosking Horatio Kemeny & Cadence Jensen Mr. Joshua Hutchinson The Langara Foundation Ms. Krista Johanson Pierre & Betty Lebel Ms. Mary B. Jordan Mrs. Ellen Mahon Dr. Linda Kaser and Dr. Judy Halbert Ms. Jony Van Den Bos & Mr. Thomas Lightburn Mr. Kevin Kelly and Mrs. Landon Steele Remembering Otto And Marie Pick Dr. Marla Kiess Dr. Linda Siegel Mr. Sharman King Pascal & Isabelle Spothelfer Sandra Kovacs Mike & Jean Kovich Patron $5,000+ Brian Kynoch Anonymous Ken Lee Val & Dick Bradshaw Lincluden Investment Management Canadian Online Giving Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Lindsay Dr. Heather F. Clarke Mr. & Mrs. Harold & Jenny Locke Brigitte & Henning Freybe Dr. George Luciuk & Dr. Lidia Schuster Diana and Tom Herbst Ms. Andrea Luck Jonker & Morgan Family Giving Fund Aaden, Brennan, Connor and Ivor Luk Ms. Lynn Kagan Doris Luking in memory of Hans Luking Paul McEwen and Gwynneth Jones Ms. Jane Macdonald Mrs. Lorna Mochinski Bruce Macfarlane Michael and Inna O’Brian Ms. Marlene Mackenzie Raymond James Canada Foundation Emily and Donald MacKinnon Richard and Elise Rees Genny MacLean Andrew and Yasmeen Strang Ms. Elaine Mah Peter Singer and Heather Gilley Kevin Mah Mr. Stanis Smith Miriam Maisonville and David Sauder Mr. Ross & Ms. Ursula Southam Mr. & Mrs. David McDonald Ms. Anona Thorne and Mr. Takao Tanabe Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Mary McIlwaine Mr. Paul Westwick Ms. Ann McKinnon ZLC Foundation Mr. Stuart & Mrs. Della McLaughlin Mr. Ian Michaud Benefactor $1,500+ Ms. Allison Miller Anonymous (2) Mr. Robert Milne Mr. Hans Alwart Dr. Paul Mitchell-Banks Suzanne Anton KC Moonen & Miller Family Fund Gerrit Aronson Dr. Peter & Mrs. Eve Munns Ms. Winnie Avery Bryan and Susan Nethery Ms. Wendy G. Baker Micki & Michael Partridge Ms. Jill Bodkin Mr. Fred Pletcher John & Ruth Brock Ms. Lorraine Portier Ms. Cleta Brown Mollie Massie & Hein Poulus Jamie & Cindy Bruce Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt Amanda Jane Burrows Mr. Robert E. Radke Mr. Michael & Mrs. Eunice Chan Mrs. Margot & Mr. Klaus Richter Ms. Gillian E. Chetty Mr. Stephen Roberts Miss Bernadette Cheung Ms. Susan Ronalds and Mr. Ken Ronalds Mr. Edward & Mrs. Dorothy Chiasson Ms. Chloe Sauder Ms. Jennifer K. Choi Mr. Stephen Schachter Ms. Sheri Conner Dr. Wes Schreiber Lorna Court & John Mancini Dr. Philip M. Sestak Leslie Dala Bob Sewell and Susan Van der Flier Ms. Elisabeth Dawson Dr. Cecil Sigal Susan Drury & Dennis Perry Mathew and Masumi Smith Mr. Harry G. Edinger Ms. Kim Stevens Ms. Vivian Eliopoulos
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Mary Tait & Bill Sirett Leon and Ximena Teicher Dr. Carol Tsuyuki & Mr. Craig Tomlinson Dr. Sandra Vestvik Ms. Alexandra Volkoff Wang Charitable Foundation Dr. Eugene Wang Yang Wang Mrs. Carolyn Webster Martin Welrich Faith Wilson Ms. Linda Wong Mr. Daniel R. Worsley Mr. Bruce Munro Wright Tom and Denise Wright Ms. Nancy Wu Dr. Edwin & Mrs. Patricia Yen FRIENDS OF VANCOUVER OPERA $100+ Anonymous (16) Mr. Thomas Adair Nancy Adrian Mr. &. Mrs. Ian and Catherine Aikenhead Mr. David J. Allen Daniel An L Mark Anderson Mr. Russ & Mrs. Lee Anthony Mrs. Rita Araki Claudio Arato Mrs. Barbara Armstrong Jill Bain and Bill Napier-Hemy Mrs. Kathleen Jane Baker Mr. Eric Ball Ms. Aline Banno Ms. Viviane Barber Mr. G. T. Barford Mr. James Barlow Ms. V. Barrett Mr. James Barrett-Lennard John & Sandra Barth Ian Beales Ms. Anne Beaulieu Mr. Hal Beckett Mrs. Margaret Bednard Roberta L. Beiser Karen Bentley Ms. Laurie Bertram Katie Birdsall Mr. Harold Birston Mr & Mrs Ewart & Jo Blackmore Mr. Fernando Borja Mrs. Sylvia Bosa Lilac Bosma Ms. Maureen Boudier Noreen Boudreau Prof. Marilyn Bowman Mrs. Marianne Brockmann Ms. Jean Brown Russell Brown Dr. Jacques Brussow Mr. Sherman D. Bucher Mr. James Buck Mr. Glenn Bullard Ms. Kirstie Campbell Jessie Carlson Drs. Alastair & Jean Carruthers Joanne Challenger Ms. Christine Chandler Mr. Jordan A. Chaput Shel & Jane Cherry Antoinette Cheung
Joost Chimp Alex Chow Ms. Katherine Ciechanowski Mr. Paul Cobban Sheila Colwill Ms. Cathrine Conings Celine Conly Dr. Hull A. Cook Tami J. Copland Mr. Robert Cornish Ms. Joan Cosar Nicola Crema Lee Cross Robert J. Currier Ms. Christine Dahlberg Terri D. Damiani Ms. Margery F. Davey Dr. H. Tony David Mr. John A. Davies Michael and Sandra Davies Mrs. Elizabeth M. Dawson Fiona Ross Charles Demers Mr. Craig Desharnais Nancy Deshaw Ms. Audrey Dewan Simon Dodd Mr. Geoffrey Dodds Teresa Dong Janice M. Douglas Mrs. Elizabeth Dropko In memory of Barb Brown Mark DuMont Mr. Brian Duncan and Mrs. Rebecca Kennedy Richard Duncan Mrs. Jannetta Dunlop Lindsay Dunn Richard Dunn Mr. Edward Dunnett Ms. Laureen Dwulit Ms. Anne Earthy Drs. Allen and Connie Eaves Leah Edelstein-Keshet Jona El-Hanany Mr. Guido Elvet James Emery In Memory of Irwin Davis. Robert and Tina Fawcett David Ferguson & Kenia Palacios Lorena Ferrat Ms. Judith Finch Mr. & Mrs. David Fitzgerald Mr. Roger Flowerdew Dr. Michael S. Follett Mr. James Ford Brigit Forsyth Mr. Don Forsyth Mr. Gordon J. Freeman Michael Freeman Mr. Maurice Freer Gail & Bryan Atkins Fund held at the Nicola Wealth Private Giving Foundation Edward Gaines Mr. Michael Galbraith Mr. David Garratt Ms. Patsy George Mark Gervin Blair Gibbs Mr. Ron Gibbs Ms. Marcelle Girard Ms. Irene Goldstone Bruni and Anthony Goodson Mr. Gordon Harding Ms. Jessica Susan Gossen Mr. Peter Graf Mr. Jordan Graham
Mrs. Barbara Gray Ronda Green and Tim Padmore Darcy Greiner Ms. Irene M. Griffiths Rick Griffiths Mr. Vitalius and Mrs. Elizabeth Gudaitis Ms. Natasha Gukova Mr. and Mrs. Barry Guld Pam and Dave Gurd Ms. Penelope Gurney Mr. & Mrs. John Hagen Mrs. Mary Hamm Gail Hammond Glenn Hansen Kevin Hanvey Dr. Evelyn J. Harden in memory of Marcia Jasiulko & Dr. Edgar F.Harden Ramsey Harding Ms. Evelyn Harrison Mr. Rob Hart In Memory of Ronald Hawkes Ms. Sandra J. Hayden In Memory of Nik Radosevic Ms. Nancy Hermiston Ms. Jessica Hiebert David Hill Mr. Ford Hill Mr. Aaron Hillier John N. Hilton Ms. Shelley Hockett Ms. Lore Hoffmann Mrs. Maureen Hollins John Hooge Dr. Bennett Horner Miss Teuta Hoti Mr. Robert Howell Don Howieson Mr. & Mrs. Salvador Huerta Gregg Hurst Ms. Deanna Illingworth Todd Ingledew Mr. and Mrs. Joyce Jackson Stephen and Susan Jackson Mr. Christopher Jacques Ms. Karen James Teresa A. James Ms. Eileen M. Jang Richard Johnston Ms. Gwynneth C. Jones Nancy Jones Mr. Fred Jorgensen JS Scholar Law Corporation Dr. Susan Jung Kemeny Ms. Marina Kaplun Mr. John Kearns and Ms. Daphne Hampson Dr. Helen Kennedy Jon Kennedy Mr. Mark Kennedy David Kenning Mrs. Karen Kenyon Marilyn Kernahan Steve Ketler Ms. Lillian Ketola Ms. Joan E. Kirkwood Teresa Kirschner Mitch Kitz Jeff and Linda Klaver Ms. Gabriele Klein Wes Knapp & Kathleen MacKinnon Ms. Margaret Knox Marguerite Ko Mrs. Morgan Kololian Ms. Shantell Kovacic Steve Krieger Ron Kruschen and Louise Akuzawa
Mr. & Mrs. Hans Krutzen Ms. Gisela Kuhn Ms. Marianne Kurlak Mr. Donald Kydd Mr. Brian D. LaCas Yolande Lafleur Ms. Danelle Laidlaw Ms. Diana Lam Mr. Edmond Tit Lam Beryl Lamb Julie Lapinsky Paul Larocque Darcy Latremouille Laura’s Versatile - ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ Fund Ms. Shannon Lavender Mr. Derwyn Lea Lynn Ledgerwood Alex Lee Ms. Evelyn Lee Mrs. Jenny Lee Dr. & Mrs. Richard and Susan Lee Ms. Wendy Lee Ms. Anna N. Lesko Mr. W Bill Leung The Illahie Foundation Loraine Littlefield Mr. & Mrs. James Littleford Mrs. Diana J. Lo Israel Juarez Mr. George E. Lovick Dr. Donald and Ms. Carol Lyster Huiyuan Ma David Macdonald Dr. & Mrs. John K MacFarlane Donna MacKenzie Jana and Bill Maclagan Samantha Maddaugh Mrs. Ketty Magil Dr. Jeff Roberts E.J. Makortoff Ms. Lorna Court & Mr. John Mancini Miss R. Manthorpe Dr. Vladimir Marquez Linda & Larry Marshik Mr. Edward Mason Mr. Ian A. McCallum Ryan McKinley Jon McKinney Dr. & Mrs. T. Warner Mr. & Mrs. David F. Measday Trina Medeiros Ms. Louise Merler John Merzetti Mrs. Eliska Milacek Mary Lou Miles Ms. Andrea Miller Mr. Gerald A. Millett Ms. Kelly Millin Derek Milloy Mrs. Doreen M’Lot Ms. Rowena L. Moffett Dr. Barbara Moon Jennifer Moore Mrs. Gwynneth Moriarty Mr. Guus Mostart Mr. Charles I. Mottershead Mr. Carl Mulder Sebastian Munro Ms. Caroline Murphy Robert Murphy Ms. Josephine M. Nadel Tsuneo Nakano Ms. Elize Nel Mr. Barry Nelson Bryan Newson | 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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Carol Newson Ms. Mimi Nilsson Aline and Troy Nimetz Nina Nixon Michael and Beth Noble Mrs. Jean & Mr. William Norquist Ms. Caroline North Mr. Wade Nott Mr. Bernard Olfman Dr. Thomas O’Shea Mrs. Pamela Ottridge Francine Parker Mr. David Parkes Ms. Victoria Parr Mr. Edward Pascal Dr. and Mrs. D Paterson Mr. Dhruva Pathak Ms. Sheila M. Paton Mr. John Pel Miss Kimberley Penfold Apexmaster Roof Systems Mr. Jaime A. Peschiera John Pierce Stephanie Pietralla Ms. Elke Pincock Mr. Frederic Pio Mrs. Silva Plut Richard Pozzebon Meredith Preuss Mrs. Janet and Mr. Clifton Prowse Ms. Marion Quinlan Mr. Don G. Reader Ms. Eleanor Reemeyer Conrad Rego Blaize & Allan Reich Briony Reid Ms. Sharon L. Riches Mrs. Kelly Richter Mr. Berndt Rindt Mr. Wayne Ritchie Mike Roberts Mr. John Robinson Ms. Merrilee Robson Marcia Rocha Ms. Elsbeth Rogers Ms. Anita Romaniuk Nancy Ross Yanita Rowan In Memory of Boris Brott Dr. Joy Ruffeski Lucy Ruthven Mrs. Saeedeh Salem Dinesh Samarasekera Kevin Sanders Howard Saunders Ms. Margaret Schabas Ms. Rosemarie Schipizky Dolph Schluter Carolynn Schmor Dr. Costas J. Schulze Miss Jacqueline Scott Suzanne Scott Manrico and Liz Scremin Ms. Paula Shackleton Keith and Julia Siddall Ms. Satinder Sidhu Stan Siscoe Glen Skidmore Ms. Shaaron Small Bob Smit Dr. Alexander Smith Ms. Frances Smith Mr. Peter Smith Xin Xuan Song Pierre Soucy Serena Southam
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Ms. Mary Sparacio Ms. Frances Sprout Mr. William H. Squibb Ronald David Stephens Michael Stevenson and Jan Whitford Dr. and Mrs. Peter Stevenson-Moore Mr. Lindsay Stewart Susie Stewart Dr. John Stockton Mrs. Moya Stokes Dr. Peter Suedfeld & Dr. Phyllis J. Johnson Mrs. Kumi Sutcliffe Ms. Jeanne Taylor Mrs. Pamela J. Taylor Robert Taylor Ms. Diana Tchakalian Ms. Julia Tchezganova and Mr. Tom Cullen Dr. T.G. Temple Ms. Lesley Thomas Mrs. Patricia Thomas Gina Thorstenson & Bob Bartholomew Mr. Garth Thurber Ms. Jill Tipping Maria Tofan Kim and Mario Tomsich Ms. Marlene Trussell Mr. Stanley Tse Mr. Leslie Tulloch James Vilvang Miss Jean Vogrig Ms. Eleanor von Richthofen Mr. Denis Walker Mr. Ian Wardley Mr. Richard Wasylynchuk Ms. Judy Wearmouth Ms. Allison Webb Dr. Alan A. Weiss Ms. Norma Wells Robin Wenham Klaus Wensauer Wes Knapp & Kathleen MacKinnon Fund held at Vancity Community Foundation Mrs. Gwyneth Westwick Ms. Jennifer L. Whately Mr. Vincent Wheeler and Mr. Peter Cheng Mr. Tim Whiteway Whitford & Stevenson Family Fund Mrs. Beryl Frances Wiebe Ms. Norma Wieland Delphine Wilcox Ms. Janice Williams Ms. Lois Williams Robert Laing & Edward Wilson Cathryn M. Wilson Dr. David Wilson Don G. Wilson Miss June Witty Mr. Yick Kam Wong Graham Woodruff Lois and Peter Woolley Don & Eileen Wright Mrs. Nobuko Yabe Justin Yee Ms. Elizabeth Yip Mr. & Mrs. K. J. Yule Ms. Michelle Yung Mr. Gordon Yusko Karen Lynn Zeller Danni Zheng Mr. Micth Zulinick Mrs. Iana Zvereva
| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
Corporate Supporters MONTECRISTO TD Amica Senior Lifestyles IG Wealth Management Vancouver Opera Guild Foundations Andrew & Julia Sung Foundation Ann Claire Angus Fund Chris Spencer Foundation Christopher Foundation The David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund George W. Norgan Fund The Hannah Woodnutt Smith Mem Fund Joan C. McCarter Foundation Mr. Thomas Lightburn M.A. Faris Foundation Minovitz Family Foundation Opera America Private Giving Foundation Taylor Taliesin Foundation Fred and Minnie Toft Foundation Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Opera Association Endowment Fund Public Funders Canada Council for the Arts BC Arts Council Department of Canadian Heritage City of Vancouver Government of BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Creative BC Musetta’s Waltz Gala Sponsors RBC PH&N Investment Counsel Inc. MONTECRISTO Anthem Properties Group Deloitte Haywood Securities Inc. Imperial Metals Osler
The contributions listed reflect gifts made to VO to June 30, 2026. 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
FINANCIALS REVENUES AT A GLANCE
Public Sector Grants 26%
SEASON TOTAL REVENUE (in thousands)
Box office Other earned revenues Fundraising Grants from the VOF
$ $ $ $
2,864 275 2,224 825
Public sector grants
$
2,208
Box Office 34% VOF Grants 10% Fundraising 27%
3% Other Earned Revenues
Foundations & Other 7% Individual Donations 34%
Lotteries & Special Events 21%
11%
VOF 27%
Corporate
SEASON FUNDRAISING REVENUES (in thousands)
Lotteries & Special Events $ 647 Individual Donations $ 1,029 Corporate $ 326 Foundations & Other $ 222 VOF $ 825
| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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FINANCIAL 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 $96K and decreased its Net Assets to ($835K).
Condensed Statement of Financial Position (As at June 30, in thousands)
Condensed Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in net assets
For the year ended June 30 (in thousands)
ASSETS 2026 2025 REVENUES 2026 2025 Current assets Box office $ 2,864 $ 2,374 Cash and cash equivalents $ 307 $ 824 Other earned revenues 275 180 Restricted cash 69 90 Fundraising 2,224 2,043 Accounts receivable 253 138 Grants from the VOET - Prepaid expenses 563 554 Grants from the VOF 825 1,500 $ 1,192 $ 1,606 Public sector grants 2,208 1,854 $ 8,396 $ 7,951 Investments $ 1,302 $ - Prepaid expenses and deposit 34 34 Deferred Rent 39 37 EXPENSES Capital assets 1,033 1,290 Progamming $4,745 $ 4,604 $ 3,600 $ 2,967 Fundraising 784 1.005 Marketing 1,111 1,026 General and administrative 698 734 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Facilities 678 732 Current liabilities Net production write off - Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 306 $ 264 Amortization of capital assets 284 240 Loan payable 0 50 Loss on disposal of capital assets Deferred revenue 1,334 1,050 $ 8,300 $ 8,340 Deferred contributions 1,216 1,203 $ 2856 $ 2,567 Excess of revenues over expenses $ 96 $ (389) Long-term deferred contributions $ 450 0 Deferred lease liability 879 1,087 Deferred capital contributions 235 223 Loan payable 14 20 $ 4,434 $ 3,897 Net assets Net assets invested in capital assets Net deficit
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$ 153 $ (988) (835) $ 3,598
$ 203 $(1,134) (931) $ 2,967
| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
Net assets, beginning of year Net assets, end of year
$ (931) $ (835)
$ (541) $ (931)
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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, 2025 were $14,059
Condensed Statement of Financial Position
Condensed Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Fund Balance For the year ended December 31 (in thousands) ASSETS 2025 2024 REVENUES 2025 2024 Cash $ 267 $ 42 Fundrasing and grants $ 44 $ 153 Loans receivable Investment income 2,817 1,957 Investments 16,210 16,536 $ 2,861 $ 2,110 Other assets 2 2 $ 16,479 $ 16,580 EXPENSES Disbursements to VOA $ 2,825 $ 2,000 LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES Professional Fees 97 98 Accounts payable & accrued liabilities $ 19 $ 22 Scholarships and bursaries 11 25 Due to Vancouver Opera Association 18 Administration 2 7 Deferred contributions & investment income 1,231 1,069 $ 2,935 $ 2,130 Fund balance 15,224 15,471 $ 16,479 $ 16,580 (Deficiency) excess of revenues over expenses before the following $ (74) $ (20) Changes in fair value of investments (17) 2 (Deficiency) excess of revenues over expenses $ (91) $ (18) As at December 31 (in thousands)
Fund balance, beginning of year $ 15,471 Change in fair value of endowment funds (622) External contribution to endowment funds 467 Fund balance, end of year $ 15,225
$ 15,111 60 318 $ 15,471
Full audited financial statements are available. Please contact William Murgatroyd, Director, Finance and Administration at wmurgatroyd@vancouveropera.ca
| 2025–2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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SEASON SPONSOR
SEASON PATRONS Michael and Inna O’Brian Family Foundation Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation Yoshiko Karasawa Martha Lou Henley, C.M.
WITH CONTINUING SUPPORT FROM
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