September 9, 2009                                                                                               

For Immediate Release

Calgary Opera in the Black with its

11th Surplus

Calgary, AB… Calgary Opera is thrilled to announce the company’s eleventh consecutive surplus budget, following their Annual General Meeting, which took place on September 8, 2009.

“In these uncertain economic times we are extremely pleased to be able to announce a surplus,” says Evan J. Hazell, Chair of Calgary Opera’s Board of Directors. “There have been difficult times but the staff and board really pulled together to keep this company strong and financially sound.”

 “Our opera patrons have continued with their unfailing support of Calgary Opera.  Behind everything we do – our Emerging Artist Development Program, community outreach and education efforts – are supported by the grand artform of opera.”

The 2009-2010 season marks Calgary Opera’s 38th season of professional Opera programming, and Mr. McPhee’s twelfth year as General Director and CEO of southern Alberta’s only professional opera company – Calgary Opera.

Calgary Opera’s 2009-2010 season will open with the company premiere of Manon, followed by the Canadian premiere of Little Women and in the Spring, the new production of Don Giovanni.  Rounding out the season will be a recital by Frederica von Stade, one of the premiere Mezzo-sopranos of her generation, with accompanist Jake Heggie.

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For further information, please contact: Alex Bonyun, Calgary Opera 403-802-3403, or abonyun@calgaryopera.com.