TORONTO — Despite the recession, the demand for opera tickets remains high, says the Canadian Opera Company.

During the 2008-2009 season -- and for the third consecutive year -- the company's productions had an average attendance of over 99 per cent, the COC said Tuesday.

A total of 132,000 patrons attended 64 COC performances, with overall ticket-related revenue grossing almost $13.9 million. Productions included "Don Giovanni," "War and Peace," "Fidelio" and "Rusalka."

"The COC's 2008/09 season surpassed my expectations," said general director Alexander Neef.

"Even though this difficult economic climate has brought us unexpected challenges, our mainstage season finished over 99 per cent capacity, which must be the highest rate for an opera company in North America."