OPERA America has published its Annual Field Report for 2025, offering a detailed examination of the financial health and productivity of opera companies across North America. The report is based on fiscal year 2024 data collected through the Professional Opera Survey administered by SMU Data Arts, which captures insights from OPERA America’s Professional Company Members.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report
The report reveals notable trends in performance activity for the 2023–2024 season. It documented a total of 247 distinct titles, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Productions numbered 449, indicating a 4 percent decline, while total performances rose to 1,762, marking a 2 percent increase. The report also highlighted 282 venues hosting these performances, up by 2 percent, and 44 North American premieres, which saw a 7 percent surge.
Among the most produced titles in North America were “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Menotti, and “Florencia en el Amazonas” by Catán/Fuentes-Berain. Other significant works included “Book of Mountains and Seas” by Huang Ruo, “Scalia/Ginsburg” by Wang, and “Glory Denied” by Cipullo/Philpott. The top five most produced classic titles included staples like “La Bohème”, “Carmen”, and “Madama Butterfly”.
Engaging New Audiences
In recent years, North American opera companies have made strides in attracting new audiences. To further this initiative, OPERA America published “Understanding Opera’s New Audiences” in 2024, which examines the motivations and barriers faced by first-time attendees. Building on this research, the organization collaborated with the Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation to release the resource guide “Engaging Opera’s New Audiences” in May 2025. This guide outlines tactical strategies designed around nine key hypotheses aimed at encouraging repeat attendance.
Among the findings, newcomers are more likely to return when their experiences are perceived as unique, social, and fun. Additionally, affordable ticket prices, high perceived value, and tailored communications enhance their likelihood of returning. The guide also emphasizes the importance of making the opera experience accessible and enjoyable, allowing newcomers to feel comfortable without extensive prior knowledge.
The role of digital recordings has been highlighted as crucial for familiarizing newcomers with opera, potentially increasing their likelihood of returning to live performances. Notably, those who purchased the most expensive tickets demonstrated a significantly higher rate of return within the following year.
Financial Insights and Future Prospects
As OPERA America began its fiscal year 2025, rising costs and stagnant revenue posed challenges for many opera companies. Yet, the organization reported stronger-than-expected financial results, concluding the year with a positive change in net assets of nearly $450,000. Institutional support grew during FY2025, bolstered by new relationships with foundations and various governmental revenue streams, including support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts, alongside grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
In a landmark move, the Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation provided a first-time grant of $500,000 to OPERA America, aimed at expanding its research into new opera audiences. This funding will support the development of toolkits, publications, webinars, and new grantmaking opportunities.
As opera companies navigate the landscape of earned and contributed revenue, the balance between box office receipts, investment income, and contributions from individuals and institutions remains critical for sustainability.
The findings in the 2025 Annual Field Report provide a comprehensive overview of an evolving sector, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the opera industry in North America.
