Update July 30, 2024

Follow-up question: Does the Institution provide any actual funding from its own resources or are all of the cash resources provided to the opera only from the opera endowment and the funds raised by the opera guild?

Answer: Yes, the Opera program is supported by budget resources other than annual philanthropy and endowment. We can also clarify that if it weren’t for the additional support provided by The Opera Guild, the presentation of Hansel and Gretel would not have been possible (in 2024), and productions of that type are not feasible unless dedicated funding is available.

Original Response:

Chautauqua Opera Company is funded through the Institution’s operating budget, which includes annual revenue from endowments designated for the opera program, ticket sales, and annual gifts. For example, funds raised over the past year by The Opera Guild are making it possible for us to stage a full opera in the Amphitheater this summer (Hansel and Gretel). 

In addition to the operating budget that the Company works with, it receives support from several Institution operations that are not charged back to the company, including programming, legal, human resources, technology, and marketing and communications services. The “wrap-around” services the Institution provides to all its programming areas are a distinct advantage to a company that is part of the Institution vs. an independent company.