West Australian Opera 2025 Annual Report

West Australian Opera (WAO) is pleased to announce its achievements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Chair Darren Lewsen said:
"West Australian Opera is deeply appreciative for the unwavering support given to the state opera company. Together with our patrons, sponsors, and stakeholders, we continue to celebrate the power of opera to inspire, connect, and bring joy to our community. I am proud to mark another remarkable chapter in delivering world-class opera to audiences across Western Australia.”

He said that “in 2025, WAO reached over 110,000 people through mainstage performances, regional tours, education programs, community engagement, and broadcast appearances. The mainstage season featured classics including The Pirates of Penzance, Madama Butterfly, and Il Trovatore, attracting over 21,600 attendees, and strong participation in free community performances supported by the City of Perth.”

Innovation and accessibility remained central to WAO’s mission. The Secret Opera series offered intimate performances in unexpected spaces including Liberty Theatre, Fremantle Prison, and Wesfarmers. Community and education programs engaged more than 8,000 participants, with highlights including World Opera Day workshops, WAO SINGS supported by the Feilman Foundation in four Ellenbrook primary schools, regional tour of Wundig wer Wilura in Albany and Bunbury, and masterclasses for emerging artists. Adult learning programs, including Opera 101 lectures and Wesfarmers Arts Singing Classes, drew 947 participants.

WAO extended its reach beyond the theatre with public appearances, including Opera Month in the City of Perth, Telethon at RAC Arena, and delivering the national anthem at the AC Milan game at HBF Park, connecting opera with tens of thousands more across Western Australia.

Executive Director Carolyn Chard AM said:
"The arts enrich our lives, bringing us moments of joy and connecting us with our humanity. In 2025, we continued to find new ways to engage our audiences, nurture emerging talent, and present opera that speaks to the heart. People are at the heart of what we do, and I acknowledge and thank our beautiful colleagues Gina Williams-Ghouse AM and the late Guy Ghouse AM who were commissioned for the third Wesfarmers Arts Commission’

Artistic Director Christopher van Tuinen highlighted WAO’s artistic achievements:
"We sought to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences, reinforcing opera’s vital place in the cultural life of Western Australia. From cherished classics to innovative new works, we are proud of the stories we have shared and look forward to an exciting 2026."

WAO thanks the Western Australian Government, the Federal Government through Creative Australia, Principal Partner Wesfarmers Arts, and its generous patrons, donors, trusts, and foundations, whose continued support ensures the company can present exceptional opera, foster emerging talent, and engage communities across the state.

Media enquiries: Daniele Foti-Cuzzola
M: 043 435 4867 E: [email protected]