While becoming an famous opera singer may be appealing to some people, many others would be less interested. While the money is great, not everyone can afford the high costs associated with pursuing a career in opera. The average earnings of an opera singer are determined by several factors, including the singer’s fame and the role they perform. Another factor that contributes to earnings is the opera company’s budget. European houses often receive government subsidies, which allow them to offer higher salaries than U.S. companies.
1. Becomingan Famous Opera Singer
While becomingan famous opera singer may be appealing to some people, many others would be
less interested. While the money is great, not everyone can afford the high costs associated with
pursuing a career in opera. The average earnings of an opera singer are determined by several
factors, including the singer's fame and the role they perform. Another factor that contributes to
earnings is the opera company's budget. European houses often receive government subsidies,
which allow them to offer higher salaries than U.S. companies.
The opera singer's career is often associated with the royal family. American Mezzo-Soprano
Maariana Vikse is an international, award-winning opera singer and breast cancer survivor. During
hereight-yeartenure withthe company,he sang more than fifty roles. He also performed with the
Chicago Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Metropolitan Opera. In later years, he returned to the
American opera houses after the war.
The seasonfor an operaproductionruns from September through May. An opera singer's schedule
usually begins with theater rehearsals, during which they focus on reading and interpreting the
libretto. The singers then gather separately for separate musical rehearsals, with the conductor
serving as the music director. Some singers spend as many as six hours a day in rehearsal. Soloists
may also receive vocal coaching from a repetiter. This work schedule is highly demanding and
requires a great deal of dedication.