There are many ways to enjoy opera in Seattle on a budget: live audio broadcasts from the Seattle Opera stage at McCaw Hall, performances in the community, sing-alongs, family programs, and special events. Some are free and everyone is welcome.
In addition, there are many ways to attend live opera performances for as little as $20 per ticket.
Find details of the current season and these various listening–and saving–opportunities below.
About Seattle Opera
Since 1963, Seattle Opera has built a reputation as a leading opera company, recognized in the United States as well as around the world. Seattle Opera is especially known for its acclaimed works of Richard Wagner’s epic Ring.
The company is committed to advancing the cultural life in the Pacific Northwest with opera productions of the highest caliber, and through innovative education and community programs that take opera far beyond the McCaw Hall stage at Seattle Center.
Each year, more than 95,000 people attend Seattle Opera performances and programs designed for people of all ages.
2020/2021 Seattle Opera season
For more information about the current season or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.seattleopera.org/tickets/202021-season-tickets/discover-the-season/
- PAGLIACCI & CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA. Aug. 8–22, 2020. Opera’s classic double bill: two tales of adultery, jealousy, and revenge in one thrilling performance, staged in a revolving mask-filled arena.
- THE ELIXIR OF LOVE. Oct. 17–31, 2020. Donizetti’s bubbly comedy has everything: a charming love story, a fast-talking con man, colorful new-to-Seattle costumes, and masterful bel canto music.
- MEADE & BARTON IN CONCERT. October 23, 2020. Optional Add-On: After electrifying Seattle debuts in Verdi’s Il trovatore (Meade) and Nabucco (Barton), two powerhouse sopranos return to McCaw Hall for a one-night-only concert.
- DON GIOVANNI. Jan. 16–30, 2021. Mozart’s legendary libertine returns in a new production staged and conducted by women. Period silhouettes and an elegant carousel-inspired set promise pleasure… until karma catches up.
- FLIGHT. Feb. 27–Mar. 13, 2021. An “adventurous, highly entertaining audience-pleaser” (Opera News), this ensemble dramedy follows a stateless refugee stranded in an airport as he crosses paths with all sorts of travelers.
- TOSCA. May 8–23, 2021. A fiery prima donna struggles to free her true love from the clutches of a ruthless police chief in this gorgeous period revival of Puccini’s masterpiece.
Free rebroadcasts of Seattle Opera productions
Tune into 98.1 KING FM Classic Radio every Saturday during the season for live broadcasts from the stage of McCaw Hall. A Seattle Opera curator leads you through this marvelous listening journey. More info: Seattle Opera – Mornings on KING FM and The Music Continues | Classical KING FM 98.1
Free re-broadcast of Seattle Opera’s 2005 THE RING on King-FM
- 10 AM Saturday, February 6, 2021: Das Rheingold
- 7 PM Tuesday, February 9, 2021: Die Walküre
- 7 PM Thursday, February 11, 2021: Siegfried
- 10 AM Saturday, February 13, 2021: Götterdämmerun
If you are enjoying digital opera offerings, please make a donation to support the artists and staff that are collaborating to bring you opera in new ways: https://www.seattleopera.org/donate/
Free Seattle Opera Events
Seattle Opera community events are held at various locations around Puget Sound. These free events are announced throughout the year.
Opera Sing-alongs are fun, educational events held throughout the year. Learn and sing a variety of choruses with your fellow opera fans in these fun musical events! No prior singing experience is required.
Family events include specially designated Family Day performances of Seattle Opera mainstage productions, engaging opera singalongs, other events for the whole family to enjoy.
Reduced price opera tickets
Listed below are many ways to enjoy Seattle Opera even if you are on a tight budget.
$20 Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets are available for all performances at McCaw Hall for $20 per person, however tickets are very limited. You do, literally, stand throughout the performance. Standing room is in the back of the Orchestra. You may not sit in any unoccupied seats, but there is a padded rail to lean against. Also be aware that the English translations are not visible from the standing room location. Standing room tickets are not available online. Standing room tickets become available on the day of the performance or, for Sunday performances, one day before. To purchase standing room tickets, call the Ticket Office at 206.389.7676 or visit the administrative offices at 1020 John Street on the day of the show starting when the ticket office opens (9:00 a.m. for weekday performance days; noon for Saturday performance days).
$35 tickets for every performance at McCaw Hall are available in the Second Tier Side Upper (unless otherwise specified). These seats typically sell out quickly so purchase them as far in advance as possible.
Lowest price on reserved seats when you buy Season Tickets. Season tickets are available for 3, 4, or all 5 operas starting at just $43 per opera (note: 2019 price for 5-opera season ticket on Wednesday, 2nd Tier). Benefits include flexible exchanges, interest-free payment plans, behind-the-scenes events, and other special offers. All it takes is $20 down to place your order, then use the interest-free payment plans to pay in automatic installments through July, two weeks before the first performance. Free parking when you purchase season tickets before the July deadline.
Student, Senior, & Arts Industry members may join the SO Rush program to purchase a discount ticket to selected performances–students for $25 and Seniors for $45. There’s a bunch of fine print on this, so read carefully and follow instructions.
Teen Tix. Seattle Opera is also a proud participant in Seattle Center’s Teen Tix program. When available, enrolled teens can purchase opera tickets for $5 on the day of the performance, one ticket per member. Subject to availability and only available when Student and Senior Rush tickets are also available; so check the Student and Senior Rush availability on the Seattle Opera website. Day-of-show ticket availability at Seattle Opera is often limited, so call the ticket office in early in the day to ask whether there will be Teen Tix tickets available. Because Seattle Opera does not conduct regular box office hours on Sundays, Teen Tix members who wish to purchase tickets for a Sunday performance may call to purchase tickets on the Saturday prior to the Sunday performance they wish to see.
Adults age 21-39 are invited to join Seattle Opera BRAVO! members in this young professionals group save up to 50% off single ticket prices and enjoy other .
Military personnel and Teachers with valid ID save 15% with promo code on single tickets to any Seattle Opera mainstage performance at McCaw Hall. Subject to availability.
“Family Day” matinee. For specially designated performances, students 18 and under in the company of an adult pay only $20 for almost any seat. Family Days also feature special student-oriented activities before the performance and/or during intermission, such as a costume dress-up station or the chance to interact with members of the chorus and orchestra. Valid student ID or proof of age is required for entry. At least one full price adult ticket must be purchased with EVERY student ticket order. There is some other fine print. Upcoming Family Day performances are:
For more information on any of these Seattle Opera discount ticket options, visit https://www.seattleopera.org/tickets/ways-to-save/.
