New financials from the West Australian Opera have shown a dramatic increase in operating surplus from $299,588 in 2024 to $1.6 million in 2025.
The opera’s 2025 annual report was released last week, recording an increase of 316 per cent in operating surplus comparing the years ending in December 31.
WA Opera executive director Carolyn Chard credited the surplus to the program resulting in high ticket sales.
Revenue from performances, interest and member subscriptions increased from $1.84 million in 2024 to $2.55 million in 2025.
“The repertoire drove capacity box office which meant the majority of the surplus was in ticket sales, support from partners and donors and Fortescue Metals Group dividends,” Ms Chard said in a written response to Business News.
Andrew and Nicola Forrest had donated 650,000 Fortescue shares to WA’s four major arts companies back in 2011 – including the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Black Swan State Theatre Company, West Australian Ballet and the opera.
With less new shows than the previous year, production costs decreased from $1.91 million in 2024 to $1.54 million in 2025.
WA Opera’s direct economic impact increased from $9.51 million in 2024 to $9.73 million the following year, which Ms Chard attributed to a wider audience reach across mainstage shows, public events, regional tours and community programs.
“By expanding into broader experiences – such sold out mainstage seasons, growth in activation and public appearances such as Telethon, diversification of formats such as the Secret Opera series, an increase in adult learning programs – WAO has increased attendance, participation, and associated spending, strengthening its overall economic contribution,” she said.
Last year, the opera recorded its total number of people reached at 110,000 across performances, tours, education programs, community workshops, public events and broadcast.
That was up from 2024’s 80,167.
