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Manitoba Opera breaks box-office record

Productions of the most popular comedy and tragedy in the opera universe — Rossini’s bubbly The Barber of Seville and Bizet’s passion-filled Carmen — helped Manitoba Opera to break box-office records and record a surplus for the 2009-10 season.

The company posted a surplus of just over $13,000 on an operating budget of $1.6 million, it was announced at the annual general meeting on Tuesday at the Centennial Concert Hall.

In a news release, general director Larry Desrochers described the company’s 37th production year as "a phenomenal season on all fronts."

Box-office revenue was up eight per cent over the previous season. With more than 3,100 subscribers and high casual ticket sales, some performances of Barber and Carmen were sold out.

Fundraising revenue from sponsorships, corporate and private donations and special events exceeded last season’s by $33,000. The accumulated deficit has been reduced to $171,360.

The company’s expanded audience-outreach program included a popular Tunes for ’Toons presentation at the IMAX Theatre, an open house with backstage tours, and a presentation of Al Simmons’ comedic take on The Barber of Seville that played to more than 5,000 students in 24 schools.

Attendance for Student Night at the Opera was up 30 per cent over the previous season, with a total of 3,050 tickets sold.

Next season, Manitoba Opera is staging Puccini’s political thriller Tosca (Nov. 20, 23 and 26) and Mozart’s comical masterpiece The Magic Flute (April 9, 12 and 15). The season will open with a Divas and Divos gala concert on Oct. 16.

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