How much does an opera production cost?
The cost varies greatly depending on the nature of the production and the number of sets changes it requires. Obviously, an opera needing just one set with minimal chorus numbers will cost far less to build and costume than an opera which requires three sets and three or more changes of costume for principals and chorus. The difference in cost between mounting a production of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring with its modest requirements and the elaborate needs of Wagner’s The Mastersingers of Nuremberg can be over $750,000. Additionally, the length of a work will affect its actual performance costs. Meistersingers, which is over six hours in duration, involved two full calls for orchestra and technical crew for each performance, as well as requiring twice the number of people than an average size production of a popular Verdi work. In general terms, the average new opera production will cost between $400,000 and $500,000 to stage and the costs are amortised over the expected life of t
