Vancouver Opera Wants to Work for You!

In 1959, a group inspired to build an opera company for their community became the Vancouver Opera. While providing quality opera and artistic endeavors to serve British Columbians, they have also developed education programs and outreach to diverse communities through concerts and forums. Now as a way to give even more back to their supporters, they have created Community Connections, a ground-breaking program that will provide 10,000 hours of volunteer service to a variety of charities.

“During the company's 50 years, audiences of all ages have embraced the work that we have presented,” said Doug Tuck, VO's director of marketing and community programs. “Our mainstage productions, education programs, touring performances and community engagement events reach widely and deeply into communities throughout B.C. It is only fitting that we honour the support of those communities by connecting with them in new ways through our volunteer work.”

From July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, VO artists, staff, volunteers, supporters and board members will participate in celebration of VO’s Golden Anniversary. Also participating in the Community Connections program are the staff of Vancouver-based resource leader Goldcorp Inc. Goldcorp has made a major gift to Vancouver Opera through a three-year sponsorship, beginning with the 2009-2010 Golden Anniversary season.

“This program allows us to celebrate our Golden Anniversary in a unique way,” says James W. Wright, general director of Vancouver Opera, in a statement. Organizations that will benefit from this landmark commitment include the Powell Street Festival, Habitat for Humanity, Run 4 the Cure, Vancouver Food Bank and Power To Be Adventure Therapy. “Goldcorp is proud to sponsor Vancouver Opera’s Golden Anniversary and the innovative Community Connections program."

VO and Goldcorp invite all supporters of Vancouver Opera to participate in Community Connections. For more information, and to sign up, visit www.vancouveropera.ca.

Photo courtesy of iwona_kellie@flickr