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Home , Alex Rathgeber, Antoinette Halloran, Conal Coad, Gale Edwards, Graeme Murphy, Ita Buttrose

Vision Contents Enriching Australia’s cultural life with exceptional .

Mission Vision, Mission, Corporate Governance 2 To present opera that excites audiences and The work of the Board is supported by: Chairman's Report 5 sustains and develops the art form. Audit Committee - meets before each Board Chief Executive's Report 11 meeting and otherwise as required and is Our People 22 Corporate Governance responsible for scrutinising the Company’s Artists - 2015 23 management systems, financial processes Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra Report 25 is a Company Limited and the financial prudence of its strategies. Patron Program 28 by Guarantee. Its governance is the The Company’s auditors meet with the Audit Opera Australia Capital Fund - Chairman's Report 33 responsibility of its Board of Directors, Committee on a regular basis and report on Opera Australia Activities 40 who are elected by its Members. The Board is their processes and findings. Opera Australia Salutes its 2015 Partners 45 responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Company and its ongoing viability. Development and Government Committee - The Company’s direction and activities are meets as required and provides strategic advice underpinned by its agreed Values: on corporate partnerships, philanthropy and government engagement. • Pursuit of excellence in everything we do • Respect for knowledge, imagination and Property Advisory Committee - meets as creative ambition required and makes recommendations to • Honesty and integrity in all our dealings the Board regarding the Company’s property • Fairness portfolio. • Sustainability • Encouragement of professional Remuneration and Nominations Committee - meets development as required and is responsible for overseeing • Respect and compassion for people the Company’s remuneration policy, including • Safe working environment remuneration of the senior management team. • The Board of Directors of Opera Australia is also the Board of Directors of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Opera Australia. The Board of Directors delegates Photographs to the Chief Executive, and through him to Paul Burns, Jeff Busby, Albert Comper, Branco Gaica, Jon Green, Jim Lee, Hamilton Lund, Belinda Strodder, the executive team, authority to manage, Ben Symons, Lisa Tomasetti, Prudence Upton within the parameters set by the Board, the Company’s activities. Cover: Handa Opera on Harbour - Inside front cover spread: Mazda Opera in the Bowl, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Inside back cover spread: Mazda Opera in the Domain, Domain, Sydney 3 StripeandMarcus Corowa as2Stripe Jessica HitchcockJessica asFlinch,LisaMaza Hollie Andrew asCoda, DavidLeha as as Roxie, Kate Miller-Heidke asBird, The Rabbits

Stacey Alleaume with Maxine Buxton (interpreter). Photo by Albert Comper. 57,000 this spectacularevent. peopleattended orchestra andlivecamels,over dancers, singers, dominated atowering by bustofNefertiti, theharbour Aida. Presented onavaststageover Harbourproduction of onSydney Handa Opera ofthemajorsuccesses2015was One artscompany.performing and productive workforce ofAustralia’s largest programming, andtheincredibly hard-working andLyndonHassall’s leadership Terracini’s for theCompanyandatribute to Craig of $553,000. turnaround Thisisconsiderable a netconsolidated income comprehensive Capital Fund returned $316,000resulting in Australia 2015andtheOpera to 31December surplusof$237,000that wehadanoperating thisinmind, IamdelightedWith to report significantlyin2015. results mustbeimproved timeandoperating could notbesustainedover time Iwrote thatthisdisappointingoutcome deficitof$2million.Atthe with anoperating Australia’sIn 2014,Opera ended financialyear David Mortimer AO in October aspartoftheMelbourne Festival. Arts Festival inFebruary andagain soldout Rabbits soldoutinthePerth International . Theproduction ofThe and TheDivorce commissioned productions inTheRabbits and contemporary. 2015saw twonewly fresh classics whileremaining of opera company,opera balancingtheprogramming Australiavision ofOpera asa21st-century Lyndon Terracini hassucceededinhis despite busyyearofactivity. avery was wellcontrolled throughout theCompany, inmany years.largest audiences Expenditure House Melbourne andArtsCentre attracted the In-theatre Opera seasonsattheSydney Our 5 Income and Expenditure Components 2015

Income

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT CONTINUED

Along the way, The Rabbits won four and clearly demonstrated how a fresh, contemporary voice in opera can appeal to audiences of all ages. In contrast with opera companies around the world, Opera Australia has chosen to diversify its audience offering by using available distribution platforms. In a first for the Company, The Divorce was created for TV and film and was broadcast over 74% ($70.2 m) Box office, earned income and contributions four nights in December on ABC free-to-air television. An aggregated audience of more In 2014, we commenced a property review with 26% ($25.2m) Government grants than a million viewers across Australia watched the aim of finding ways to release value and this innovative new work, delivering accessible to best balance use and maintenance of our opera directly into people’s homes. The Rabbits properties throughout Australia. In August 2015 Expenditure and The Divorce are exciting additions to Opera we reached an agreement with the owner of Australia’s repertoire. the property adjacent to our Centre to sell the two properties in one line in In September 2014, Federal Attorney- order to maximise value for Opera Australia. General George Brandis announced a A condition of the sale was a lease back option National Opera Review (NOR), chaired by so Opera Australia people and operations Dr Helen Nugent. In September, the NOR in Melbourne could continue in situ until panel released a discussion paper based on alternative accommodation was sourced. The research, discussions and public hearings sale of the Melbourne Opera Centre reflects our over the previous 12 months. This paper led confidence of our future in Melbourne and will to some debate about the role and place of give us an opportunity to purchase or lease new opera companies in Australia. Opera Australia Melbourne premises. We anticipate obtaining prepared a submission in response to the better accommodation to cater for full discussion paper with the aim of clarifying our orchestra rehearsals with chorus and soloists position and presenting a picture of the place of as well as providing better space and facilities 57% ($53.6 m) Staff and employment expenses Opera Australia in contemporary society. The for patron events. Melbourne will continue 13% ($12.2 m) Venue, transport and travel costs final NOR recommendations were expected to be the home to Opera Australia’s national 19% ($17.5 m) Depreciation, other production and overhead costs late in 2015 although various delays have meant regional touring and schools tours division and 11% ($10.7 m) Marketing and promotion the release will now occur later in 2016. its commercial division. 7 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT CONTINUED

Much planning was undertaken in 2015 to manage the impact of the scheduled closure of our Sydney venue – the Theatre – for seven months in 2017. In effect, the closure means we cannot present our traditional Sydney Winter season in that year. Artistically, Lyndon has worked to build a viable alternative program for subscribers and other ticket buyers to mitigate any long-term impact on our relationship with our key audiences. The closure will reduce our performance weeks in Sydney by more than 50% and our earned revenue generated over those weeks is crucial in ensuring the viability of our company and complementing government, philanthropic and corporate support. The venue and location also provides a high prestige advantage for corporate entertainment. The disruption whilst necessary will have significant financial impacts on the I must acknowledge the importance of the Company and we are attempting to alleviate the financial support we receive from our major costs of disruption where possible. stakeholders including patrons, subscribers and corporate sponsors. The work of the Opera On a more personal note I would like to pay tribute Australia Capital Fund is also vital to the future to our Board Member Robert Leece AO RFD who of our company and I would like to thank its passed away suddenly in December. The loss of Board and patrons. Our work across the country Robert was felt even more keenly as he was only is supported by our government partners, the appointed to the Board in July. 2015 was also a year Federal Government through the Australia in which I suffered a lengthy illness which took me Council for the Arts, and the governments of offline for a considerable period of time. I would and . like to thank Tim McFarlane who stepped in as Acting Chairman and helped steer the Company Finally, as always, on behalf of the Board I would through difficult times. like to thank the Opera Australia team for the outstanding 2015 productions in theatres, regional venues, schools and outdoors. Over the year, around 1,500 artists, technicians, wardrobe and props makers, designers, directors, musicians along with our hard-working support teams across many disciplines, drove Opera Australia’s core business to deliver exceptional

Teddy Tahu Rhodes in opera to audiences across the country. the title role of

9 Craig Hassall AM

Over 2015, Opera Australia continued to position itself as a truly 21st-century opera company by harnessing new technology, new platforms and new collaborations to broaden the parameters It was also a year of intense scrutiny with the of opera and attract new and more diverse release of a discussion paper arising from the audiences. 2015 was the year we introduced the National Opera Review, and a year of significant magical world of The Rabbits to sell-out audiences planning to manage the 2017 temporary closure across the country and presented our first opera, of our Sydney venue, the Joan Sutherland The Divorce, created specifically for TV and film. Theatre. On the flipside, 2015 was also the year Along with critical and audience acclaim for in which our Young Artist Program graduate, our annual in-theatre seasons in Sydney and , made her resoundingly successful Melbourne, we travelled the country with our debut at the Royal Opera Covent Garden, touring production of , visited launching her career on the international stage. hundreds of schools with a specially produced classroom-sized Hansel and Gretel, and reached Of course, no Opera Australia year would be out via community in . complete without major events such as the perennially successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – for 2015, a sumptuous production of Aida complete with camels; a dazzling musical – a tap dancing extravaganza with wonderful Cole Porter songs, ; and, of Lise Lindstrom in the course, a clutch of Helpmann Awards and title role of . 11 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT CONTINUED

In-theatre Productions Our in-theatre attendances were the highest in many years in both Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney New Year’s Eve Gala and Opera were once again sold out and the subsequent season of La Bohème was a huge success and featured the Australian debut of Maija Kovalevska in the role of Mimì. fiendishly difficult and lavish opera turned into the hit of the Melbourne autumn and Sydney ’s delightfully playful production winter seasons. , Ferrucccio of The Magic Flute returned to the Sydney Opera Furlanetto, Giacomo Prestia and José Carbó House with this version specially designed to provided spectacular singing alongside almost next and very different production in Sydney appeal to families and children. The season 200 performers in the grandest of Verdi . was a startling and powerful new production of included a ‘relaxed’ performance in which Gounod’s Faust. Featuring a roll call of fabulous children with learning difficulties could talk and The Sydney Winter season opened with a artists such as , Nicole Car, walk around. John Bell’s revival of his acclaimed revival of ’s lavish and fluid and director Sir David production of set in 1943 when Mussolini’s production of Turandot. And what a start it McVicar, this dark and sinister co-production successors abandoned Rome to the invading was to the winter season. Two of the most with the the Royal Opera House Covent Garden of , the second of the Da German armies featured Amanda Echalaz in her powerful international singers working today attracted brilliant reviews and a Helpmann Ponte trilogy. This production was much lauded Australian debut in the title role. filled the principal roles of Turandot and Calaf. Award for Best Male Performer in an Opera for Together, Lise Lindstrom and Yonghoon Lee for Jenny Tiramani’s meticulous designs which Michael Fabiano. included materials, decorations and dyes of the Our Sydney Summer audiences would riot captivated audiences with their magnificent time, with the vocal brilliance of Nicole Car as if we did not include one of the world’s most voices and stage presence. Opera Australia The Melbourne Autumn season opened with the Countess and Paolo Bordogna as Figaro. loved operas, . In this Moffatt artist Lorina Gore made her debut in the Madama Butterfly. For this production, one Oxenbould production Sydney audiences were role of Violetta Valéry in La Traviata. Elijah of Opera Australia’s favourite sopranos, McVicar’s production of The Marriage of Figaro treated to a remarkable performance of Cio- Moshinsky’s sumptuous production conducted Hyeseoung Kwon sang the role of Cio-Cio-San. opened the Melbourne Spring season with Cio-San by Alexia Voulgaridou who last wowed by Verdi specialist Renato Palumbo provided Her interpretation of the abandoned lover won Jane Ede making her debut in the role of the local audiences with her Tosca in 2014. The a perfect backdrop to this much-loved opera. her many critical plaudits and, as word spread, Moshinsky’s production of , Countess. This was followed by a revival of tickets proved hard to obtain. We enjoyed our presented as part of the Melbourne Autumn Simon Phillips’ cheeky and very Australian highest attendance levels for some years thanks season, opened in Sydney with Latonia Moore adaptation of The Elixir of Love. to the power of Puccini and wonderful casting. in the role of Elisabeth de Valois along with Sir David McVicar’s dark and provocative José Carbó, Ferrucccio Furlanetto and Milijana Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of Don Giovanni featured an all- Nikolic. To conclude the Sydney Winter season, One of Sydney’s most anticipated outdoor Australian cast led by Teddy Tahu Rhodes Sir David McVicar directed a new production events, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, was in the title role. First seen in Sydney in 2014, the setting for a magnificent new production Mozart’s dramatic opera was the first of three of Aida. Once again, this fourth year of our specially commissioned new productions of annual outdoor spectacle gained national and the Da Ponte trilogy directed by McVicar. Elijah international recognition and showed off Sydney Moshinsky’s production of Don Carlos returned as one of the world’s great tourism destinations. after decades and was a tour de force. This With Latonia Moore in the title role, the

13 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT CONTINUED production, directed by Gale Edwards and designed by Mark Thompson, was dominated by a huge bust of Nefertiti, glittering costumes, exotic dancers and live camels. The film of the production was distributed across Australia and attracted thousands of viewers internationally.

The success of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is due to the ongoing investment of the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the vision and generosity of Dr .

Annual Musical Our annual musical proved to be a critical success. Described by the New York Times as ‘a deluxe candy box of Cole Porter’s best National Engagement songs’, Anything Goes delighted audiences in Since 1996 Opera Australia has toured to 110 Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Starring the different venues, presenting 549 performances indefatigable Caroline O’Connor, audiences of high quality opera to a regional audience of clapped and stomped along to some of the more than 245,000. Along the way we have built most strenuous and challenging dance and tap the regional relationships that enable us to be routines imaginable. Anything Goes claimed nimble enough to present opera in regional three Helpmann Awards: Best Choreography in towns and communities in vastly differing a Musical for Andrew Hallsworth, Best Female venues. Our 2015 regional tour of The Magic Actor in a Musical for Caroline O’Connor Flute was designed to entertain people of all and Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a ages and toured 17 regional centres in Victoria, Musical for Alex Rathgeber. Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. We also undertook an extensive I must acknowledge our brilliant production Primary Schools Tour through Victoria and partner, , for his exceptional NSW with a touring party of professional contribution to the musical art form and performers. These tours reached over 70,000 enthusiastic contribution to our annual students across urban, outer-metropolitan and musical extravaganza. regional areas.

However, the depth of our regional engagement runs deeper than ‘in and out’ regional performances. Our Regional Children’s Chorus and Regional Student Scholarship Top Left: Hiromi Omura as Madama Butterfly Madama Butterfly programs engage children and young people Left: Durkin as Adina and in each town we visit. These provide training members of the Opera Australia Chorus The Elixir of Love and development opportunities for children

15 Opera Australia also developed regional talent through our Regional Student Scholarships. This scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging regional performers. Over 130 students auditioned during our last Regional Tour, receiving invaluable audition experience and feedback on their performance, equivalent to a masterclass. Ultimately four senior secondary students were selected and invited to come and spend a week at our film and online audiences across the country. national headquarters in Sydney. Composed by Elena Kats-Chernin with libretto by Joanna Murray-Smith, this new Australian By bridging the opera education gap for children work was initially broadcast over four nights in regional Australia, we foster a lifelong love of on ABC TV in December last year. The Divorce CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT CONTINUED the arts and create opportunities for learning had a cumulative reach of 1.1 million viewers that may not be otherwise possible outside the including a regional (non-city) reach of 311,000 as part of the Melbourne International Arts to perform onstage alongside professional capital cities. viewers or 4% of Australia’s regional population. Festival. The Rabbits won four Helpmann singers, orchestra and crew. This is not just a In regional NSW, 49,000 people watched at least Awards including Best Presentation for participatory exercise, but also an exercise in A 21st-Century Opera Company one episode with many more watching on iView. Children, Best Costume Design, Best New artistic excellence as we develop regional artists Like major opera companies around the world, Although we have a long history of presenting Australian Work and Best Original Score. This over time. Over the two-year (2014/15) national Opera Australia must confront changing and commissioning new operatic work, the successful venture shows very clearly that if the Regional Tour of The Magic Flute, the inaugural demographics, distribution platforms, people’s audience numbers for The Divorce were far product is right then people will come. Regional Children’s Chorus program featured taste and how they access entertainment and greater than other contemporary productions 757 children across the country performing cultural needs. We are confronting this issue presented in traditional venues. This is a Our Stakeholders alongside our professional singers, in their head on. This year, in association with ABC TV, remarkable feat for a new operatic work. Our continued expansion and evolution is own towns, seen by their family, friends and Princess Pictures and The Opera Conference, only possible due to the support of many communities. A local leader was selected we presented our first opera created specifically In February we presented a newly key stakeholders. The Federal Government, in each participating town, who then either for viewing outside of traditional venues – The commissioned opera, The Rabbits, as part of through the Australia Council for the Arts, is created a new choir, or worked with an existing Divorce. The result was a unique multi-platform the International Arts Festival. This our primary government supporter. The New one. Since the 2014 tour of The Magic Flute, project that re-invented opera for television, co-production with Barking Gecko Theatre South Wales and Victorian Governments’ two members of our Children’s Chorus, one Company in association with West Australian ongoing support is vital and I must acknowledge from Bendigo and one from Armidale, have Opera was co-commissioned by the Perth the investment of Destination NSW and the successfully auditioned for Opera Australia’s International Arts Festival and the Melbourne generosity of Dr Haruhisa Handa for our mainstage seasons. Proof that the Regional Festival. It is based on the much-loved book annual presentation of Handa Opera on Sydney Children’s Chorus is a wonderful opportunity of the same name by with Harbour. The Federal Government is also a and training ground for the next generation of illustrations by Oscar award-winning Shaun key partner of our national touring program artists and arts lovers. Tan. The production was brought to life with through Playing Australia. original composition by Kate Miller-Heidke and Iain Grandage, libretto by Lally Katz and directed by John Sheedy. The production sold out in Perth and again sold out in October

17 Orchestra (AOBO) maintains its position as the busiest orchestra in the country and it provides the backbone to all that we do. In a typical year, the Sydney-based AOBO will give some 175 performances of more than a dozen operas, and more than 80 performances for while supports our Melbourne seasons. In June, Jun Yi Ma was appointed Concertmaster and Artistic Adviser CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT CONTINUED of the AOBO. Our permanent chorus and ensemble deliver their vocal magic night after night, day after day, to hundreds of thousands Our Principal Partner Mazda Australia once again of people around the country. Our Artistic generously contributed to our level of public director Lyndon Terracini continues to drive engagement through two major free outdoor the Company’s artistic ambition and must be events, Mazda Opera in the Domain (Sydney) and congratulated on expanding Opera Australia’s Mazda Opera in the Bowl (Melbourne). These reach and accessibility and delivering a 21st- annual, free outdoor events allow thousands century vision for opera. Our Board of Directors of people to experience the brilliant sounds of - chaired by David Mortimer and Tim McFarlane Opera Australia soloists and orchestra in a casual, as Acting Chair - is essential to our longer term family-friendly setting. Alongside Mazda sits a planning and helping us to navigate a difficult long list of ongoing partnerships with Australian financial environment. Our teams and crews in companies that allow us to present work in our Sydney and Melbourne keep everything ticking major cities and regional centres. over, working assiduously and creatively to keep our organisation lean and nimble. The level of private support continues to grow. We have an incredibly committed and We have to be agile, both creatively and loyal group of philanthropists who assist us in financially, to ensure a strong and bold future providing some of our most valuable programs for Opera Australia. We are uniquely Australian such as supporting emerging artists and the and unique in the world. It is by presenting development of educational and outreach exceptional and accessible opera experiences programs. To all of you, thank you. and exciting audiences around the nation that Opera Australia will ensure its future. The Team Opera needs more people than any other live art form to succeed. More than 1,500 people were employed over 2015 in creating opera, presenting opera, building opera, touring opera, marketing opera, broadcasting opera and engaging people young and old across Australia Hugh Sheridan and Lisa McCune in The Divorce with opera. The Australian Opera and Ballet

19 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Aida Artists 2015

Principals Stacey Alleaume Angela Hogan Clarissa Spata Gennadi Dubinsky David Leha Opera Australia is one of the largest employers in welders, tailors, sewers, wig-makers, painters, Hollie Andrew Anke Höppner Alexia Voulgaridou Samuel Dundas John Longmuir Natalie Aroyan Maija Kovalevska Jessica Westcott James Egglestone Shane Lowrencev the Live Performance industry in Australia. We writers, ticket-sellers, front-of-house staff Zara Barrett Debora Krizak Amanda Windred Michael Fabiano Graeme Macfarlane Emily Barber Hyeseoung Kwon Victoria Yastrebova Warren Fisher Todd McKenney have about 230 core permanent staff. In addition, and administrators. Opera Australia partners Kirilie Blythman Celeste Lazarenko Nicole Youl Walter Fraccaro Oliver Mann Nicole Car Lise Lindstrom Anna Yun Ferrucio Furlanetto Riccardo Massi we employ about 1000 seasonal and casual with venue providers, such as the Sydney Olivia Cranwell Claire Lyon Jonathan Abernethy* Simon Meadows Hannah Dahlenburg Anna McDougall Richard Anderson Luke Gabbedy Robert Mitchell Regina Daniel Jacqueline Mabardi Pelham Andrews Steven Gallop Andrew Moran employees throughout the year on different Opera House, the Melbourne Arts Centre and Daria Masiero Damian Arnold Ashley Giles David Parkin Jessica Dean Dominica Matthews Jud Arthur Alexander Hargreaves Giacomo Prestia productions. Our staff include singers, orchestra various schools and regional art centres to work Anna Dowsley* Geoffrey Harris Alex Rathgeber Duncan Lisa Maza Andrei Bondarenko Michael Hart Arnold Rawls instrumentalists, repetiteurs, language coaches, collaboratively with their back stage and front-of- Rachelle Durkin Kate Miller-Heidke Paolo Bordogna Chr istopher Hillier Eugene Raggio Amanda Echalaz Latonia Moore Kanen Breen Michael Honeyman Teddy Tahu Rhodes directors, conductors, designers, electricians, house staff. Our volunteers also make significant Jane Ede Milijana Nikolic Martin Buckingham Andrew Jones Claudio Sgura Caroline O'Connor Giorgio Caoduro Nicholas Jones Daniel Sumegi mechanists, props technicians, dressers, make- contributions to our activities. All our people Julie Lea Goodwin* Hiromi Omura José Carbó Wayne Scott Kermond Paulo Szot Lorina Gore Sian Pendry Conal Coad Simon Kim Daniel Tambasco up technicians and other production staff, stage bear the hall marks of superior skills in their Kathryn Radcliffe Gerry Connolley Rame Lahaj Adrian Tamburini Roxane Hislop Rebecca Rashleigh Marcus Corowa Gianluca Terranova managers, stores persons, carpenters, respective crafts and passion for the Opera. Jessica Hitchcock Agnes Sarkis Aldo Di Toro Yonghoon Lee Diego Torre Chorus Chloris Bath Vanessa Lewis Leah Thomas Malcolm Ede Jeffrey Lock Full Time Equivalents Emma Castelli Yolanda Lorenzato Margaret Trubiano Thomas Hamilton Jonathan McCauley Annabelle Chaffey Jodie McGuren Katherine Wiles Scott Hannigan Kent McIntosh Anna-Louise Cole Marjory McKay Anna Yun Stuart Haycock Clifford Plumpton Ongoing Seasonal Casual Total Rebecca Currier Ke-Lu Ma Dean Bassett Jin Tea Kim Benjamin Rasheed Mary-Ann Fraser Lynette Murray Christopher Bath Nara Lee Ryan Sharp ARTISTIC Eleanor Greenwood Sandra Oldis Gregory Brown David Lewis Sitiveni Talei Eva Kong Sharon Olde Brad Cooper Principal singers 1 25 20 46 Chorus 34 2 15 51 Conductors Orchestral players 57 1 24 82 Christian Badea Michael Curtain Simon Kenway Gianluca Martinenghi Benjamin Northey Andrea Battistoni Paul Fitzsimon Anthony Legge Nicholas Milton Renato Palumbo Dancers 0 0 7 7 Peter Casey Ian Grandage Andrea Licata Andrea Molino Guillaume Tourniaire Brian Castles-Onion Extras 0 0 7 7 Music Staff Music and language staff 7 2 2 11 Chorus Master Anthony Hunt Other artist support 4 3 7 14 Assistant Chorus Master Thomas Johnson Repetiteurs Language Coaches Artistic administration 13 0 1 14 Siro Battaglin Paul Fitzsimon Raymond Lawrence Tanja Binggeli Brian Castles-Onion Brad Gilchrist Tahu Matheson Nicole Dorigo TOTAL ARTISTIC 116 33 83 232 Pamela Christie Sue Goessling Stephen Walter Adriana Hanic Michael Curtain John Haddock

TECHNICAL Directors Stage management 6 4 2 12 Matthew Barclay Heather Fairbairn David McVicar Moffatt Oxenbould AM Johanna Puglisi John Bell AO OBE Andrew Frith Andy Morton Simon Phillips John Sheedy Stage staff 15 13 14 42 Dean Bryant Kate Gaul Elijah Moshinsky Shane Placentino Julie Taymor Gale Edwards Michael Gow Graeme Murphy AO Roger Press Kim Walker Workshop staff 16 1 10 27 Naomi Edwards Hugh Halliday Francesca Zambello Wardrobe and Wigs Staff 14 15 7 36 Designers Stores Staff 4 2 9 15 Paul Brown Peter England Robert Kemp Julie Taymor Gabriela Tylesova Russell Cohen Dale Ferguson Julie Lynch Mark Thompson Michael Waters Facilities 2 2 4 8 Tony David Cray Kristian Fredrikson Teresa Negroponte Brian Thomson Anna Watkins Michael Curry Peter Hall Brigitte Reiffenstuel Jenny Tiramani Michael Yeargan Technical Administration 9 1 0 10 Charles Edwards Robert Jones Michael Scott-Mitchell George Tsypin TOTAL TECHNICAL 66 38 46 150 Lighting Designers Robert Bryan Gary Marder John Rayment OTHER Paule Constable Nigel Levings Nick Schlieper Gary Dooley John Drummond Matt Scott Marketing Development and David Finn Montgomery Trent Suidgeest 22 10 4 36 Gavan Swift Sales Staff Donald Holder Jonathan Perry Management and Admin 26 9 1 36 Choreographers TOTAL OTHER 48 19 5 72 Mark Dendy Michael Keegan-Dolan Andrew George Graeme Murphy AO Andrew Hallsworth Daphne Strothmann TOTAL 230 90 134 454 Lucas Jervies * Members of the Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artist Program Program Coordinator: Andrew Greene 23 The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra Verdi’s massive Don Carlos conducted by Andrea (AOBO) is the busiest of all Australian Licata; and The Australian Ballet’s much-loved orchestras, giving around 290 performances production of Sleeping Beauty conducted by each year. A wholly owned subsidiary of Opera Nicolette Fraillon. Australia, the AOBO performs for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet during their In 2015 the AOBO was involved in numerous respective Sydney seasons, as well as Handa interesting projects outside the orchestra pit. In Opera on Sydney Harbour. addition to the customary NYE Gala Concert and Australian Singing Competition Finals Concert, Formerly the Sydney Elizabethan Orchestra, the AOBO was able to venture into new projects, the AOBO has earned a reputation for warmth partly due to Opera Australia’s of sound and impressive flexibility in the most production of Anything Goes requirement for a challenging of environments. The repertory swing band. The AOBO was therefore available performance schedule of Opera Australia means for: an ABC Classics recording project with rising that up to five different productions are being star soprano Nicole Car and conductor Andrea performed and prepared at any one time, resulting Molino that was released as the CD called The in up to eight performances per week. Excellent Kiss, rising to the top of the ARIA classical list; seasonal and casual musicians provide respite for Andrew McKinnon’s production of From the permanent musicians of the Orchestra. to Broadway in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall; Gala Concerts with famous soprano Notable recent productions for Opera Australia Angela Gheorghiu performed in Sydney and in the last year have included: Handa Opera on Melbourne; and ABC’s made-for-TV opera Sydney Harbour - Aida, which saw the orchestra The Divorce. The AOBO also performed with playing once again on the harbour stage in YouTube’s number 1 classical artist, Ludovico Nicole Car and Andrea Molino the acclaimed fourth season of this landmark Einaudi, in sold out performances. with members of the Sydney event; Gounod’s Faust and Mozart’s The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra Marriage of Figaro in sumptuous productions The Orchestra also features on recent live directed by David McVicar and each conducted recordings in the Sydney Opera House of Don by Guillaume Tourniaire and Anthony Legge; Giovanni, , La Boheme and Madama a return of John Bell’s superb production of Butterfly and all the HOSH productions (La Puccini’s Tosca conducted by Andrea Battistoni; Traviata, Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Aida and, in Elijah Moshinsky’s lavish interpretation of 2016, Turandot) in cinema and DVD release. Richard Anderson as Dulcamara, and his driver The Elixir of Love, 2006 25 Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra

Concertmaster and Artistic Adviser Jun Yi Ma† Associate Concertmaster Huy-Nguyen Bui Deputy Concertmaster Catalin Ungureanu (Acting)

Violin Trumpet Adrian Keating* Joshua Clarke Tony Gault* Craig Ross* Airena Nakamura (2nd Violins) Bruce Hellmers Mark Fitzpatrick* (2nd Violins) Virginia Blunt Cornet Thomas Dundas Flute Brian Evans Rachel Easton Elizabeth Pring Yu-Qing Rebecca Irwin Amanda Hollins* Trombone Marek Kruszynski Gregory van der Struik Samuel Podjarski Piccolo Brett Favell* Daniel Rosenbaum Diane Berger William Farmer Robert Sek Jaroslaw Talar Oboe Trombone Rachel Westwood Conall McClure Brett Page Matthew Tighe* Viola Mark Bruwel Tuba Virginia Comerford Edwin Diefes Angela Lindsay^ Cor Anglais Amanda Murphy Andrew Malec Percussion Magda Kruszynska Shaun Trubiano Clarinet Cello Peter Jenkin Timpani Teije Hylkema Phillip Green* David Clarence Eszter Mikes-Liu* Richard Rourke Allan Watson* Andrew Hines* * Pierre Emery Bassoon Harp Margaret Iddison Douglas Eyre Jane Rosenson Henry Urbanavicius Matthew Ockenden* Gillian Hansen Double Bass Italics Principal Brett Berthold Horn st Andrew Meisel* Bourian Boubbov * Associate Principal/Principal 1 Violin * * Acting Assistant Principal Max McBride^ Victoria Chatterley ^ Guest Associate Principal Edmund Bastian Lisa Wynne-Allen # Contract Musician

Tom Hamilton as Papageno Opera Australia's National Tour of † The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra’s Concertmaster is proudly supported by John Frost AM The Magic Flute

Orchestra Management General Manager, Orchestra Gérard Patacca Orchestra Manager Emma In der Maur Deputy Orchestra Manager Ella Howard Assistant Orchestra Manager - Operations Anna Bennett Assistant Orchestra Manager - Production Valérie Morgan-Pertus Assistant Orchestra Manager Rhonda Jones 27 The Patron Program Patrons - $2,000+ The Patron Program is an important and integral part of Opera Australia. Opera lives in the Anthony Adair The Hon. Justice and Mrs G Giudice Adrian Morris and Eileen Chanin hearts and imagination of the more than 550,000 people who enjoy our performances each year. Dr and Mrs Mario Adamo Mr Timothy Glanville Ted and Brenda Mouritz Rae and David Allen George Golvan QC Dr Stephen Mulligan Noel and Sylvia Alpins George and Kay Gordon Associate Professor Jane Munro AM Opera Australia is sincerely grateful to the individuals, organisations, trusts and foundations The Hon Richard Alston Beatrice Gray B P Murphy whose loyal support underpins everything we do. Dr Ben Anderson Miss Catherine Gray Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer Sidney and Lynn Anderson Dr Anthony Grigg and Mr Paul Williamson Dr and Mrs Ken Neale Yvonne Kenny AM, Patron-in-Chief Dr Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE Mr and Mrs Egon Grossberg Irena Nebenzahl Judith Augustine James and Sarah Guest Dr Paul Nisselle AM and Mrs Sue Nisselle Rosalind Baker The Hon Ian V Gzell QC Mrs Robyn Pal Leading Patrons Jenny Barnes Richard and Judy Haes Timothy and Eva Pascoe The Susan & Isaac Wakil Foundation Ross and Ann Barnetson Mrs Pamela Hall Dr Kevin Pedemont Yvonne Kenny AM, Tony Barnett Louis Hamon OAM Professor David Penington AC Patron-in-Chief Dedicated to John Beaton Judy Hastings Ms Janine Perrett Ambassador Patrons - $20,000+ Mrs Jeanette Beaumont Alan Hauserman and Janet Nash Phillip and Jennifer Perry Laurie Bebbington and Elizabeth O’Keeffe Assoc. Prof. Bernard Haylen D E Pidd Robert Albert AO RFD RD and Christine Davis in memory of Despina Kallinikos Alasdair Beck and Mrs Denise Haylen Mr Ian Plater Elizabeth Albert Martin Dickson AM and Susie Dickson Anthony and Sharon Lee Foundation Dr Jane Beeby Peter Hennings Mr Peter Charles Prior CLJ Philip Bacon AM Lady (Mary) Fairfax AC OBE David Mortimer AO Dr Simon Bell and Dr W J Heriot Railx Aluminium Products Jennifer Brukner Hans and Petra Henkell Maureen Wheeler AO Dr Jennifer Coghlan-Bell D S and S P Heywood Judith and Ernest Rapee Mrs Rowena Danziger AM and Mr K G Coles AM Iphygenia Kallinikos and Anonymous (2) Gita Bellin Dr and Mrs R F Hicks Angela Raymond Esther and Brian Benjamin John David Hobbs Jane Recny Nicole Berger Michael Hobbs Inge Riebe Artist Patrons - $12,000+ Tom Best Hartmut and Ruth Hofmann Frank A Robertson Antoinette Albert Rex Irwin, Esq. Richard Owens AM Minnie Biggs Dr Rosita Holenbergh-Gibson Mr Geoffrey Robertson QC Mrs K E Bryan Mr and Mrs Aron Kleinlehrer Kenneth R Reed AM Graeme Black Mrs Naida Holliday Mr Graeme Robertson Juliana and Robert Clemesha John Lamble AO and Suzanne Kelly Fred Street AM and Dorothy Street Mrs Jan Bowen AM Ms A Hooper Michael and Angela Rodd Vic and Katie French MIA Contract Lawyers Alden Toevs and Judi Wolf Mrs Roslynne Bracher AM Dr Ron Houghton Bruce and Ruth Rodell Mr John Frost AM Lisa and Doug McKern Professor Barbara van Ernst AM Ms Jane Brodribb Ian Hunt and Vicki Nicholson Mr Jeremy Ruskin QC and Ian Dickson and Reg Holloway Nick and Caroline Minogue Cameron Williams Dr Roderick Brooks Michael and Penny Hunter Ms Roz Zalewski Tom Hayward and Fiona Martin-Weber Mrs Patricia New Roy and Gay Woodward Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM Dr Alastair Jackson Rowan and Susie Russell Mrs Jane Hemstritch Katharine Olsen Anonymous (4) Professor David Bryant Stuart Jennings Donna L St Clair Dr I J Hunter Richard Burbidge QC John S Jessup Margaret Sammut Diana Burleigh Dr Michael Joel AM and Mrs Anna Joel The Satir Centre of Australia Ita Buttrose AO OBE Dr Garry Joslin and Prof Dimity Reed AM Mrs M Saunders Governor Patrons - $7,500+ Anne and Bruce Judd Garry E Scarf and Morgie Blaxill Hugh and Hilary Cairns John Kaldor AM and Naomi Milgrom Kaldor Aubrey G Schrader Nance Atkinson Trust Peter Griffin AM Dr David and Dr Gillian Ritchie Elise Callander Mrs Mathilde Kearny-Kibble Tom Schrecker Peter Bartholomew and Donna Pelka Pat and Frank Harvey Janis Salisbury Ian Cameron Dr S M Kelly Max and Jill Schultz Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO Alistair Hay Mark and Ruth Sampson Lynda Campbell James and Diana Kimpton Caroline Serventy Tom Begg Jennifer Hershon Phillip and Sue Schudmak Mrs Naomi Carrick Mrs Deborah Kirk Mrs Penelope Service Stephen Bell Peter and Jenny Hordern Rod Sims and Alison Pert Mr and Mrs M H Carriol In memory of Dr Suzanne Korbel Dr John and Mrs Sue Sheehy The Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP Mrs Cynthia Jackson AM and the late Carol Sisson Emily Chang George Krawat Professor Gillian Shenfield AM Russell and Leanne Bowie Dr Edward Jackson AM John and Jo Strutt Jan and Andrew Cheetham The Hon Justice François Kunc and Tim and Lynne Sherwood Ian and Jillian Buchanan Dr Judith Kinnear Tony and Josephine Sukkar Greg and Terry Chesher Felicity Rourke Mrs Suzanne Simon Conal Coad and Colin Beutel Dr Joan M Lawrence AM John Symond AM Caroline and Robert Clemente Peter Lazar AM Gary Singer and Geoffrey Smith Tatiana Crockett Peter Lovell Peter and Leonie Szabo Miss Renata Conrad Catherine and Yick Him Lee Michael and Melissa Slattery Michael and Shanny Crouch Peter and Pamela McKee Mr Kevin Troy Leith Cooper Stephanie Lee Denise Smith Mary Davidson and Frederick Davidson Lisa and Doug McKern Michael Troy Tim and Bryony Cox Mrs Ruth Leon In memory of Beryl Stephens The Hon Mrs Ashley Dawson-Damer AM Suzanne and Antony Maple-Brown Lyn Williams AM P F and M J Crane Barbara and Bernard Leser Mrs Judith Stewart Mrs R Dechert Justice Jane Mathews AO Ray Wilson OAM in memory of M and M Cranitch Ann and David Levitan Mr Nigel Stoke The Denton Family Trust Graham Miller James Agapitos OAM Mr Charles P Curran AC and Mrs Eva Curran Mrs Julie Lockhart Victoria Taylor Suvan and Shamistha de Soysa Catriona and Simon Mordant AM Elizabeth Windschuttle Mrs Mary Curtis Richard and Elizabeth Longes The Langham, Melbourne Chris and Judy Fullerton Colin and Rosalyn Nicholson Christine Yip and Paul Brady Rod and Marie Dalziel Jill and Brian Loton Victoria Thorogood The Greatorex Foundation Tom and Ruth O'Dea Anonymous (3) Mrs Jeanette Davies Drs Kathryn Lovric and Roger Allan Sandy and Anna Todd Kathryn Davies Mr Howard Lowe Richard and Caroline Travers Benefactor Patrons - $4,000+ Mr Michael Diamond AM MBE Kevin and Susan McCabe Peter Tremewen Jennifer and Robert Dickerson AO Mrs Marie McCann OAM Suzanne and Ross Tzannes AM Jeannette Abrahams Margaret Gibbs George and Jillian Pappas Disium Pty Ltd Susan McCarthy Ullmer Family Charitable Endowment David and Elizabeth Adams Rachel Goldberg and Alan Goldberg AO QC G Pearson The Hon. John Dowd AO QC Dr Ann McFarlane Stephen and Paulin Walter Lesley Alway and Paul Hewison Leon and Judy Goldman Fred Peisah Andrew and Barbara Dowe Avril and Peter McGrath John S Walton AM Janette and Jim Bain AM Leonard Groat Professor David Penington AC Mrs Rose Downer George and Patricia McGregor The Shirley Ward Foundation Michael Ball Nereda Hanlon and Michael Hanlon AM Susan Perrin-Kirby Dr William Downey Robert and Sarah McKay Derek Watt and Cathy Brown-Watt Judith and David Beal Dr John Harvey AO and Mrs Yvonne Harvey Dave Poddar and Angela Flannery Dana Dupere Marcus and Brooke MacLean Dr Eric Wegman Margaret and James Beattie Craig Hassall AM Greeba Pritchard Charles Edmonds Mark and Sue MacLennan Roslyn Weiley and Chris Harper Mrs Christine Bishop Nora Hinchen and John Flint OAM Josef and Sarina Reisinger James Fairfax AC Hon Ian and Mrs Julie Macphee The Honourable Justice Anthony Whealy Kevin Bleasel AO Ervin and Judith Katz Dr Mark Renehan Mr Bill Fleming Geoffrey Magney Professor Chris and Mrs Vimala Whitaker Rosemary and Julian Block Kernaghan & Associates Lawyers Bruce Rosenberg Mrs M Ford David Malouf AO Caroline Wilkinson Virginia Braden OAM and Ken Woolley AM Mrs Suzanne Kirkham Graeme Samuel AC and Jill Davies Dr J A Frew and Mrs D M Frew Jenny Manton Evan Williams AM and Janet Williams Audrey Blunden Anna-Lisa Klettenberg Edward and Susan Schutz Sabina and David Full Professor Bernard and Mrs Joyce Marks Mr Rod Woolley Jannie Brown Kloeden Foundation Penelope Seidler AM Robert Furley and Leon Nicholas Jennifer K Marshall Jill Wran Dr Andrew Buchanan Ms Eugenia Langley JP Mrs H Showniruk Eric and Tonia Gale Graham Matheson Mr Kerry Wright Mrs Barbara Cain G D Levy and J M Hockey Dr Michael Slaytor Justin and Anne Gardener Dr Bryan and Mrs Debora Mendelson Dr Kun-Gay Yap and Dr Kuldip Kaur Pam Caldwell Rosie Lew and Family Margot Smith John Garnsey QC Desmond B Misso, Esq Anonymous (26) Dr Lionel Chan Alex and Halina Lewenberg Mr Sam Smorgon AO and Mrs Minnie Smorgon Mrs Fleur Gibbs The Monarch Investment Group Mrs David Clarke Paul and Joanne Lindwall Assoc. Prof. Ross Steele AM Dr Nicholas S Girdis CBE and Mrs Marina Girdis John and Isobel Morgan The Clayton Family Peter Lowry OAM and Carolyn Lowry OAM Anthony Stolarek John Conde AO Justice Robert McDougall Dr and Mrs David Sugerman Maxwell J Connery OAM and Joan R Connery OAM The Alexandra and Wirat Sukprem and Alexander Gosling AM Mrs Joan Darling Lloyd Martin Family Foundation Mrs Graham Thorp International Patrons Trusts and Foundations Chum Darvall AM Robyn Martin-Weber Mrs Alma Toohey Mrs Catherine Davies Dr and Mrs P J Meddings Mrs Dawn Troy DR HARUHISA HANDA, Honorary International Patron The Association of Australian Decorative and Ernest Dawes OBE and Nola Dawes Dr Mark and Dr Alla Medownick John Tuckey Fine Arts Societies Mr J T Dominguez CBE AM and Mrs Dominguez Mrs Margot Melzak Judge Robyn Tupman Roderick and Gillian Deane Cassandra Gantner Foundation Mrs Gordon Douglass AM Thomas Timothy Murphy Mr and Mrs Peter Turner Hamish Parker Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund Sandy and Phil Dudgeon Mrs Judith Myers Mr David Valentine Crown Resorts Foundation Suellen and Ron Enestrom Brian Nebenzahl OAM RFD and Jocelyn Nebenzahl Mrs Suzanne A R Waterhouse David Epstein and Nell Bennett Professor G C O'Brien and Dr I E O'Brien Claire Weis Packer Family Foundation Dr Helen Ferguson Miki Oikawa Geoffrey and Karen Wilson Diana and Richard Fisher David and Lynne Olsson Sue and Bill Wood Mr Gerhard and Mrs Monica Flechsig Dr Robert and Mrs Joan Osborn Donna Woodhill The Late Mrs Neilma Gantner Mrs Roslyn Packer AO Anonymous (9) 29 Syndicate 30 - The Da Ponte Cycle

Opera Australia salutes those Patrons who have joined Syndicate 30: Mozart for 2016. Members of each year's Syndicate support a new production and participate directly in the work of Opera Australia. We sincerely thank our Syndicate 30 Patrons for their generosity.

Mrs Rowena Danziger AM and Mr Ken Coles AM Jennifer Hershon Colin and Rosalyn Nicholson Iphygenia Kallinikos and D E Pidd in memory of Despina Kallinikos Valmai Pidgeon AM Dr Joan M Lawrence AM David and Gillian Ritchie Suzanne and Anthony Maple-Brown Cameron Williams Dr and Mrs P J Meddings Christine Yip and Paul Brady Brian Nebenzahl OAM RFD and Jocelyn Nebenzahl Anonymous (1)

Artist Patrons are proud to support the performances of our artists

Jonathan Abernethy is supported by John Lamble AO and Suzanne Kelly AO is supported by Anthony and Sharon Lee Nicole Car is supported by Jane Hemstritch José Carbó is supported by Katharine Olsen Jacqueline Dark is supported by Juliana and Robert Clemesha Anna Dowsley is supported by Martin Dickson AM and Susie Dickson Samuel Dundas is supported by Maureen Wheeler AO Taryn Fiebig is supported by Maureen Wheeler AO Warwick Fyfe is supported by Lisa and Doug McKern Lorina Gore is supported by Mrs Rowena Danziger AM and Mr Kenneth Coles AM Andrew Jones is supported by Maureen Wheeler AO Dmitry Korchak is supported by Professor Barbara van Ernst AM Shane Lowrencev is supported by Vic and Katie French Jun Yi Ma, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra’s Concertmaster, is supported by John Frost AM Emma Matthews is supported by Jennifer Brukner Milijana Nikolic is supported by Kay Bryan Teddy Tahu Rhodes is supported by Rex Irwin, Esq. Diego Torre is supported by Jennifer Brukner John Wegner is supported by Hans and Petra Henkell Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artist Program

The Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artist Program is a two-year training program for selected young Australian opera singers. Designed to strengthen and supplement their already evident talent and performance skills, the program involves them closely with the rehearsal and performance activity of the Company. Opera Australia is most grateful for the support provided to enable the participation of singers in the Young Artist Program. Members of the program in 2016 are: Stacey Alleaume (supported by The Robert Lomax Young Artists Scholarship) Julie Lea Goodwin (supported by an anonymous donor) Eva Kong (supported by Roy and Gay Woodward) Robert Greene - Program Coordinator

The Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program Caroline O'Connor as Reno Sweeney Anything Goes Many people will experience opera for the first time this year thanks to the generous support of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation. The Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program was established to give people who would not otherwise have access to opera the opportunity to attend Opera Australia performances at the Sydney Opera House and for just $20. We are indebted to the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation for their inspired philanthropy. Opera Society Inc.

Opera Society Inc. is a Melbourne-based organisation which supports Opera Australia through its fund-raising activities and provides its members with informative and entertaining events throughout the year. The Society offers access to dress rehearsals, insights, film nights, lunches, brunches, concerts and recitals. Information about the Society is available from the office on (03) 9685 3757 or at www.operasociety.org.au

31 Michael Traill AM Chairman

The Opera Australia Capital Fund’s reserves continued to grow in 2015, with total equity reaching $14.8 million at year end. In keeping with the Fund’s aim to help ensure the ongoing financial viability of Opera Australia, another distribution of $500,000 was made to the Company. The annual grants to Opera Australia now total almost $4 million. Capital Fund supporters to their home in the Southern Highlands in the Spring. The house In less than three years the Capital Fund’s and garden of Oldbury Farm, together with activities in London, including at The the voice of Julie Lea Goodwin, were the stars Dorchester and Rio Tinto headquarters, have at this successful fundraising event. attracted a growing number of supporters, largely Australian expats, with an interest 2015 ended on a memorable note with the 11th in opera, its future in Australia and the annual Council of Governors’ dinner held at Andrei Bondarenko as Count Almaviva, Annabelle Chaffey and Anna Yun as the Bridesmaids, Taryn Fiebig as Susanna, development of young Australian singers. We the Old Supreme Court of NSW, in the room Paolo Bordogna as Figaro, Graeme Macfarlane as Don Curzio, look forward to the growth of this association. Richard Anderson as Dr Bartolo, Jacqueline Dark as named after its architect, Alexander Dawson. Marcellina and Nicole Car as Countess Almaviva This gathering brought together members of the The Marriage of Figaro We extend sincere thanks to Ken Reed for Council of Governors who have generously made hosting a Capital Fund reception at his leadership contributions or pledged significant Sydney apartment in August and to David bequests. During the year we welcomed new Newby and Jane Clarke for welcoming members, Michael and Mim Bartlett. 33 I am fortunate to have had the support of my fellow Directors, David Armstrong, Philip Bacon, Ashley Dawson-Damer, Craig Hassall, François Kunc, David Mortimer, Roslyn Packer and Carena Shankar and thank them for their dedication and the active part they play in the activities of the Capital Fund.

Most importantly, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend sincere thanks to those opera lovers who, as benefactors to the Capital Fund, have chosen to make a significant difference to the future financial security of the national opera company, directly benefiting the audiences and artists of today and tomorrow.

Concert at Buckingham Palace

A number of our supporters and guests were also invited to a special concert and reception at Buckingham Palace this year, celebrating the wealth of young Australian singers. The joint performance by Opera Australia and The Royal College of Music was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, who has a longstanding commitment to the importance of nurturing young musical talent in Australia, having previously attended Opera Australia's 50th Anniversary Gala concert in 2006 and visited the Sydney Opera House during The Prince and The Duchess's tour of Australia in 2012.

Those Australians who had travelled from home and the expats who were present in the Ballroom were all equally proud of the stellar performances of Kiandra Howarth and Samuel Sakker, members of the prestigious Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at Above: HRH The Prince of Wales with Conductor, Michael the Royal Opera House, and Opera Australia Rosewell, and Artists,Simon Taryn O'Neill Fiebig, as Otello Kiandra Howarth and Samuel Sakker with members of the principal, Taryn Fiebig. Below: HRH TheOpera Prince Australia of Wales withChorus Kenneth Reed, Lady Potter, Leonard Groat and Craig HassallOtello

35 Latonia Moore as Elisabeth de Valois Don Carlos The Opera Australia Capital Fund was established to build capital reserves to help ensure the ongoing Kloeden Foundation Michael and Helen Nugent The Hon Warwick L Smith AM financial viability of Opera Australia. The Hon Justice François Kunc Justin and Sally O’Day and Mrs Kathryn Joy Smith and Felicity Rourke Conrad and Alice Oppen Suzanne and Peter Steigrad John Lamble AO Richard Owens OAM James and Jeanne-Claude Strong Council of Governors Dr Joan M Lawrence AM Roslyn Packer AO John and Jo Strutt Philip Bacon AM (Chairman), David Armstrong, Michael and Mim Bartlett, Jane Brodribb, Jennifer Brukner, Liangrove Foundation Pty Ltd Pages Event Equipment Antony and Josephine Sukkar Jane Clarke and David Newby, Ken Coles AM, Rowena Danziger AM, Ashley Dawson-Damer AM, Gretchen Dechert, Juliet Lockhart Hamish Parker Simon Swaney and Carolyn Kay Mark Dimmitt, Lady (Mary) Fairfax AC OBE, Leonard Groat, Craig Hassall, Iphy Kallinikos, Judith Kinnear, Drs Kathryn Lovric and Roger Allan peckvonhartel architects Dr Hugh and Mrs Elfie Taylor The Hon Justice François Kunc, Phil and Helen Meddings, David Mortimer AO, Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer, Mr Kevin McCann John and Moya Phillips Jill Thorpe Roslyn Packer AO, Hamish Parker, Gary Payne, Kenneth R Reed AM, John Reid AO, Carena Shankar, Tim and Caroline McFarlane Valmai Pidgeon AM Robert Tobias OAM Michael Traill AM and Jenny Gage Traill, Barbara van Ernst AM, Ray Wilson OAM, Roy and Gay Woodward Peter and Pamela McKee Robin Potter OAM Michael Traill AM and Judy Mackinnon PricewaterhouseCoopers Jenny Gage Traill The Council of Governors comprises Directors of the Trustee Company; Donor Members who have either Mrs Barbara McNulty OBE Greeba Pritchard Kevin Troy contributed a significant donation or pledged a specific bequest; and Special Members who actively participate Dr Penelope McNulty Kenneth R Reed AM Michael Troy in the Capital Fund's fundraising efforts. Macquarie Group Foundation Andrew Thyne Reid Charitable Trust Professor Barbara van Ernst AM David Malouf AO Thyne Reid Trust No 1 Isaac and Susie Wakil John B Reid AO and Maureen Wheeler AO The Capital Fund continues to grow and makes an annual distribution to Opera Australia. This significant Maple-Brown Family achievement has been made possible through the generosity of the following donors as well as the Australian Charitable Trust Lynn Rainbow Reid A D White Government and the State Governments of New South Wales and Victoria through the Reserves Incentive Peter and Kate Mason Patricia H Reid Endowment Pty Ltd Lyn Williams AM Funding Scheme. Don and Angela Mercer Renaissance Tours C R Wilshire Robert Morgan In memory of Lilian Renard Ray Wilson OAM and the The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Michael Rennie late James Agapitos OAM Russell and Lucinda Aboud Robin and Judy Crawford The Goodman Family Charitable Distribution Account David and Gillian Ritchie Jill Wran Antoinette Albert Michael and Shanny Crouch Alexander Gosling AM and Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer Juliana Schaeffer Dr Anna Ziegler Robert Albert AO RFD RD Crowe Horwath Wirat Sukprem Dr and Mrs Ken Neale In memory of Clare Scott-Mitchell Anonymous (19) and Elizabeth Albert Cruise Brokers Australia Pty Ltd Ian and Ruth Gough Mark and Louise Nelson Eddie Scuderi Betty Amsden AO Mr Charles P Curran AC and Grant Family Charitable Trust David Newby Penelope Seidler AM Philip Bacon AM Mrs Eva Curran Robert and Beatrice Gray Jim and Shirley Nield Servcorp (Mrs) Carole Bailey Win Danby Deirdre Hall and Jim and Janette Bain Elizabeth Dangar David Greatorex AO Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund Mrs Rowena Danziger AM Peter Griffin AM Mim and Michael Bartlett and Mr K G Coles AM John and Jo Grigg Bequests Alasdair Beck Mrs David Darling Leonard Groat Lewis and Sally Bell The Hon Mrs John Dawson-Damer AM Mr and Mrs Ian Harper You can make a lasting contribution to the future of opera in Australia by making a bequest to the Opera Australia Capital Berg Family Foundation Mrs R Dechert Dr John Harvey AO and Fund. Your bequest will provide financial security to enhance Opera Australia’s artistic achievements and outreach Alan and Christine Bishop Matthew Delasey Mrs Yvonne Harvey programs. The Company is enormously grateful for the support it has received through bequests from the estates of:- Allan and Jane Blaikie Suvan and Shamistha de Soysa In memory of the late Stephen Blamey Ian Dickson Philip Hemstritch Jan Bowen Martin Dickson AM and Hans and Petra Henkell Mrs Diana Chapman Mrs Elise Herrman Ivy Marshall Alix Bradfield Susie Dickson Jennifer Hershon David Clarke AO Irwin Imhof Mr Will Noble Dr and Mrs P Breidahl Francis Douglas Hershon Family Ruth Davidson Mr G H Johnson for the Dimiter Kanev Stantchev In memory of Lennox Brewer Mrs Gordon Douglass AM and Neroli Hobbins Dame Joyce Margaretta Daws DBE George and Nerissa Johnson Dr Dawn Thew Dr Roderick Brooks the late Mr Gordon Douglass Miss Jennifer Hole Mrs Leslie Feather Memorial Scholarship Mrs Nancy Williamson Jennifer Brukner Dr William Downey Mrs Cynthia Jackson AM and Ms Wendy Fenson Mr Stefan Kruger Dr Donald Wilson Carolyn Cameron Marie Dreux the late Dr Edward Jackson AM Mr Jonathon Greening Miss Patricia Lance Betty Wright Louise Christie Jane and David Duncan Major General Michael Mrs Nola J Hassall Barbara McNulty OBE Mr Gerald Sidney Wronker Mr David Clarke AO and Suellen and Ron Enestrom and Mrs Marlena Jeffery Mrs Jane Clarke James Fairfax AO Reg and Marie Jewell Tony and Hellen Clarke Lady (Mary) Fairfax AC OBE Mrs Diana Jones AM DSJ and If you wish to discuss either a donation to the Capital Fund or your bequest hopes, please contact Neroli Hobbins Adrian Collette AM and Pip and Gordon Fell Mr David Jones AM OBE Victoria Watson Jenny Ferguson H Kallinikos Pty Ltd in Sydney on 02 9318 8386 or Sally Percival in Melbourne on 03 9685 3761. Prof Malcolm Coppleson AO The Hon W K and Mrs M Fisher Noelene Keen-Ward and and Mrs Patricia Coppleson Mr Bill Fleming David Whitfield Mr Bruce Corlett AM and Chris and Judy Fullerton Dr Judith Kinnear Mrs Ann Corlett Mrs Peter Geddes Mrs Jean E Kirk Alan and Elisabeth Cornell Donald and Rosita Gibson Aron and Helen Kleinlehrer

39 Opera Australia Activities Attendances and Box Office 2015

OPERA AUSTRALIA ACTIVITIES

ATTENDANCES AND BOX OFFICE 2015

Season Opera Composer Performances Venues Admissions Box office ($) 2015 2014 2015 2014 In-theatre Free Events Sydney Summer Mazda Opera in the Domain Opera Highlights Concert Various 1 Mazda Opera in the Bowl (Ft. Opera Australia Sydney Opera House La Bohème Puccini 7 Opera Highlights Concert Various 1 The Magic Flute Mozart 11 Community Choirs) Tosca Puccini 19 Western Sydney Community Choirs Concert Opera Highlights Concert Various 1 Madama Butterfly Puccini 23 Free Events subtotal 3 3 31,000 24,500 Faust (NP, Op Conf) Gounod 9 69 77,818 78,030 10,231,606 10,363,333 Touring and Outreach Schools Tours: Melbourne Autumn Victoria Hansel and Gretel Humperdinck 127 117 Arts Centre Melbourne Madama Butterfly Puccini 8 New South Wales Rossini 257 171 Don Giovanni Mozart 8 Regional Tour: Don Carlos Verdi 5 VIC, NSW, QLD, NT, WA The Magic Flute Mozart 17 17 21 30,345 36,731 3,812,912 4,239,924 Touring and Outreach subtotal 401 305 85,422 85,746 770,251 1,144,813

Sydney Winter Other Events Sydney Opera House Turandot Puccini 18 Arts Centre Melbourne Behind the Scenes 6 La Traviata Verdi 9 Sydney Opera House Behind the Scenes 4 Don Carlos Verdi 9 Other Events subtotal 10 2 1,774 7,126 26,799 405,300 The Marriage of Figaro (NP) Mozart 15 51 61,763 50,419 9,127,062 7,065,513 Total Admissions - All Activities (excluding The Rabbits) 764 313 513,655 649,443 Melbourne Spring Arts Centre Melbourne The Marriage of Figaro Mozart 8 The Rabbits - presented by Perth International Arts Festival & Melbourne Festival: Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre, The Elixir of Love Donizetti 4 The Rabbits Kate Miller-Heidke 9 Perth Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne The Rabbits Kate Miller-Heidke 8 12 17,313 23,934 2,079,110 2,764,519 The Rabbits subtotal 17 2 10,713 2016 Sydney Summer * Sydney Opera House The Magic Flute Mozart 1 NP = New Production 1 1,421 152,340 * First performance of 2016 Summer Season on 30/12/15 Sydney New Years Eve Sydney Opera House La Bohème Puccini 1 1 1,442 1,422 487,223 477,198

In-theatre Subtotal 155 2 190,102 190,536 25,890,255 24,910,487

Musical Theatre Princess Theatre, Melbourne Anything Goes Cole Porter 63 Brisbane Lyric Theatre Anything Goes Cole Porter 27 Sydney Opera House Anything Goes Cole Porter 67 Musical Theatre subtotal 157 3 136,641 281,088 14,486,228 31,982,048

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney Aida (NP) Verdi 25 Opera on Sydney Harbour subtotal 25 1 55,011 39,208 8,643,205 5,959,978

Concerts Sydney Opera House Great Opera Hits Various 12 Sydney Opera House New Year's Eve Gala Various 1 Concerts Subtotal 13 1 13,705 21,239 1,578,505 2,919,284

Total In-theatre/Music Theatre/ Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour/Concerts 350 6 395,459 532,071 50,598,193 65,771,797 AR_OA activities2015_p1 Final

AR_OA activities2015_p1 Final

41 Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Méphistophélès Faust Opera Australia Thanks Its 2015 Partners

Principal Partner

Official Car Sponsor

Hero Partners

Gold Partner

Silver Partners

Supporting Partners

QUAY GRAND SYDNEY HARBOUR

Corporate Partners

Bulgari Australia iSentia Gilbert + Tobin Park Hyatt Sydney Jardine Lloyd Thompson

Top: Community Choirs perform in Parramatta Park Bottom: Schools Tour of Cinderella For information about Corporate Partnerships with Opera Australia please contact Justine Tong on (02) 9318 8335 or [email protected] 45 Opera Australia

Management ACN 000 755 153 ABN 26 000 755 153 Craig Hassall AM The liability of the members Chief Executive of Opera Australia is limited. Lyndon Terracini AM Incorporated in New South Wales in Artistic Director 1970, Opera Australia is an authority holder under the Charitable Joe Martorana Chief Operating Officer Fundraising Act 1991.

Board of Directors Sydney Office: Anthony Legge The Opera Centre David Mortimer AO Associate Music Director 480 Elizabeth Street Chairman Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Lesley Alway Sydney Postal Address: PO Box 291, Anson Austin OAM Alex Budd Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012 Philip Bacon AM Executive Producer – Commercial Telephone: (02) 9699 1099 Virginia Braden OAM and Community [email protected] David Epstein Loretta Busby Tim McFarlane Artistic Administrator Judith Stewart Mahua Das Melbourne Office: Josephine Sukkar Human Resources Director Corner Fawkner and Fanning Mary Waldron Streets, Southbank 3006 Liz Nield Executive Director, Philanthropy Melbourne Postal Address: PO Box 389, South Melbourne, Vic 3205 Sue Olden Telephone: (03) 9685 3777 Business Planning Manager [email protected] Gérard Patacca General Manager, Orchestra John Rayment Technical Director Georgia Rivers Executive Producer – In Theatre Louisa Robertson Executive Producer – Major Projects

Government Partners

Opera Australia is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the NSW Government through Arts NSW. Opera Australia is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Principal Partner