Audience data suggests opera's problem is perception, not price

IN EXPLORE

Ready to learn more about opera? Discover the vibrant art form, its talented artists, and its visionary leaders. Explore Opera Now

Opera Passport by OPERA America

Categories

Operas Communities Education People

Programs

50 Years of Opera Onstage Grants & Awards Oral History Project

Industry Resources

Opera America Magazine

In Resources

Are you part of the opera industry? Discover reporting, trends, analysis, and tools on all aspects of the opera field. All Industry Resources

Key Issues

Civic Practice Gender Parity Governance Racial Justice

Discover

Advocacy Arts Education Business & Research OA Magazine

Programs

OPERA America Onstage

Events

Conferences & Webinars OPERA America Onstage Recording Days Feedback Auditions

Services

Grants & Awards Leadership Development Artist Development Magazine & Publications Opera Passport

Databases

North American Works Directory Performance Database Technical/Production Directory

By Audience

Administrators Artists Trustees Educators Appreciators

Get Involved

Member Directory

Membership

Membership Overview Member Directory Affinity Groups Advocacy Jobs in Opera

OPERA America

Support Us About Us Press Room Community Guidelines

Become a Member Donate Today

Rental Space

National Opera Center

OPERA America's National Opera Center is a communal home for opera and the performing arts in New York City. Make it your place for recitals, rehearsals, recordings, and more. Learn More & Rent Now

Studios Starting at $5/HR

Rental Spaces

Performance & Recital Spaces Rehearsal Spaces & Practice Rooms Event Spaces Recording Studios Audition Spaces Meeting & Conference Spaces Studio Happy Hours

About the Opera Center

Rooms & Rates Services & Amenities Visitor Information FAQ

Rent Space Today Become a Member

Forgot password?

(photo: Mikael Blomkvist)

Article Published: 07 May 2025

Audience data suggests opera's problem is perception, not price

By Jeremy Reynolds

In a recent U.K.-based study about public perception of opera, 14% claimed to have heard of the opera La Sonata Di Velluto. But there’s a problem: There is no such opera. Nearly 20% of respondents claimed to have heard of the opera The Reverie — another made-up title — a percentage roughly equal to respondents’ familiarity with some real works.

This article was published in the Spring 2025 issue of Opera America Magazine.