Everywhere you turn, on every street corner, and in every borough, there are exciting cultural offerings to explore. My personal favorite lies at the very heart of Lincoln Center – the Metropolitan Opera. Undoubtedly, the Met ranks amongst the best opera companies in the world, presenting performances with world-renowned singers, highly accomplished musicians, in theatrically captivating productions. There’s only one problem – the cost. Fortunately, the Met offers many affordable ways for students to enjoy the best of the opera!
5. Toll Brother’s Saturday Matinee Radio Broadcasts
Since 1931, the Met has broadcast Saturday matinee performances live via radio. With engaging commentary, interviews, and other intermission features, and crystal clear audio quality, you can be in the center of the action without leaving your room! Even better, these broadcasts are presented at no cost! This s certainly the most affordable way for college students to enjoy the opera! For a full schedule of performances, visit the broadcast website.
4. The Metropolitan Opera Live in High-Definition
On December 30, 2006, the Met transmitted a performance of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” to a couple hundred movie theaters. Since then, the series has expanded to more than 1500 venues in every continent on the globe. While sitting in a cushy movie theater seat, munching on fresh popcorn and gummy bears, and paying less that $30, you can watch live operas on the big screen. With stunning close-ups, powerful surround-sound, and rare backstage views, the Met: Live in HD transmissions are as close as you can get to the opera without actually being in the opera house. The Met broadcasts 12 live performances this season; for more information visit the Met online.
3. Discount Tickets from the TIC
As part of the Columbia Arts Initiative, the Ticket and Information Center at Columbia University offers students the opportunity to purchase discount tickets to a variety of cultural experiences around the city. This includes the opera. Through the box office in Lerner or online at their website, students can purchase tickets to select number of Metropolitan Opera performances at reduced rates. Tickets sell out fast, so you better act soon.
2. Met Rush Tickets
Every Monday through Thursday, two hours before curtain time, the Met sells 150 orchestra seats for only $20 each. Through this program, you can see almost any performance during the Met’s season and at an amazing price. It can sometimes get competitive to snag these seats, so get online a few hours early to secure your place in the house! Some restrictions apply, so check online for more information.
1. Met Opera Students
The Met Opera Student program is an incredible opportunity for college students! Any undergrad or graduate student who registers online (at no cost) is eligible to purchase heavily discounted tickets to a huge selection Met performances. Seats normally costing more than $200 can be yours for only $25! Every other week or so, the Met updates a list of discounted tickets, and even more discounts are available on the day of the performance. The is nothing to lose by signing up, so take a few moments explore all of the affordable possibilities for college students!
The Opera Spectator 