Access to the Arts More Affordable Than Ever Thanks to Opera Philadelphia
Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second
For those looking for a creative and affordable way to celebrate the holiday season, the Philadelphia Opera’s 2025/2026 season is in full swing, and more affordable than one may think.
With the past decade experiencing decreasing attendance rates for Opera Philadelphia, the organization, under General Director and President Anthony Rother Costanzo, knew that something needed to change in order to fill seats at the opera. The solution? To decrease the cost of attendance to $11. According to the official website, “All tickets start at $11, and you have the option to select a higher amount ranging from $20 to $250, as well as the standard price. Every dollar you spend over $11 helps support other operagoers and the work we present on stage.”
Since beginning the pay what you can campaign, Opera Philadelphia’s sales have increased by more than 25% compared to past seasons. Not only are more people attending the opera, but a wider range of people were able to attend as well, including first-time opera goers. After seeing the success of the campaign, Opera Philadelphia has decided to continue the pay what you can model into the 2025-2026 season.
In a country where the arts are increasingly losing funding and costs of attendance are on the rise, Opera Philadelphia is offering an opportunity for those in the area to broaden their horizons and experience a new artform in an affordable manner.
Students in the Philadelphia area can take advantage of the discounted tickets for the holiday season and experience a new form of art. Now, instead of tickets costing upwards of $150 per person, a family of five would be able to attend the opera for just $55.
Philadelphia resident Sam Crouth, who has never been to the opera before, thinks that $11 tickets, “are a cool opportunity to be exposed to a new form of art that I wouldn’t normally see, especially since opera is normally really expensive.”
This December, Opera Philadelphia is showing The Seasons, followed by Complications in Sue in February. Both shows have availability, with tickets starting at $11. According to the website, any amount paid above $11 will contribute to supporting the pay what you can campaign, as well as the production cost of the shows.
For those looking for a family-friendly activity this holiday season, Costanzo shares: “Parents: we’ve discovered the $11 tickets are a lot cheaper than a babysitter. So bring your kids!”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
