Los Angeles Opera Company is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Los Angeles, California, registered in 1960, with $50,290,780 in FY2024 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A, and it directs about 79% of spending to programs.
Revenue (FY2024)
$50.3M
▲ 7.9% vs prior year
Arts & Culture median: $159K
Expenses (FY2024)
$46.8M
Net assets
$89.0M
Employees
891
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Los Angeles Opera Company: 79% to programs · $16 to raise $100 earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Los Angeles Opera Company: 23 mo reserves · +7% margin earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Los Angeles Opera Company: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Los Angeles Opera Company: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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See part iii and schedule othe los angeles opera company (la opera) is a non-profit entity organized to provide an opportunity for all to enjoy the rich emotional and cultural experience of opera.
Other artistic programs (recitals and off grand): the company presents operas in a variety of locations to increase accessibility, expand the audience, and promote the art form. these activities include our "off grand" programs and recitals featuring world renowned opera singers. the company held 4 recitals and 11 off grand performances.
La opera connects: la opera connects is a programming wing focusing on equitable access to opera, providing unique programs to students, children, and families, amongst other audiences, in the los angeles region. in the 2024-2025 season, la opera partnered with numerous schools and community organizations to provide programming to over 140,000 individuals. programs included arts and healthcare programs, k-12 and college programs, public performances, and community opera ensembles.
The young artist program seeks to support and develop the careers of promising singers and pianists. this paid residency program provides extensive training and performance experience through main-stage roles, cover roles, concerts and other productions. during the season, young artists appeared in a large number of roles and covers for main-stage productions. two pianists worked as integral members of the lao music staff, including paying piano for rehearsals of all mainstage productions and playing in the pit for performances. young artists nurtured connections throughout the industry with active singing roles and winning competitions and grants at opera companies and music programs across the country.
Revenue declined from $62.5M (FY2013) to $50.3M (FY2024) across 12 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Operating margin
6.9%
Revenue exceeded expenses in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$108.6M
Total liabilities
$19.6M
Net assets
$89.0M
Salaries & benefits
$32.4M
69% of expenses
Board members
100
98 independent
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $50,290,780▲7.9% | $46,819,143▼8.5% | $89,002,445▲9.4% | $108,556,318▲2.8% | 990 |
| 2023 | $46,611,716▲17.4% | $51,141,852▲2.8% | $81,333,039▼0.7% | $105,563,654▲5.3% | 990 |
| 2022 | $39,707,302▼14.0% | $49,737,896▲4.1% | $81,904,027▼6.2% | $100,261,098▼1.4% | 990 |
| 2021 | $46,172,417▲37.6% | $47,787,630▲125% | $87,352,524▼7.6% | $101,706,372▼8.7% | 990 |
| 2020 | $33,564,671▼9.3% | $21,252,471▼48.9% | $94,524,890▲32.2% | $111,413,847▲23.4% | 990 |
| 2019 | $36,995,799▼27.3% | $41,560,306▼4.5% | $71,501,432▼7.5% | $90,291,254▼7.3% | 990 |
| 2018 | $50,910,612▼9.7% | $43,538,377▲1.1% | $77,291,311▲9.4% | $97,387,314▲5.9% | 990 |
| 2017 | $56,385,810▲29.6% | $43,064,997▲1.9% | $70,675,994▲27.6% | $91,977,439▲15.1% | 990 |
| 2016 | $43,501,122▼10.8% | $42,265,305▲5.0% | $55,392,161▼0.1% | $79,888,255▲1.4% | 990 |
| 2015 | $48,748,835▲22.4% | $40,260,439▼3.5% | $55,444,413▲10.9% | $78,761,014▲0.8% | 990 |
| 2014 | $39,827,184▼36.3% | $41,721,422▲1.0% | $49,980,050▼13.9% | $78,171,247▼5.2% | 990 |
| 2013 | $62,524,128 | $41,317,817▲9.6% | $58,067,026▲66.7% | $82,455,499▲31.7% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $37,695,964▲7.4% | $34,828,072▲78.8% | $62,626,099▲18.3% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $35,098,413▼6.2% | $19,479,696▼12.0% | $52,921,026▼9.0% | 990 |
| 2010 | — | $37,418,503▼25.0% | $22,147,096▲36.7% | $58,154,490▼1.4% | 990 |
| 2009 | — | $49,888,385 | $16,200,935 | $58,990,857 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Highest-paid: Christopher G Koelsch — $974,878 (2.08% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher G Koelsch | Ex. Officio Dir., Pres. & Ceo | 40 | $974,878 |
| John P Nuckols | Evp, Chief Strategic Officer | 40 | $496,469 |
| Rupert H F Hemmings | Vp, Artistic Planning | 40 | $320,961 |
| Kathleen A Ruiz | Vp, Cfo | 40 | $303,904 |
| Diane Rhodes Bergman | Vp, Marketing, Comm & Tech Services | 40 | $263,814 |
| Jill K Boyd | Vp, Hr & Labor Relations | 40 | $251,028 |
| Patricia C Mcleod | Sr Director of Devt. (thru 11/4/24) | 40 | $230,948 |
| Chul Park | Sr Director of Technology Services | 40 | $204,137 |
| Paul Hopper | Sr Director of Artistic Planning | 40 | $196,577 |
| Andrea Fuentes | Vp, La Opera Connects | 40 | $179,775 |
| Kelly Travis | Stagehands - Audio Crew | 40 | $167,282 |
| Jeffrey Kleeman | Technical Director | 40 | $162,513 |
| Tehvon D Fowler-chapman | Former Vp, La Opera Connects | 0 | $111,203 |
| Alexander Furlotti | Director | 2 | — |
| Alexis Deutsch-adler | Director | 2 | — |
| Alice Coulombe | Director (thru 9/12/24) | 2 | — |
| Alicia Clark | Life Trustee | 2 | — |
| Ali Leemann | Director (as of 9/17/24) | 2 | — |
| Alyce Williamson | Life Trustee | 2 | — |
| Andrea Pessino | Director | 2 | — |
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 112 Beverly LLC | Costume Shop Rent | $749,024 |
| The Amadeus Music Production Corp | Artist | $732,783 |
| Levy Restaurants | Catering | $651,639 |
| Daz Investment LLC | Warehouse Storage | $305,840 |
| Television City Studios | Production Scenery Buildout | $275,514 |
135 grants to Los Angeles Opera Company totaling $32.9M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
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Data for Los Angeles Opera Company (EIN 95-2096402) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.