OperaUpClose Competitors

The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, founded in 1954, is one of the world's greatest opera companies. It is renowned internationally for its artistic excellence and financial strength. Over the past two decades the company has achieved unparalleled success in its ticket sales, averaging 100% attendance from 1988-2002. Lyric Opera is also distinguished for having operated in the black for 20 of the past 21 years.

Glyndebourne – situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex – is recognised internationally as one of the world’s leading opera houses; a reputation that stems from a passion for artistic excellence encapsulated in founder John Christie’s insistence on doing ‘not the best we can do but the best that can be done anywhere’. John and his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay, founded the Glyndebourne Festival in 1934. Glyndebourne’s annual summer Festival runs for 15 weeks from May to August presenting more than 70 world-class opera performances in a 1,250-seat opera house. Throughout its history, Glyndebourne has been a pioneer in reaching new audiences. Its expanded Autumn Season offers affordable access to exceptional opera and music while shining a spotlight on emerging talent. Subsidised Festival tickets are available for families, under-30s and under-40s. Glyndebourne also produces open days, art and archive exhibitions, member events and more. An award-winning Learning & Engagement programme is active year-round, staging new work and delivering projects to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of opera among a diverse and broad audience. Since its founding in 1934, Glyndebourne has remained financially independent. As a registered charity, the company’s work is funded by Box Office income, Members and supporters, with valued Arts Council England support for learning and engagement work.