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membership benefits

Members sustain Opera Saratoga by providing a valuable base of support that enables us to present our flagship summer festival. 

Did you know that more than 75% of Opera Saratoga’s annual budget comes from the support of our donors? Even when every seat in the house sells out, we rely on your incredible generosity to produce innovative and imaginative opera with world-class guest artists from opera companies around the globe – right here in Saratoga Springs. In addition to supporting the summer festival, your donations enable us to:

  • Provide opportunities for emerging artists – including singers, pianists, conductors and directors – to hone their skills and talents through our nationally acclaimed Festival Artist Program

  • Forge exciting collaborations with other arts and cultural organizations in the region, including the SPAC, The Egg, Proctors, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, The Charles R. Wood Theatre, The Round Lake Auditorium, and more!

  • Offer Opera Saratoga’s Education Program, providing invaluable exposure to live opera in schools across the region to almost 20,000 children each year

  • Present Songs by Heart, a therapeutic music program for those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia

  • Produce free events, providing access to opera for everyone

Now there are more ways than ever to support Opera Saratoga’s programs in the community and to help support the artistic work that you enjoy on stage!

In keeping with IRS regulations, the fair-market value of certain membership benefits and privileges may reduce the tax-deductibility of your gifts. The value of these benefits will be noted in Opera Saratoga’s acknowledgment of your gift. Tax-deductibility will be assessed based on your actual gift.

There are two distinct tiers of membership:

  • Sustaining Members ($100-$2,999)

  • Patrons ($3,000+)

Friend ($100+)

  • Advance notice of our annual summer festival with subscriber and single ticket sales priority

  • The latest news on special programs, community events, and ticket offers

  • Recognition in our festival program and on our website

Supporter ($500+)

All of the benefits listed above, plus:

  • An invitation for two to a final dress rehearsal

Visionary ($1,000+)

All of the benefits listed above, plus:

  • Access to Opera Saratoga’s donor lounge, held at intermission at festival performances

  • Opportunities to attend noteworthy opera productions in NYC and NYS with an intimate group of other patrons—as an insider 

PATRONS

Patrons of Opera Saratoga demonstrate a deepened engagement with the company through higher giving levels that sustain vital year-round operations.  Patrons come together to enjoy an array of invitation-only events curated especially for them by the General and Artistic Director.  Participation in the Patron Program includes all the benefits of membership plus the benefits afforded to the Opera Saratoga Guild. 

Artist Sponsor ($3,000+)

  • Artist Sponsors are paired with Festival Artists.

  • Benefits includes all Member Level benefits, plus:

  • Special recognition in the festival program

  • An invitation to the festival kick-off brunch where sponsors and artists are introduced (held each year in early June); an enhanced connection with the artistic process.

Innovator ($10,000+)

Innovators are paired with a principal singer, director or conductor. 

Benefits include all of the above, plus:

  • Concierge service (best attempts) to help secure your tickets to other American opera festivals and houses as well as guidance on what to see  

  • Free validated parking in downtown Saratoga Springs on your festival performance dates 

Producing Champion ($25,000+)

Support at this level allows the donor to earmark their gift with a designated festival production or series.

Benefits include all of the above, plus:

  • Special recognition in promotional materials, festival program, and/or pre-performance announcement. 

  • Private one-on-one dinner with General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum;

  • The satisfaction of being a profound force behind Opera Saratoga’s success!   

In keeping with IRS regulations, the fair-market value of certain membership benefits and privileges may reduce the tax-deductibility of your gifts. The value of these benefits will be noted in Opera Saratoga’s acknowledgment of your gift. Tax-deductibility will be assessed based on your actual gift.