Following the Vancouver Opera’s successful 2023-2024 season, the company has revealed that it faces a growing challenge of significantly increased production costs as it heads into its 65^th season.

The company noted that while it experienced a 33 percent increase in audiences, it was not enough to keep up with the rising costs of producing full-scale operas.

However, the company has announced that Martha Lou Henry has donated $100,000, and until June 30 will match additional donors up to $50,000.

In a statement, Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director said, “This past year saw over 30,000 patrons join us at our three incredible operas, while at the same time we connected with 23,000 students across the province during our epic Opera in Schools tours. Vancouver Opera also launched a new era in artistic leadership with the introduction of our new Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe. Our free programs helped us reach an additional 10,000 patrons through our Opera in the Park concert, the Voices concert series, and our various pop-ups throughout the city. All these incredible numbers tell us that opera is very much still loved and we want to continue offering high quality performances. This generous donation by Martha Lou Henley will be instrumental in bringing our budget to a more balanced place.”