2010 Annual Report Part 1 - Opera Australia

SPONSORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT
CONTINUED
enjoyed creating some of the most memorable occasions for our guests
in locations breathtakingly transformed. In Melbourne, at the steps of
the Dukes’ Palace we dined on the stage at the Arts Centre. In Sydney the
scenery bay beneath the Opera House stage was bedecked with lights
and hummed with music as hundreds dined in a backstage location that
had never before seen such glamour. There were other memorable nights
like our annual Wine and Gourmet Dinner on the Dock and two informal
and delightful Celebrity Lunches. The support we receive at these events
contributes directly to the next generation of Australia’s most talented
singers, orchestra players and technical artisans.
The Company’s need for support from corporate Australia remains acute
and our sponsor partners, from all sectors of business and industry,
generously invest with the expectation that they will see a measurable
return. We are indebted to our two Hero Partners, Australia Post and
Mazda. Their landmark partnerships brought thousands of new people
to opera last year, whether in primary schools and regional communities
around the country with Oz Opera, or our large-scale, free performances
like Mazda Opera in the Domain. Unlocking the door to the work of the
national opera company is key to our sustainability and the enlightened
support of all our sponsors guarantees our continuing success.
In 2010 we worked closer than ever with sponsors to share the work
of Opera Australia with wider community and charitable organisations.
With Goldman Sachs we presented a concert for those workers
who selflessly volunteer their time and expertise to charities. With
Commonwealth Bank we gave a private preview performance of The
Pirates of Penzance where ticket proceeds went directly to breast and
prostate cancer charities. With Australia Post we took our primary school
show Sid the Serpent who wanted to Sing to the children affected by the
bushfires in the Kinglake region and with ExxonMobil we performed for
the local communities in the Gippsland region around Sale. We helped
raise funds for the Mazda Foundation, and our partnership with the
Asthma Foundation continued to promote their important research and
awareness-raising campaigns.
Opposite above: Sid the Serpent who
wanted to sing ensemble
And in 2010 we celebrated a remarkable milestone – the 30th
anniversary of our partnership with ExxonMobil. Their far-sighted
generosity has granted this company the security to plan, strive and
deliver since 1980. It is unarguably a landmark in corporate sponsorship
in this country and one we were thrilled to celebrate last year.
ExxonMobil’s loyalty and trust has underpinned our endeavours for three
decades and we salute and thank them for their extraordinary vision.
Opposite: The cast of Oz Opera's
La traviata
OPERA AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2010
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