2010 Annual Report Part 1 - Opera Australia

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT CONTINUED
OA on other stages
2010 saw the continued showcasing of Opera Australia productions both
domestically and internationally resulting in the ongoing combination
of production hires, coproduction presentations and staging of Opera
Conference productions.
Our highly successful 2009 production of Peter Grimes was presented
in the theatres of our co-partners, West Australian Opera and Houston
Grand Opera throughout 2010 and we also hired our production of The
Turn of the Screw to Houston Grand Opera. Our production of Il trovatore
was presented at the Macau International Music Festival, maintaining our
connections in the Asian region.
Domestically, Opera Australia hired its productions of L'elisir d'amore (to
Opera Queensland) and The Pearlfishers and Hansel and Gretel (to State
Opera of South Australia). Opera Conference productions of Cavalleria
rusticana/Pagliacci and La sonnambula were presented by West Australian
Opera and the final staging within the Opera Conference parties of Aida
was presented in Brisbane by Opera Queensland.
We continue to give focus to the development of our coproduction
partnerships and to exploring new ways of copresenting productions
both in Australia and abroad.
Occupational Health and Safety
The safety of our employees and guest artists remains a high priority.
We have further developed our health and safety procedures to prevent
mishaps and incidents on stage, and in our stores and manufacturing
areas. This year, however, we did experience a significant injury when
one of our lighting staff fell from a set structure and broke his arm. This
incident was thoroughly investigated and additional safety measures
were put in place to prevent a recurrence. Overall, our injury profile
reflects the hazardous nature of stage work and the transport and
erection of heavy set elements, with a predominance of minor strain
injuries. The incidence and severity of our injuries have further decreased
this year, with a consequent reduction in workers compensation costs
and premiums. I am pleased to say that our performance compares well
to industry benchmarks.
Cheryl Barker as the Marschallin
Der Rosenkavalier
2011 has opened well for Opera Australia as we anticipate more robust
sales for this year. But more than anything, I look forward to the future
we will forge for members of our Company and our audience under the
ambitious artistic plans we are currently developing.
OPERA AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2010 29