In light of reports indicating that the Los Angeles Opera is under investigation for its tax returns, the company has a released a statement.

The company states that, “The LA Opera is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of public and private resources.

“From 2015 through 2025, excluding extraordinary COVID-19 relief, LA Opera received an average of less than $1 million annually in government funding-less than 4 percent of the company’s average fundraising revenue. Recurring public funding supports programs that provide direct community benefit, including LA Opera Simulcast, which brings free performances to communities throughout Los Angeles County.

“During the unprecedented COVID-19 shutdown, LA Opera, like performing arts organizations across the country, received federal and local relief through programs established to preserve jobs and sustain nonprofit organizations during the periods when operations were significantly restricted. These funds were subject to program requirements, oversight, and, where applicable, federal audit and review.

The statement concludes that “Executive compensation is determined by the LA Opera Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee and informed by independent analysis of compensation at comparable nonprofit and cultural organizations. Form 990 compensation figures may include salary, employer-provided benefits, and compensation deferred from prior periods. LA Opera remains committed to providing access to the arts, serving communities throughout Los Angeles County, and responsibly stewarding the resources entrust to the company.”

The Center Square Foundation released findings on LA Opera as part of an ongoing investigation into nonprofit government funding, drawing on publicly available IRS filings. Among the Foundation’s reports, LA Opera reported $27 million in government grants over the past decade, including $2.45 million in the most recent fiscal year. The organization spent roughly $33 million on executive compensation, with one executive receiving more than $7 million through a production company contract, plus housing and first class travel. President and CEO Christopher Koelsch received $974,878 in compensation and $26,200 in other compensation for the fiscal year ending June 2025.

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