OA gets an A+

The performing arts in this country is a fickle beast. It was only this week that the Sydney Theatre Company recorded one of their biggest deficits of $347, 784 . Yesterday, however, Australia's largest performing arts company Opera Australia, posted a $1.6 million surplus for the 2006 calendar year.

The executive members of the company were obviously delighted with the outcome, overseeing an increase in box office takings of nearly 5% to $34.4 million. Combined with the additional revenue from an extra $1.5 million in state and federal funding as well as money drawn from the interest earned on the companies endowment fund, it has given Opera Australia a firm footing to invest even further in its aspirations as Australia's largest opera company.

Chairman Gordon Fell said, "this is a significant milestone for a major arts company such as Opera Australia and I am delighted that the Company is in an unambiguously strong position as we turn our focus to the years ahead."

Opera Australia have clearly benefited from the Federal Governments strong support of arts institutions and their direct response to the Orchestra Review chaired by James Strong, a major arts lobbyist within the community.

Opera Australia is a vast organisation that oversees opera presentation throughout a majority of states and territories inclusive of regional tours. The surplus this year means that the company can look forward to expanding its influence not only nationally but internationally as well.

The company will dedicate over $1 million in the development of new Australian works to be showcased in its main stage seasons. There are also hopes within the company that invitations from an abundance of renowned international venues can be answered when the Sydney Opera House starts its major renovations, expected to be in 2010.

What is most amazing is that in 2004, Opera Australian was predicting a loss in 2006 of nearly $2million. The arts is a fickle beast indeed.


Image: allposters.com