﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Return xmlns="http://www.irs.gov/efile" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" returnVersion="2009v1.3" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.irs.gov/efile">
  <ReturnHeader binaryAttachmentCount="0">
    <Timestamp>2011-02-05T07:24:30-08:00</Timestamp>
    <TaxPeriodEndDate>2010-06-30</TaxPeriodEndDate>
    <PreparerFirm>
      <PreparerFirmBusinessName>
        <BusinessNameLine1>MICHAEL LABOSCO CPA</BusinessNameLine1>
      </PreparerFirmBusinessName>
      <PreparerFirmUSAddress>
        <AddressLine1>41 ANCHOR DRIVE</AddressLine1>
        <City>MASSAPEQUA</City>
        <State>NY</State>
        <ZIPCode>11758</ZIPCode>
      </PreparerFirmUSAddress>
    </PreparerFirm>
    <ReturnType>990</ReturnType>
    <TaxPeriodBeginDate>2009-07-01</TaxPeriodBeginDate>
    <Filer>
      <EIN>133377138</EIN>
      <Name>
        <BusinessNameLine1>THE OPERA FOUNDATION INC</BusinessNameLine1>
      </Name>
      <NameControl>OPER</NameControl>
      <Phone>2126648843</Phone>
      <USAddress>
        <AddressLine1>CO MANNHEIM LLC 712 5TH AVE</AddressLine1>
        <City>NEW YORK</City>
        <State>NY</State>
        <ZIPCode>10019</ZIPCode>
      </USAddress>
    </Filer>
    <Officer>
      <Name>BERNHARD KOEPP</Name>
      <Title>PRESIDENT</Title>
      <Phone>2126648843</Phone>
      <DateSigned>2010-11-07</DateSigned>
    </Officer>
    <Preparer>
      <Name>MICHAEL LABOSCO</Name>
      <Phone>5167951803</Phone>
      <DatePrepared>2011-02-05</DatePrepared>
      <SelfEmployed>X</SelfEmployed>
    </Preparer>
    <TaxYear>2009</TaxYear>
    <BuildTS>2016-02-24 21:20:13Z</BuildTS>
  </ReturnHeader>
  <ReturnData documentCount="6">
    <IRS990 documentId="00000001" referenceDocumentName="IRS990ScheduleO ReasonableCauseExplanation" softwareId="09000048">
      <AddressChange>X</AddressChange>
      <NameOfPrincipalOfficerPerson>BERNHARD KOEPP</NameOfPrincipalOfficerPerson>
      <AddressPrincipalOfficerUS>
        <AddressLine1>SAME ABOVE</AddressLine1>
        <City>NEW YORK</City>
        <State>NY</State>
        <ZIPCode>10019</ZIPCode>
      </AddressPrincipalOfficerUS>
      <GrossReceipts>126630</GrossReceipts>
      <GroupReturnForAffiliates>false</GroupReturnForAffiliates>
      <Organization501c typeOf501cOrganization="3">X</Organization501c>
      <WebSite>http://www.operafoundation.org</WebSite>
      <TypeOfOrganizationCorporation>X</TypeOfOrganizationCorporation>
      <YearFormation>1986</YearFormation>
      <StateLegalDomicile>NY</StateLegalDomicile>
      <ActivityOrMissionDescription>Program for American Artists to train and perform in one of the premier opera houses in Europe.</ActivityOrMissionDescription>
      <NbrVotingMembersGoverningBody>12</NbrVotingMembersGoverningBody>
      <NbrIndependentVotingMembers>12</NbrIndependentVotingMembers>
      <TotalNbrEmployees>0</TotalNbrEmployees>
      <TotalNbrVolunteers>12</TotalNbrVolunteers>
      <TotalGrossUBI>0</TotalGrossUBI>
      <ContributionsGrantsPriorYear>32000</ContributionsGrantsPriorYear>
      <ContributionsGrantsCurrentYear>32000</ContributionsGrantsCurrentYear>
      <ProgramServiceRevenueCY>0</ProgramServiceRevenueCY>
      <InvestmentIncomeCurrentYear>0</InvestmentIncomeCurrentYear>
      <OtherRevenuePriorYear>54687</OtherRevenuePriorYear>
      <OtherRevenueCurrentYear>52025</OtherRevenueCurrentYear>
      <TotalRevenuePriorYear>86687</TotalRevenuePriorYear>
      <TotalRevenueCurrentYear>84025</TotalRevenueCurrentYear>
      <GrantsAndSimilarAmntsPriorYear>50357</GrantsAndSimilarAmntsPriorYear>
      <GrantsAndSimilarAmntsCY>56100</GrantsAndSimilarAmntsCY>
      <BenefitsPaidToMembersCY>0</BenefitsPaidToMembersCY>
      <SalariesEtcPriorYear>12687</SalariesEtcPriorYear>
      <SalariesEtcCurrentYear>13119</SalariesEtcCurrentYear>
      <TotalProfFundrsngExpCY>0</TotalProfFundrsngExpCY>
      <TotalFundrsngExpCurrentYear>6000</TotalFundrsngExpCurrentYear>
      <OtherExpensePriorYear>10490</OtherExpensePriorYear>
      <OtherExpensesCurrentYear>6457</OtherExpensesCurrentYear>
      <TotalExpensesPriorYear>73534</TotalExpensesPriorYear>
      <TotalExpensesCurrentYear>75676</TotalExpensesCurrentYear>
      <RevenuesLessExpensesPriorYear>13153</RevenuesLessExpensesPriorYear>
      <RevenuesLessExpensesCY>8349</RevenuesLessExpensesCY>
      <TotalAssetsBOY>52859</TotalAssetsBOY>
      <TotalAssetsEOY>61208</TotalAssetsEOY>
      <TotalLiabilitiesBOY>6950</TotalLiabilitiesBOY>
      <TotalLiabilitiesEOY>6950</TotalLiabilitiesEOY>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOY>45909</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOY>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOY>54258</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOY>
      <MissionDescription>Program for American Artists</MissionDescription>
      <SignificantNewProgramServices>false</SignificantNewProgramServices>
      <SignificantChange>false</SignificantChange>
      <Expense>60600</Expense>
      <Grants>56100</Grants>
      <Revenue>84025</Revenue>
      <Description>PROGRAM TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO AMERICAN ARTISTS TO TRAIN AND PERFORM IN ONE OF THE PREMIER OPERA HOUSES IN EUROPE</Description>
      <TotalProgramServiceExpense>60600</TotalProgramServiceExpense>
      <DescribedIn501C3>true</DescribedIn501C3>
      <ScheduleBRequired>true</ScheduleBRequired>
      <PoliticalActivities>false</PoliticalActivities>
      <LobbyingActivities>false</LobbyingActivities>
      <DonorAdvisedFunds>false</DonorAdvisedFunds>
      <ConservationEasements>false</ConservationEasements>
      <CollectionsOfArt>false</CollectionsOfArt>
      <CreditCounseling>false</CreditCounseling>
      <TermOrPermanentEndowments>false</TermOrPermanentEndowments>
      <BalanceSheetAmountsReported>false</BalanceSheetAmountsReported>
      <IndependentAuditFinancialStmt>false</IndependentAuditFinancialStmt>
      <ConsolidatedAuditFinancialStmt>false</ConsolidatedAuditFinancialStmt>
      <School>false</School>
      <ForeignOffice>false</ForeignOffice>
      <ForeignActivities>false</ForeignActivities>
      <MoreThan5000KToOrganizations>false</MoreThan5000KToOrganizations>
      <MoreThan5000KToIndividuals>false</MoreThan5000KToIndividuals>
      <ProfessionalFundraising>false</ProfessionalFundraising>
      <FundraisingActivities>true</FundraisingActivities>
      <Gaming>false</Gaming>
      <Hospital>false</Hospital>
      <GrantsToOrganizations>false</GrantsToOrganizations>
      <GrantsToIndividuals>true</GrantsToIndividuals>
      <ScheduleJRequired>false</ScheduleJRequired>
      <TaxExemptBonds>false</TaxExemptBonds>
      <ExcessBenefitTransaction>false</ExcessBenefitTransaction>
      <PriorExcessBenefitTransaction>false</PriorExcessBenefitTransaction>
      <LoanToOfficerOrDQP>false</LoanToOfficerOrDQP>
      <GrantToRelatedPerson>false</GrantToRelatedPerson>
      <BsnssRltnshpWithOrganization>false</BsnssRltnshpWithOrganization>
      <BsnssRltnshpThruFamilyMember>false</BsnssRltnshpThruFamilyMember>
      <OfficerEntityWithBsnssRltnshp>false</OfficerEntityWithBsnssRltnshp>
      <DeductibleNonCashContributions>false</DeductibleNonCashContributions>
      <DeductibleContributionsOfArt>false</DeductibleContributionsOfArt>
      <Terminated>false</Terminated>
      <PartialLiquidation>false</PartialLiquidation>
      <DisregardedEntity>false</DisregardedEntity>
      <RelatedEntity>false</RelatedEntity>
      <RelatedOrgControlledEntity>false</RelatedOrgControlledEntity>
      <TransfersToExemptNonChrtblOrg>false</TransfersToExemptNonChrtblOrg>
      <ActivitiesConductedPartnership>false</ActivitiesConductedPartnership>
      <ScheduleORequired>true</ScheduleORequired>
      <NumberFormsTransmittedWith1096>0</NumberFormsTransmittedWith1096>
      <NumberW2GIncluded>0</NumberW2GIncluded>
      <ComplianceWithBackupWitholding>true</ComplianceWithBackupWitholding>
      <NumberOfEmployees>0</NumberOfEmployees>
      <UnrelatedBusinessIncome>false</UnrelatedBusinessIncome>
      <ForeignFinancialAccount>false</ForeignFinancialAccount>
      <ProhibitedTaxShelterTrans>false</ProhibitedTaxShelterTrans>
      <TaxablePartyNotification>false</TaxablePartyNotification>
      <NonDeductibleContributions>false</NonDeductibleContributions>
      <QuidProQuoContributions>true</QuidProQuoContributions>
      <QuidProQuoDisclosure>true</QuidProQuoDisclosure>
      <Form8282PropertyDisposedOf>false</Form8282PropertyDisposedOf>
      <FundsToPayPremiums>false</FundsToPayPremiums>
      <PremiumsPaid>false</PremiumsPaid>
      <ExcessBusinessHoldings>false</ExcessBusinessHoldings>
      <TaxableDistributions>false</TaxableDistributions>
      <DistributionToDonor>false</DistributionToDonor>
      <NbrVotingGoverningBodyMembers>12</NbrVotingGoverningBodyMembers>
      <NumberIndependentVotingMembers>12</NumberIndependentVotingMembers>
      <FamilyOrBusinessRelationship>false</FamilyOrBusinessRelationship>
      <DelegationOfManagementDuties>false</DelegationOfManagementDuties>
      <ChangesToOrganizingDocs>false</ChangesToOrganizingDocs>
      <MaterialDiversionOrMisuse>false</MaterialDiversionOrMisuse>
      <MembersOrStockholders>true</MembersOrStockholders>
      <ElectionOfBoardMembers>true</ElectionOfBoardMembers>
      <DecisionsSubjectToApproval>true</DecisionsSubjectToApproval>
      <MinutesOfGoverningBody>true</MinutesOfGoverningBody>
      <MinutesOfCommittees>false</MinutesOfCommittees>
      <OfficerMailingAddress>false</OfficerMailingAddress>
      <LocalChapters>false</LocalChapters>
      <Form990ProvidedToGoverningBody>true</Form990ProvidedToGoverningBody>
      <ConflictOfInterestPolicy>false</ConflictOfInterestPolicy>
      <WhistleblowerPolicy>false</WhistleblowerPolicy>
      <DocumentRetentionPolicy>false</DocumentRetentionPolicy>
      <CompensationProcessCEO>false</CompensationProcessCEO>
      <CompensationProcessOther>false</CompensationProcessOther>
      <InvestmentInJointVenture>false</InvestmentInJointVenture>
      <StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFiled>NY</StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFiled>
      <UponRequest>X</UponRequest>
      <TheBooksAreInCareOf>
        <NamePerson>BERNHARD KOEPP</NamePerson>
        <TelephoneNumber>2126648843</TelephoneNumber>
        <AddressUS>
          <AddressLine1>SAME ADDRESS PAGE 1</AddressLine1>
          <City>FORM</City>
          <State>NY</State>
          <ZIPCode>10019</ZIPCode>
        </AddressUS>
      </TheBooksAreInCareOf>
      <Form990PartVIISectionA>
        <NamePerson>BERNHARD KOEPP</NamePerson>
        <Title>President</Title>
        <AverageHoursPerWeek>4.00</AverageHoursPerWeek>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>
        <Officer>X</Officer>
        <ReportableCompFromOrganization>0</ReportableCompFromOrganization>
        <ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>0</ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>
        <OtherCompensation>0</OtherCompensation>
      </Form990PartVIISectionA>
      <Form990PartVIISectionA>
        <NamePerson>ELIZABETH WALBROEL</NamePerson>
        <Title>Exec. Director</Title>
        <AverageHoursPerWeek>10.00</AverageHoursPerWeek>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>
        <Officer>X</Officer>
        <ReportableCompFromOrganization>0</ReportableCompFromOrganization>
        <ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>0</ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>
        <OtherCompensation>12000</OtherCompensation>
      </Form990PartVIISectionA>
      <Form990PartVIISectionA>
        <NamePerson>SHERIF LOTFI</NamePerson>
        <Title>Treasurer</Title>
        <AverageHoursPerWeek>3.00</AverageHoursPerWeek>
        <IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>X</IndividualTrusteeOrDirector>
        <Officer>X</Officer>
        <ReportableCompFromOrganization>0</ReportableCompFromOrganization>
        <ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>0</ReportableCompFromRelatedOrgs>
        <OtherCompensation>0</OtherCompensation>
      </Form990PartVIISectionA>
      <TotalOtherCompensation>12000</TotalOtherCompensation>
      <FormersListed>false</FormersListed>
      <TotalCompGT150K>false</TotalCompGT150K>
      <CompensationFromOtherSources>false</CompensationFromOtherSources>
      <AllOtherContributions>32000</AllOtherContributions>
      <TotalContributions>32000</TotalContributions>
      <GrossIncomeFundraisingEvents>94630</GrossIncomeFundraisingEvents>
      <CntrbtnsRprtdFundraisingEvents>94630</CntrbtnsRprtdFundraisingEvents>
      <FundraisingDirectExpenses>42605</FundraisingDirectExpenses>
      <NetIncomeFromFundraisingEvents>
        <TotalRevenueColumn>52025</TotalRevenueColumn>
        <RelatedOrExemptFunctionIncome>52025</RelatedOrExemptFunctionIncome>
      </NetIncomeFromFundraisingEvents>
      <TotalRevenue>
        <TotalRevenueColumn>84025</TotalRevenueColumn>
        <RelatedOrExemptFunctionIncome>52025</RelatedOrExemptFunctionIncome>
      </TotalRevenue>
      <GrantsToDomesticIndividuals>
        <Total>56100</Total>
        <ProgramServices>56100</ProgramServices>
      </GrantsToDomesticIndividuals>
      <CompCurrentOfficersDirectors>
        <Total>13119</Total>
        <ProgramServices>4500</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>2619</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>6000</Fundraising>
      </CompCurrentOfficersDirectors>
      <FeesForServicesAccounting>
        <Total>6000</Total>
        <ProgramServices>0</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>6000</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>0</Fundraising>
      </FeesForServicesAccounting>
      <FeesForServicesOther>
        <Total>300</Total>
        <ProgramServices>0</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>300</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>0</Fundraising>
      </FeesForServicesOther>
      <Interest>
        <Total>143</Total>
        <ProgramServices>0</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>143</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>0</Fundraising>
      </Interest>
      <OtherExpenses>
        <Description>Miscellaneous</Description>
        <Total>14</Total>
        <ProgramServices>0</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>14</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>0</Fundraising>
      </OtherExpenses>
      <TotalFunctionalExpenses>
        <Total>75676</Total>
        <ProgramServices>60600</ProgramServices>
        <ManagementAndGeneral>9076</ManagementAndGeneral>
        <Fundraising>6000</Fundraising>
      </TotalFunctionalExpenses>
      <CashNonInterestBearing>
        <BOY>52859</BOY>
        <EOY>61208</EOY>
      </CashNonInterestBearing>
      <TotalAssets>
        <BOY>52859</BOY>
        <EOY>61208</EOY>
      </TotalAssets>
      <AccountsPayableAccruedExpenses>
        <BOY>6950</BOY>
        <EOY>6950</EOY>
      </AccountsPayableAccruedExpenses>
      <TotalLiabilities>
        <BOY>6950</BOY>
        <EOY>6950</EOY>
      </TotalLiabilities>
      <DoNotFollowSFAS117>X</DoNotFollowSFAS117>
      <RetainedEarningsEndowmentEtc>
        <BOY>45909</BOY>
        <EOY>54258</EOY>
      </RetainedEarningsEndowmentEtc>
      <TotalNetAssetsFundBalances>
        <BOY>45909</BOY>
        <EOY>54258</EOY>
      </TotalNetAssetsFundBalances>
      <TotalLiabNetAssetsFundBalances>
        <BOY>52859</BOY>
        <EOY>61208</EOY>
      </TotalLiabNetAssetsFundBalances>
      <MethodOfAccountingAccrual>X</MethodOfAccountingAccrual>
      <AccountantCompileOrReview>true</AccountantCompileOrReview>
      <FSAudited>false</FSAudited>
      <AuditCommittee>true</AuditCommittee>
      <FinancialStatementSeparate>X</FinancialStatementSeparate>
      <FederalGrantAuditRequired>false</FederalGrantAuditRequired>
    </IRS990>
    <IRS990ScheduleA documentId="00000002" softwareId="09000048">
      <PubliclySupportedOrg170b1Avi>X</PubliclySupportedOrg170b1Avi>
      <GiftsGrantsContribReceived170>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years>52413</CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years>97930</CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2Years>38124</CurrentTaxYearMinus2Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year>86656</CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year>
        <CurrentTaxYear>82895</CurrentTaxYear>
        <Total>358018</Total>
      </GiftsGrantsContribReceived170>
      <Total170>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years>52413</CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years>97930</CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2Years>38124</CurrentTaxYearMinus2Years>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year>86656</CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year>
        <CurrentTaxYear>82895</CurrentTaxYear>
        <Total>358018</Total>
      </Total170>
      <PublicSupportTotal170>358018</PublicSupportTotal170>
      <GrossInvestmentIncome170>
        <Total>0</Total>
      </GrossInvestmentIncome170>
      <TotalSupport>358018</TotalSupport>
      <PublicSupportPertcentage170>1.00000</PublicSupportPertcentage170>
      <PublicSupportPertcentPriorYear>1.00000</PublicSupportPertcentPriorYear>
      <ThirtyThreePercntTestsCY170>X</ThirtyThreePercntTestsCY170>
      <PublicSupportTotal509>0</PublicSupportTotal509>
      <PublicSupportPercentage509>0</PublicSupportPercentage509>
      <InvestmentIncomePercentage>0</InvestmentIncomePercentage>
    </IRS990ScheduleA>
    <IRS990ScheduleB documentId="00000003">
      <ContributorInfo>
        <ContributorNumber>RESTRICTED</ContributorNumber>
        <ContributorNameBusiness>
          <BusinessNameLine1>RESTRICTED</BusinessNameLine1>
        </ContributorNameBusiness>
        <ContributorAddressUS>
          <AddressLine1>RESTRICTED</AddressLine1>
          <AddressLine2>RESTRICTED</AddressLine2>
          <City>RESTRICTED</City>
          <State>RESTRICTED</State>
          <ZIPCode>RESTRICTED</ZIPCode>
        </ContributorAddressUS>
        <AggregateContributions>RESTRICTED</AggregateContributions>
      </ContributorInfo>
    </IRS990ScheduleB>
    <IRS990ScheduleG documentId="00000004">
      <EventsInformation>
        <NameOfEvent1>Dinner Dance</NameOfEvent1>
        <GrossReceiptsEvent1>91750</GrossReceiptsEvent1>
        <GrossRevenueEvent1>91750</GrossRevenueEvent1>
        <OtherDirectExpensesEvent1>40855</OtherDirectExpensesEvent1>
        <GrossReceiptsTotal>91750</GrossReceiptsTotal>
        <GrossRevenueTotalEvents>91750</GrossRevenueTotalEvents>
        <OtherDirectExpensesTotalEvents>40855</OtherDirectExpensesTotalEvents>
        <DirectExpenseSummaryEvents>40855</DirectExpenseSummaryEvents>
        <NetIncomeSummary>50895</NetIncomeSummary>
      </EventsInformation>
    </IRS990ScheduleG>
    <IRS990ScheduleI documentId="00000005" softwareId="09000048">
      <RecordsMaintained>true</RecordsMaintained>
      <Form990ScheduleIPartIII>
        <TypeOfGrant>Scholarship(see stmt 1,2)</TypeOfGrant>
        <NumberOfRecipients>4</NumberOfRecipients>
        <AmountOfCashGrant>56100</AmountOfCashGrant>
      </Form990ScheduleIPartIII>
      <Form990ScheduleIPartIV>
        <Identifier>Pt I Line 2</Identifier>
        <Explanation>The organization holds auditions each year and grant recipients are selelcted bases upon industy experts and trustees of the organization.</Explanation>
      </Form990ScheduleIPartIV>
    </IRS990ScheduleI>
    <IRS990ScheduleO documentId="00000006" softwareId="09000048">
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-A, Line 6</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Trustees and Officers; twelve in total</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-A, Line 7a</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Must be approved by group detailed above.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-A, Line 7b</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Major strategic decisions are approved by group detailed above.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-A, Line 8a</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Major strategic decisions are documented with contemporaneous minutes.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-B, Line 10b</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Not applicable.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-C, Line 19</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Financial Records are availble upon request.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-A, Line 8b</Identifier>
        <Explanation>Not applicable-There are no individual committees.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
      <GeneralExplanation>
        <Identifier>Pt VI-B, Line 11A</Identifier>
        <Explanation>The form 990 is reviewed by current officers prior to filing.</Explanation>
      </GeneralExplanation>
    </IRS990ScheduleO>
  </ReturnData>
</Return>