OPERA America has released its Annual Field Report for 2025, highlighting notable trends and challenges facing opera companies in North America. The report, based on fiscal year 2024 data from OPERA America’s Professional Company Members and compiled by SMU Data Arts, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial health and performance activity within the industry.
Key Findings on Performance Activity
The report indicates a mixed performance landscape for the 2023–24 season. Notably, there was an increase in distinct titles produced, reaching 247, which marks a 4 percent rise. In contrast, the total number of productions decreased to 449, reflecting a 4 percent decline. The number of performances saw a modest increase to 1,762, a rise of 2 percent, while venues hosting these performances also grew by 2 percent to 282.
Among the highlights, North American premieres surged by 7 percent, totaling 44 new works. The report lists the top five most-produced titles in North America, which include:
- Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti
- Florencia en el Amazonas by Catán/Fuentes-Berain
- Book of Mountains and Seas by Huang Ruo
- Scalia/Ginsburg by Wang
- Glory Denied by Cipullo/Philpott
Also featured are classical favorites that dominated the opera scene, such as La bohème by Puccini and Carmen by Bizet.
Engaging New Audiences
In recent years, North American opera companies have made significant strides in attracting new audiences. OPERA America has emphasized the importance of fostering environments that encourage repeat attendance. In 2024, the organization published a study titled “Understanding Opera’s New Audiences,” which explored the motivations and barriers faced by first-time operagoers.
This ongoing research, conducted in partnership with the Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation, has led to the release of a resource guide, “Engaging Opera’s New Audiences,” in May 2025. The guide presents nine hypotheses aimed at enhancing the opera experience for newcomers. Key insights include:
- First-time attendees are more likely to return if the experience is framed as unique and social.
- The availability of affordable repeat-entry tickets can encourage loyalty.
- Effective communication and digital engagement before and after performances can deepen interest.
Additionally, the report highlights that newcomers who purchase higher-priced tickets are significantly more likely to attend again within a year, underscoring the link between perceived value and audience retention.
Financial Overview and Future Outlook
As OPERA America entered its fiscal year 2025, concerns about rising costs and stagnant revenues loomed large over the industry. Despite these challenges, the organization reported stronger-than-expected financial results, concluding the year with a positive change in net assets of nearly $450,000.
Institutional support saw an uptick, largely attributed to new foundations and various government revenue streams, including contributions from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts. A notable highlight was a first-time grant of $500,000 from the Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation aimed at expanding research on new opera audiences.
Throughout 2024, opera companies balanced their revenue sources through a combination of earned and contributed income. Earned revenue encompassed box office sales, investment income, and fees from programs and rentals, while contributed revenue included donations, grants, and fundraising events.
The findings from OPERA America’s report not only shed light on the current state of opera in North America but also pave the way for future initiatives aimed at sustaining and growing the audience base. As the industry navigates the complexities of artistic production and financial sustainability, the insights provided will be crucial for leaders within the field.
