In 1985, Opera Atelier (OA) was founded by two dancers, Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg in Toronto. Opera Atelier is a world leader in the rediscovery and revitalization of period opera and ballet, particularly works from the Baroque era. OA achieves its period theme by featuring original instruments, elaborate stage décor and costumes. OA is committed to promoting the fusion of opera, ballet and drama, not only in Canada but also abroad.  Through touring, OA has introduced baroque opera to Japan, Korea and Singapore.  Most notably, in 1995, the company performed at the inauguration of the restored opera house at Chateau Versailles, France.  OA has shaped the careers of artists such as Russell Braun and Measha Brueggergosman. 

Since 1996, Opera Atelier’s Making of an Opera program has annually given over 1,000 young people a one-day opportunity to learn about, participate in, and experience the magic of opera, completely free of charge. OA explains that through an interactive workshop environment, school groups of students aged 12-18 can work with the professional team behind its productions to explore every aspect of opera.  

Opera Atelier is a medium-sized charity, with donations of $1.4m in F2018. OA also received $518k from government funding and $756k from ticket sales in F2018. Administrative costs are 20% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 7% of donations. For every dollar donated, 73 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.   

The charity has funding reserves of $318k, which can cover annual program costs for just under two months. Total funding reserves include a $209k Endowment Fund managed by Ontario Arts Foundation ($204k in F2017, $198k in F2016). Ci did not exclude these amounts when calculating program cost coverage because the audited financials do not disclose whether the funds are board- or donor-endowed.  

Our standard procedure for calculating average compensation of full time employees is to divide total compensation on full time staff by the number of full time staff, resulting in a value of $206k (values gathered from CRA). However, charity reported to CRA that the highest employee was paid up to $120k. Meaning our compensation values may appear skewed. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Opera Atelier for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on May 29, 2019 by Parker Thomlinson.