Empowering Voices
Vancouver Opera is known across Canada and beyond as a leader in sharing the power of music and theatre. Our black tie gala-on-the-stage is one of the main ways we fund these exceptional programs and keep accessible opera experiences in our schools and communities. Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors and donors, we are able to reach thousands of children, youth, and adults in communities across the Lower Mainland through:
VANCOUVER OPERA IN SCHOOLS: Our landmark program that tours a fully staged opera to upwards of 100 schools in a year (reaching over 1.6 million kids and families in its 50-year history).
VOICES FREE CONCERT SERIES: Our innovative series of totally free performances and events meant to give back to Vancouverites and beyond.
YULANDA M. FARIS YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM: Our industry-leading incubator for six emerging opera artists per year, fostering the next generation of opera creators in an inclusive environment.
OPERA EXPERIENCE: Our behind-the-scenes training program for high school students interested in a career in theatre technology, production, or administration.
PROJECT OPERA: Our collaboration with local teachers to guide elementary classrooms to create their own operas, based on their curriculum.
INSIDE VANCOUVER OPERA: Our beloved podcast that peeks behind the curtain....and so many more! Your support for our gala helps us keep these programs running strong, and increases our ability to reach even more classrooms and communities throughout BC.
Our Impact
3,200 students saw our Community Dress Rehearsals last season
In the 2023-2024 season, over 30,000 patrons attended in-person performances on our mainstage
25,000 + British Columbians see free opera performances each year, including our beloved Opera in the Park at Deer Lake
We engage with more than 5,000 children and youth throughout our various community programming events in the season
Flight of the Hummingbird, VO’s School Tour visited 66 schools in the 2023-2024 season across the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, and Vancouver Island, bringing opera into the classroom of over 17,000 students
Project Opera has collaborated with 6 elementary schools in the Lower Mainland and guided over 200 students in creating their own operas
