DONOR IMPACTREPORT

Sandra WillisExecutive Director

Patrick NolanArtistic Director & CEO

At Opera Queensland we are passionate about our exhilarating art form and proud of what we have achieved in 2019. Our ongoing vision is to enrich the lives of Queenslanders through the creation of exceptional opera. Buoyed by the success of the past year, we are more committed to take our work to as many people as possible.

We are extremely grateful to our loyal donors, as well as our corporate and government partners, whose support enables us to realise our goals and imagine new opportunities for engagement. Your generosity and our shared passion allow us to reveal the beauty of opera and the joy of song to Queensland.

You are the foundation of our creative success and continued growth.

Our organisation is built on four core values – respect, listening, collaboration and ambition. Our supporters inspire these values through our shared respect for this 400-year-old art form; the desire to listen and connect with the music and stories we create; ongoing collaboration with other arts organisations; and our ambition to challenge perceptions of this ever-changing art form.

Our philanthropic journey with you reveals that you’re a community dedicated to: • �Growing�the�company’s�financial�

security so future generations can experience an art form that we all love through The Chair’s Circle

• Giving greater access to the arts across regional, rural and remote communities through our Learning, Regional and Community programs

• Bringing world class opera to Brisbane, such as Tristan und Isolde in 2020.

WELCOMEWe also know that as a community of donors who believe in the power of education and art to change lives, you share our belief in the importance of investing in Queensland excellence. We are very excited to announce the launch of our new Young Artist Program in 2020. This program will develop emerging and talented artists, creating opportunities for�them�to�flourish�through�the�guidance�and experience of Opera Queensland.

This program is made possible by the extraordinarily generous gift to Opera Queensland received through the Estate of Lois Schultz and June Wheeler. In 2020 our Annual Appeal will focus on raising the funds needed to instigate this new program to ensure it becomes an integral part of our company. We encourage those who have the means to increase your support, to consider contributing to this program which has the capacity to change the destiny of young artists’ lives.

On behalf of everyone at Opera Queensland, we sincerely thank you for your unwavering support and look forward to continuing our journey together into the 2020 season and beyond.

IN 2019

DONOR COMMUNITY EXPANDS TO

INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS

2019 GALA AUCTION THE MOST

SUCCESSFUL IN OPERA QUEENSLAND'S

HISTORY

MATCHED FUNDING AND NEW DONOR ACQUISITION

CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE 2019

ANNUAL APPEAL

MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH:• INCREASE IN NEW MAIN STAGE PRODUCTIONS• EXPANDING AUDIENCES• YOUNG ARTIST DEVELOPMENT• GROWING OUR REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT

NEWDONORS

92

INCREASE IN DONATIONS

32%

THE CHAIR’S CIRCLEOne of the most important initiatives introduced by the Development Team this year has been The Chair’s Circle. It is an absolutely critical initiative for building the company’s reserves. Our agreements with Arts Queensland and the Australia Council for the Arts requires us to work towards a reserves-to-expenditure ratio of 20%. The Australia Council has offered the company a wonderful opportunity. Over the next three years, once we meet a threshold of philanthropic support (which we will do), every further dollar will be matched by the Australia Council for the Arts up to a maximum of $500K over the three years 2019,2020 and 2021.

Put simply, if we can secure $100K in 2019 and $200K in each of 2020 and 2021, the Australia Council will match that funding, turning our $500K into $1M. The Chair’s Circle now has 15 members and together we have committed $65K for this year, leaving only $35K to reach our target of $100K for 2019. Donors make an additional contribution per annum to their existing annual gift to join The Chair’s Circle. In doing so,�donors�help�to�secure�the�financial�future�of this company and opera in Queensland.

Emeritus Professor David Siddle, Chair

2020 SEASONOur 2020 season features an exciting range of operatic musical works and the inclusion of an additional main stage production makes it one of our most ambitious programs yet. In 2019 the three main stage works we presented to our audiences were an exciting step forward for the organisation. Our ambition to present four in 2020 reveals our commitment to growth and the importance of the unwavering support we receive from our community.

In the lead up to our 40th anniversary year, we are passionate about Opera Queensland’s mission to create thrilling opera with exceptional artists and partners. The variety of our productions highlights our dynamic approach to creating work and our understanding of the diversity of our audiences and community. We look forward to presenting our productions to new and familiar faces in 2020.

This year’s Annual Appeal was extremely successful, raising over $70,000 for our Learning, Regional and Community programs.

Thank you to The Mather Foundation for their generous support of our appeal with matched funding of $20,000. The funds raised enables Opera Queensland to reach more people than ever before, from disadvantaged schools in metropolitan areas�to�communities�in�flood�and�drought affected regions, Queenslanders who otherwise may not experience the wonder and beauty of opera.

We are grateful to every donor who contributed to this appeal. Without your generosity, we would never be able to take the joy of music so far and wide.

ANNUAL APPEAL

THIS IS 2020THIS IS OPERA

Our annual Gala is always a highlight for many of our donors and artists and 2019 was no exception. Guests were treated to a spectacular night of food, wine and the celebration of the art of singing. We are committed to connecting with our community of supporters and the Gala delivers great entertainment and the opportunity to connect with old friends and new.

Thank you to everyone who donated auction prizes and to all the generous bidders on the night. Your generosity meant we not only met our goal of $80K but spectacularly exceeded it, reaching over $116K. We were incredibly humbled by both the turnout and the amount raised and we look forward to seeing you all again at our 2020 Gala, on Saturday 29 August.

KABARETT GALA SING WITH USA new addition in 2019, Sing Sing Sing welcomed many new and familiar faces to kick back on a Friday evening with a sing along to some well-known tunes. The inclusive nights are led by much loved baritone, Jason Barry-Smith, who is accompanied by other popular Opera Queensland artists. These fun filled�evenings�of�informal�music-making�invited patrons from all backgrounds, ages and levels of musical experience to share their love of music and singing.

Sing Sing Sing is a reminder of how singing and the arts connect us as a community across all manner of different backgrounds and experiences. We hope to see you at Sing Sing Sing in 2020.

Opera Queensland also offered an exciting range of new workshops and masterclasses to the public throughout 2019, through Sing with Opera Queensland. In the company of other opera enthusiasts, participants could hone their skills including vocal technique, language and musicianship during intensive sessions led by Opera Queensland’s Head of Music, Narelle French and leading Opera Queensland artists. Sessions were available to all ages and abilities, including youth, adult, solo and group workshops.

MAKING A BEQUESTTo ensure that opera is enjoyed by future generations, a charitable bequest is one of the�easiest�and�most�significant�ways�that�you can make a difference to the future of opera in Queensland. Every legacy, large or small, supports our work both on and off stage and assists in supporting artists.

Through the legacy of the Estate of Lois Schultz and June Wheeler, Opera Queensland is delighted to announce the launch of its Young Artist Program. The program will support and nurture future generations of talented performers. Lois and June were passionate about the joy and wonder of opera and had a desire to make a lasting contribution. Their extraordinary gift helps to ensure the future of Opera Queensland and young, aspiring artists.

We invite you to consider leaving a bequest in your will, a lasting legacy to future generations.

ENGAGEMENT EVENTSThroughout the year, Opera Queensland delivers a suite of strategic events to engage our longstanding, new and future donors. Our many wonderful partnerships make these events possible, creating memorable experiences for our Donor Community.

These events provide the team at Opera Queensland an opportunity to connect with our donors, share in their passion and build a deeper understanding of their interests as audience members and as advocates for Opera Queensland.

EMMA NIGHTINGALE Emma is a dynamic soprano originally from Brisbane. In 2019 Emma was selected as a Young Artist for the Pacific�Opera�program,�with�concert�credits�including�soloist in A Viennese Gala with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr Nicholas Milton AM. She made her Opera Queensland principal debut as Gretel in the 2019 primary school touring opera Hansel & Gretel and covered the roles of Novizia and La Maestra Delle Novizie in Puccini’s Suor Angelica�for�Pacific�Opera.�Emma also appeared in the Opera Queensland Chorus in the 2019 production of Adams’ A Flowering Tree.

Across 2017 and 2018, Emma performed with the Opera Queensland Chorus in Lindy Hume’s acclaimed production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore, or The Witch’s Curse!. She was also a Chorus member in Britten’s Peter Grimes and Mozart’s Don Giovanni, as well as for the 2019 Opera Queensland season launch and as part of the organisation’s Brisbane Airport Artist in Residence program.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Queensland, under the tutelage of Joseph Ward OBE and�Sarah�Crane,�and�a�Graduate�certificate�of�Opera�Performance�from�Queensland�Conservatorium,�Griffith�University. During her time as an undergraduate she performed various roles including Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, Magda in La rondine, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and First Lady in The Magic Flute. She was also awarded the Margaret Nickson Prize for Voice and Accompaniment and holds concert credits such as soloist in Schumann’s Requiem for Mignon with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the University of Queensland Chorale, Rutter’s Magnificat with The University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, and Vivaldi’s Gloria with the Alexandra Chorale.

Early 2020 will see Emma make her Sydney debut as A Foreign Woman in The Consul for the CoOperative.

LEARNING, REGIONAL & COMMUNITY ARTISTS

BREE MEARA-HENDYMezzo-soprano Bree Meara-Hendy is a graduate of the�Queensland�Conservatorium,�Griffith�University.�She has performed with the Opera Australia Chorus in La bohème, Carmen, and in an acclaimed production of The Eighth Wonder by Alan John. She has also performed with the Opera Queensland Chorus in their productions of The Merry Widow, Don Giovanni, Tosca, and Orpheus & Eurydice. In both 2018 and 2019, Bree performed in Opera Queensland’s collaboration with shake & stir theatre co., in their primary school touring production of Hansel & Gretel in the role of Hansel.

Throughout her studies at the Queensland Conservatorium, Bree performed numerous operatic roles including Ramiro in La finta giardiniera, Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen, and understudied Baba the Turk in The Rake’s Progress. Bree’s performance resume also includes La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi with Sound Thinking Australia, Alto Soloist in Mozart’s Requiem in D minor with Voces Caelestium, Sydney and Vocalist II in Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians with Crossbows Music Festival, Brisbane.

During 2016 and 2017, Bree trained as a Young Artist with�Pacific�Opera,�Sydney.�She�has�also�received�numerous scholarships in order to pursue overseas study opportunities. In 2015, Bree embarked on a self-directed study tour to the United Kingdom and Italy, funded by the AMP Foundation and the Australia Council for the Arts. In 2017 she was supported by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust to attend a summer short course at the National Opera Studio London, led by international operatic star Della Jones.

LEARNING, REGIONAL & COMMUNITY ARTISTS

THOMAS CHAPMANThomas Chapman has worked in performance and creative roles throughout Queensland and internationally, working in a dynamic range of performance spaces. Abroad, Thomas has toured Turkey perfuming the title role in a stage production of Macbeth, as well as in Italy performing A Christmas Carol. On returning to Australia, he debuted in his�first�opera,�Tosca, with the Opera Queensland Chorus.

In 2019, Thomas toured rural Queensland with Opera Queensland and shake & stir theatre co. in the collaborative production of Hansel & Gretel. Throughout this tour he performed in the roles of both the Witch and Father.

Thomas has a wealth of knowledge and training in acting, voice and movement from many of Australia’s best tutors including Hugh Parker, Bryan Probets and Zoe Houghton. He has undertaken training from NIDA, Queensland Conservatorium�Griffith�University,�Zen�Zen�Zo�and�other institutes during his career. His classical voice has been nurtured under the tutelage of Susan Ellis. Thomas has also worked in creative development roles, most recently as the Assistant Director of Savoyards Theatre Company under the guidance of Gabriella Flowers. He enjoys all aspects of creating and performing theatre and art, and as such, has worked in varying roles.

Off the stage, Thomas has represented Queensland in�competitive�men’s�figure�skating�and�holds�an�Australian title as well as numerous State titles, which transitioned into skilful dance ability. During his competitive years, he participated in Olympic Development for his former athletic career.

LEARNING, REGIONAL & COMMUNITY ARTISTS

LEARNING, REGIONAL & COMMUNITY ARTISTS

JESSICA LOWJessica Low is a mezzo-soprano based in South-East Queensland. She holds degrees from the University of Southern Queensland, where she was the winner of the Delith Brook Johnson award for Outstanding Vocal Performance, as well as Queensland�Conservatorium,�Griffith�University.�

As a member of the Opera Queensland Chorus, Jessica has performed in numerous productions including The Perfect American, La traviata, Candide, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Kiss Me, Kate, The Pearlfishers and A Flowering Tree. She also works with Opera Queensland to facilitate workshops for adults and children.

In 2015 and 2016, Jessica performed leading roles in The Bulimba Opera and Orpheus and Eurydice, both created in collaboration with Opera Queensland and Blue Roo Theatre Co, a company for artists with diverse ability and impairment.

In 2017, Jessica toured as Hansel in Hansel & Gretel, a collaborative performance by Opera Queensland and shake & stir theatre co. This production was reimagined especially for primary school students and was seen by over 13,000 children during the tour.

In 2018, Jessica performed as the alto soloist in the Chichester Psalms for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Bernstein at 100 event. This was part of the worldwide celebration of the life and musical works of Leonard Bernstein.

Jessica also performs regularly with The 7 Sopranos. As a member of the group she has toured regional Australia and performed at international events.

LEARNING, REGIONAL & COMMUNITY ARTISTS

NICK KIRKUPNick Kirkup has been an active performer in and around Queensland since 2005. During this time, he appeared in many roles for the University of Southern Queensland Opera Studio and the Queensland Conservatorium,�Griffith�University�Opera�Studio.

In 2010 Nick was the recipient of the prestigious $20,000 Joyce Campbell Lloyd scholarship which allowed him to undertake further study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

On the concert stage Nick has been the tenor soloist on numerous occasions for The Sunshine Coast Choral Society, Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir, Ipswich Orpheus Chorale, Queensland University Musical Society, The Lucian Singers, The Noosa Chorale, Toowoomba Choral Society, Toowoomba Philharmonic Society and The Ipswich City Symphony Orchestra. He was also the tenor soloist for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s 2016 state tour of Handel’s Messiah.

Nick joined the Opera Queensland Chorus in 2016 and has appeared in numerous productions for the company since, such as The Barber of Seville, Kiss me, Kate and Ruddigore, or The Witch’s Curse!. In 2018 he understudied the role of Reverend Horace Adams in Peter Grimes for the Brisbane Festival.

I choose to support Opera Queensland because of the innovative and creative work they do across Queensland, investing in the community and creating ways for people of all ages to engage with opera and share the sheer joy of singing and live performance. The company is also very deliberate about supporting emerging Queensland artists which is great.

- Adele Dickman“

OQ.COM.AU

LEGACY DONORSEstate of Lois Schultz & June Wheeler

FOUNDATION DONORSMr Philip Bacon AM, The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Prof Ian Frazer AC† & Mrs Caroline Frazer, The Mather Foundation, Emeritus Prof David Siddle & Emeritus Prof Christa Critchley.

THE CHAIR’S CIRCLEEmeritus Prof David Siddle & Emeritus Prof Christa Critchley Mr Phillip Bacon AM Prof Ian Frazer AC† & Mrs Caroline Frazer Dr Colin Furnival & Dr Isobel Furnival Mrs Mary Gannon & Prof Frank Gannon Mr Robert Hubbard & Mrs Leanne Muller Prof Andrew Lister & Ms Kate Lister Mr Trevor St Baker AO & Mrs Judith St Baker.

PLATINUM DONORSMrs Beverley Smith, Dr Mark Walker.

GOLD DONORS The Hon Justice Thomas Bradley§ & Dr Matthew Yoong, Miss Adele Dickman, Mrs Mary Gannon & Prof Frank Gannon, Dr John Gough & Ms Ann Page, Mrs Andrea Hall-Brown & Mr Malcolm Hall-Brown, Mr Robert Hubbard & Ms Leanne Muller, PW Foundation, Mr Trevor St Baker AO & Mrs Judith St Baker, Mr John Story AO & Mrs Georgina Story, Mr Daniel Tobin & Mr Gilbert Guaring.

SILVER DONORSDr Philip Aitken & Dr Susan Urquhart†, Mr John Anderson, Dr Glenise Berry† & Dr Damien Thomson†, Ms Catherin Bull, Mrs Kim Challenor & Mr Luke Challenor, Ms Marilyn Christiansen, Prof Frank Clark, Ms Anne Cross AM, The Hon Geoffrey Davies AO§ & Mrs Thea Davies, Dr Charmaine Davison†, Mrs Elva Emmerson, Ms Jean Dalton, Mr Cliff Farmer

& Mrs Jennifer Farmer, The Hon George Fryberg QC§ & Mrs Jeraldene Fryberg, Dr Colin Furnival† & Dr Isobel Furnival†, Mr Richard Gibberd, Mr David Gow & Dr Kirsten Gow†, Ms Julia Gray, Mr William Heck OAM & Mrs Patricia Heck, Ms Valmay Hill & Mr Russell Mitchell, JBWere Charitable Endowment Fund, Ms Elizabeth Jameson, Dr Marie Jameson†, Mrs Samantha Jorgensen, Mrs Megan Kair & Mr Andrew Kair, Dr Annette Kortlucke† & Mr Peter Kortlucke, Mrs Andrea Kriewaldt & Mr Martin Kriewaldt, Prof Andrew Lister & Ms Kate Lister, Dr Desmond (Brian) Misso† Esq, Dr John Morris†, Mr Patrick Nolan & Ms Mathilde de Hauteclocque, Mr Ian Paterson, Dr Sally Pitkin§, Mr Ray Poon, Mr Douglas Porter & Dr Janet Porter†, Dr John Quinn† AM & Mrs Deborah Quinn, Mr Douglas Ritchie & Mrs Janine Ritchie, Geoff Ross Endowment – Australian Philanthropic Service Foundation, Dr Dush Shan†, Ms Larissa Shumilo, Dr Marie Siganto AM, Mrs Kristen Sinclair & Mr Geoff Sinclair§, Mr Henry Smerdon AM & Mrs Suzy Smerdon, Mr Allen Smith & Mrs Mitzi Smith, Dr Ben Steinberg† & Mrs Janette Steinberg, Mr Mark Taylor & Mr Will Sinclair, Dr Michael White QC OAM§ & The Hon Margaret White AO§, Ms Sandra Willis & Mr Nicholas Dwyer, Mr Rodney Wylie, Anonymous 1, Mrs Laurel Youngman.

BRONZE DONORSMr�Robert�Angel,�Mrs�Georgina�Blomfield,�The Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO§, Ms Lynette Denny, Ms Robyn Evans, Prof Ian Gough AM & Dr Ruth Gough†, Ms Marion Gibney, Miss Elizabeth Hatton, Mrs Marie Isackson, Mr Dominic Katter† & Mrs Anna Louise Katter, Dr Diana Khursandi†, Mr Ross Lamont & Mrs Sophia Lamont, Ms Susan Learmonth, Mr Jason Lu, Dr Terry Sheahan & Mrs Geraldine Sheahan, Ms Louise Simmons, Dr Margaret Soroka†, Mr Bob Wilson & Mrs Patricia Wilson.

† The Medical Chapter § The Legal Chapter

The information in this document is current as of 28/11/19

DONORS