Why is the opera so expensive?

Question

I'm 18 years old and my freinds my age and my brothers and even to a lesser degree my parents think I'm kind of odd because I like opera.

Earlier this season, I won free tickets to see Carmen performed by the Cincinnati Opera. I took a girlfriend who said she didn't expect to like it but she really did. So they are peforming later this month Madam Butterfly and I had planned to take her but tickets the best ticket price I could find is for $95 a ticket. No way I can afford that.

The production of Carmen, arguably the best opera ever written, was no where near being full its opening night. I don't know how many giveaways there were. I couldn't have had the only two.

I think that opera needs to find ways to appeal to a younger audiences. I think more opera houses should produce English language operas (Dead Man Walking, Nixon in China, Dr. Atom, Susanna, Of Mice and Men, are just a few.) and that they should make tickets accessible to those who can't swing $95 per ticket.

By way of comparisson, I also took her to see the Zac Brown Band when they were in town and tickets were $30 a piece.

Kind of disappointed I cant' see a great performance and at the same time heighten my gf's blossoming interest in opera. Guess we're stuck with Sic 'Em on a Chicken.

Answer 1

Many "city" opera companies survive mainly from charitable donations, Many of the "one percenters" Mamianka mentioned donate large sums of money.

Having been part of the cast of 3 operas, you wouldn't believe the amount of work behind the scenes to prepare for a 2-3 week run of an opera. For about 2 months, Daily rehearsals for hours, not to mention the private coaching for each of the lead performers, the set building, custom costumes made for the whole cast, plus as Mamianka mentioned, a fairly large chamber orchestra. Ushers and things of that nature are usually volunteers.

Sometimes they will open up dress rehearsals to school children and friends of the cast members.

Opera loses a lot of impact if you see a video of it. Live is the only way to go. True, it is expensive. But worth it to see at least one production a year.

Answer 2

You can go to Metopera.org and rent the same productions that you see in the movies, on tour, for $4.99 each. Stream them to whatever you want to play them on. A beverage, a snack, your own comfy couch - the best. We live close enough to go to the Met live - and sometimes just stream instead. As far as LIVE - you can get a whole nicer seat and experience in many opera venues than you do for rock or pop things. You are also paying for an orchestra, and a large cast and FAR more support personnel than a rock show uses in backstage and roadies.



As far as the language things - they were composed to fit the nuances of the original language. Many have subtitles or a superscreen; some companies will do operas in English, regardless of the original language - not always the best fit, though. You should always do a little homework first, and read ahead - because sometimes the PLOTS are loony, and you will never figure it out during your first experience - but then, last night I turned off the Cormac McCarthy film "The Counselor" because I had NO CLUE where it was going - and I watch a LOT of indie things, mysteries, film festival items, etc.



If you are going to complain about the prices - ask football fanatics what they spend for a Superbowl ticket - or ask what people spent for FIFA tix. You want something bad enough - you find a way. You find ways to save when you can - and splurge when you feel like it. You do not have to assume that only the One Percenters get to see and hear fine art - it is there for all of us, at various prices.

Answer 3

Student rush tickets for Cincinnati Opera are $15 the day of the show. Check their website for more information.