The Canadian Opera Company (COC) has released a report showing encouraging numbers on new audiences, artistic momentum, and financial sustainability.

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting COC Board Chair Marcia Lewis Brown and General Director Ian Derrer shared that during the 2025-26 season, the COC saw steady progress toward its long-term strategic goals around finances and engagement. Below are the key takeaways.

• A 12 percent increase in first-time ticket buyers
• Over 2,000 households participated in Opera Under 30, an 11 percent increase and the highest household participation in the program’s history
• COC’s Instagram following grew by more than 10,000 followers and TikTok grew by 84 percent with a total of 2.5K followers
• Community Partnerships and Programs served more than 18,000 young people through 63 partnerships, 17 programs, and the addition of 191 new schools and community groups
• A 250 percent increase in Opera Makers program participation
• The Showcase Series connected with 1,624 audience members across 12 concerts
• The Free Concert Series saw 10,000 audience members at no cost
• Summer Music Camps saw an 11 percent increase over the previous season
• COC now has more than 5,000 donors, members, and supporters

“I am incredibly proud of what the Canadian Opera Company accomplished this season, both onstage and throughout the organization,” said Brown in a press release. “We saw extraordinary artistic work, meaningful growth in our audiences and community connections, and a continued commitment to building a strong future for opera in Canada. It has also been a particular pleasure to welcome Ian Derrer to the COC and to see the energy, curiosity, and breadth of ideas he has already brought to the company. I am delighted by what I have witnessed in his first months with us and excited about what this next chapter will look like at the COC.”

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