Opera Mythconception #5: It’s too expensive

From Viking helmets to bank-breaking ticket prices, preconceived notions about opera have long deterred large swaths of the public from going anywhere near the art form. It’s a shame, since most of these myths and misconceptions—these “mythconceptions,” if you will—couldn’t be further from the truth. In this series, we debunk five of the most persistent ones and show why opera today is as comprehensible, delectable, accessible, and affordable as it’s ever been in its 400-year history. 

This is part 5 of a 5-part series. We're also debunking other mythconceptions, from opera being hard to understand, to it being boring, stuffy, and too long.

Not at Houston Grand Opera! Currently, the cheapest nose-bleed seats for Wicked on Broadway are going for $90; $110 for The Lion King; and $142 for Hamilton. For those prices, you can find Grand Tier or even Orchestra-level seats at most HGO performances. But if you’re strapped for cash, balcony tickets start at just $25 and never exceed $100. 

There are also plenty of ways to save! HGO offers special deals throughout the season: 

• Groups of 10 or more can save up to 20% on tickets to any performance in HGO’s mainstage season. 

• Students can purchase a limited number of $25 tickets for each mainstage performance. These tickets go on sale one month prior to opening night for each opera. 

• Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off tickets to any regular-season performance and 40% off tickets to HGO’s annual Military Appreciation Day performance, after successful verification. 

• Patrons under 40 years of age can unlock $40 Orchestra-level tickets to HGO’s Under 40 Friday nights—held at one performance of each opera in the 2026-27 season—after age verification. These tickets include access to a private mixer and a complimentary drink. 

• And more! Learn more about HGO’s special ticket offers at HGO.org/Tickets. 

Better yet, subscribe! A full-season subscription to HGO can save you up to 50% compared with single tickets. Prefer to make your own season? HGO's Flex Packages let you choose three or more operas—or select a curated package—and they start at just $65. Learn more at HGO.org/Subscribe.

Whether you're looking for single tickets or a full-season subscription, HGO offers options to fit a range of budgets.