Edmonton Opera Association held its 49th Annual General Meeting yesterday at the MacEwan University, Alberta College Campus at 5:30 p.m. The Report to the Community was released, as well as financial statements for 2012/13 and changes to the society’s bylaws.
Irving Kipnes, past chair, thanked the board, staff, supporters and volunteers and said that he’s aware the organization is reviewing its current business model, and looking for measures that will make it more financially sustainable.
The board of directors appointed Tim Yakimec to the position of General Manager. Yakimec has been with the company for over seven years, as the Director of Production, and served as the Interim Business Manager in the past six months. The board also appointed Jelena Bojic to Assistant General Manager. Bojic has been with Edmonton Opera for 3 years, as the Director of Community Relations.
The board has elected Richard Cook to be the new Chair. Cook spent 30 years with MacEwan University, 15 of which he served as the Dean of the Centre for the Arts. Becoming transfixed with the opera art form in 1969, Cook said he is looking forward to his new role, and noted that the need for growth and future success of Edmonton Opera will be the primary consideration in our selection both of a model for artistic direction and for finding the right individual for that role.
For the year to come, the board will be composed as follows:
- Richard Cook, Chair
- Irving Kipnes, Past Chair
- Francis Price, Vice Chair
- Ken Keenleyside, Treasurer
- Robert Bessette, John Cameron, Mary Clonfero, Craig Corbett, Bertrand Malo, Ashif Mawji, Melanie Nakatsui, Bernie Robitaille, Robert Rock, Katie Soles, Stella Varvis
The Report to the Community and full financial statements can be found here.
Edmonton Opera is opening its 50th anniversary season with Salome, on Oct. 26, 29 and 31.
