David Speers- on Opera Hamilton

David Speers

The opera in Hamilton has a very rich history. We caught up with General Director of Opera Hamilton, David Speers to ask him about the status of Opera Hamilton and its future. Enjoy our chat with David.


1. Can you tell us where Opera Hamilton receives its funding, what type of financial shape Opera Hamilton is in and what is needed (if anything), to keep it viable?

Opera Hamilton is non-profit, charitable organization – producer of professional opera - 33 years serving the Hamilton and surrounding area from GTA down to Buffalo, NY - funding 40% box office and other earned revenue – 35% private contributions --- 25% Government funding – three levels – Municipal, Ontario Arts Council, and The Canada Council. 

Company has, over the past 8 years, re-invented itself – reducing a $1.6 milllion deficit to a current $400,000.00 accumulated shortfall – but with operational changes made over that period – the most recent the decision to move to a new performing venue – we have just completed our first season in The Dofasco Centre for the Arts (Theatre Aquarius) and as a direct result of that move, and the increased donations fueled by the company’s recovery – we will post of surplus of almost $200,000.00 for the year just ending – therefore entire deficit should be retired with two seasons.

2. What particular challenges, if any, will Opera Hamilton be facing going forward and are you optimistic that those challenges will be met?

Need to continually, regenerate our audience, and donor base --- like many arts audiences, our patrons tend to be an older demographic – and we must maintain that core of supporters, but also work through marketing, pricing incentives and our Education and Outreach Programs to attract new and younger audience (and hopefully eventually donors) – We have been successful over the past two years in particular with some specific programs allowing young professionals affordable access to our performances – and the move to Theatre Aquarius (much better known by younger audiences) has helped draw many of that organizations patrons to our productions. We are optimistic with the new pricing incentives for those 30 and under, heightened Outreach efforts, and a high renewal of our core audience, along with the increase profile given the company over our “re-birth,” the high quality of our work and the excitement over the new venue, that we can meet these challenges.

3. Sometimes, in the context of fiscal pressures, the arts are the first casualty of such restraints. Assuming that you would make a case for the Opera notwithstanding, what does that case sound like- from a arts and culture point of view, and , from a fiscal point of view (if that is possible). In other words, what is the social business case and what is the financial business case for investing in and sustaining Opera Hamilton?

Public and Corporate funders, and to a slightly lesser extend individual supporters, tend to understand that culture and the arts are important components of any major and serious community. It generates significant economic spin-off, and helps attract new businesses and residents to the area. The more attractive market for starting new business, the tax structure and real estate rates, along with a vibrant city life (including most certainly the arts) are all important factors in the ongoing “exodus” of young professionals coming south from Toronto to establish themselves in a more “affordable and appealing” environment.

4. Is there anything else you would like Hamiltonians to know about Opera Hamilton? 

The company has been a pillar of the arts community in Southern Ontario for 33 years – it is currently the only professional Opera company in Ontario outside of Toronto, noted for its artistic quality and its commitment to the development and engagement of Canadian Artists – many who have made their mark on the International opera scene – after getting “early career” opportunities at Opera Hamilton. It continues to provide high professional performances and feature young emerging talent side-by-side with established internationally-sought Canadian artists – many who began careers with the company.

Thank-you David for being our guest on The Hamiltonian. For more stunning pictures of Opera Hamilton productions, click here.