Opera Lafayette

“The 990 is distributed to the Finance Committee for review and discussion at this Committee's meetings, then it is distributed to the Board and discussed at a Board meeting.”

“Board members are asked to routinely verify that they are aware of no conflicts of interest.”

“The Compensation Subcommittee of the Planning Committee meets on an as-needed basis to review key staff compensation issues, obtain comparability data through research of like-kind organizations' Form 990s, and circulate its findings and recommendations to the Planning Committee and then to the Board for adoption of changes in compensation of key staff.”

“The Organization makes its governing documents and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“Opera Lafayette, which performs its entire season in New York City and Washington, DC, is renowned for its performances of both forgotten works that were popular and significant to the cultural history of the 17th through 19th centuries, and early opera which is already part of the modern canon. Each program incorporates the latest research and musicological expertise, uses period instruments and artists performing at the highest level, and as appropriate, includes dance - an important, yet often neglected element of baroque opera. This attention to detail ensures that each rediscovered gem adheres closely to the way the composers originally intended their masterpieces to be heard. While preserving these historically significant works, Opera Lafayette stages each performance in imaginative and inventive ways which illuminate the music's original appeal as well as its relevance in our modern world. Central to the company's mission is building a legacy of the timeless repertoire Opera Lafayette brings back to life. This is achieved through an extensive discography, mounting revivals, and inspiring a public appreciation for this repertoire through its audience engagement programs for audiences of all ages. Founded in 1995 as The Violins of Lafayette, the company was part of a period instrument renaissance, a movement that provided a primary avenue for performing musicians searching for new ways to explore music of the past. The debut season took place in the Salon Dor of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and featured four chamber music concerts by some of France's greatest 18th-century composers. In 2001, the company was reincorporated as Opera Lafayette, reflecting an increasing concentration on opera that unites musical, vocal, and choreography to present richly nuanced realizations of the 17th- through 19th-century repertoire. In 2012 and again in 2014, Opera Lafayette achieved international fame when, at the invitation of Chateau de Versailles Spectacles, the company was invited to perform at Opera Royal in Versailles, France, closing with five sold-out performances. Since Founder Ryan Brown's entrepreneurial beginnings, Opera Lafayette has expanded and is now the only opera company to perform its full season in both Washington, DC and New York City. Alongside our productions, Opera Lafayette has issued over a dozen recordings and two DVDs on the Naxos label, as well as two illustrated books for families, ensuring a lasting legacy of the timeless repertoire.”

“Performers (Orchestra, Chorus, Solists): Program service expenses 206,835. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 1,090. Total expenses 207,925. Production team: Program service expenses 144,996. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 2,222. Total expenses 147,218. Payroll service fees: Program service expenses 2,722. Management and general expenses 895. Fundraising expenses 979. Total expenses 4,596. Other professional services: Program service expenses 0. Management and general expenses 472. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 472.”

“The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of the audit, including the selection of the independent accountant. The results are reported to the Finance Committee and to the Board of Directors. The process is consistent with previous years.”