Opera Santa Barbara has opened a limited pre-sale for its Oct. 1 performance of “Carmen” at the Granada Theater. A limited number of YOU DECIDE! (choose-your-price) tickets are available before the general sale begins later in the spring.

“’Carmen’ is the world’s most popular opera, and we expect our single performance to
sell out well in advance,” said Kostis Protopapas, artistic and general director. “Ticket
prices will go up with demand, so we want to give patrons who plan ahead the
opportunity to get the best price.”

Opera Santa Barbara’s full-priced tickets for Granada shows are initially priced $79-$219. The company never offers discounts or special sales after tickets go on sale.

In lieu of senior, student, rush, and community access pricing, the company offers its
branded YOU DECIDE! tickets, which are available to anyone, on a name-your-own-price basis starting at $25.

“Our YOU DECIDE! program has been very popular since its launch in 2021,
particularly with first-time patrons. It removes any cost-related barriers to access, and
promotes a sense of reciprocity,” Protopapas said.

“Even with the help of our major donors, opera is the most expensive art form to produce, and ticket revenue is vital,” he said. “Still, to patrons willing to commit early, we are able to offer a price that works for them.”

The “Carmen” pre-sale is available online only. Tickets are $25-$40 for orchestra seats,
and $40-$60 for balcony. YOU DECIDE! tickets are seated at the company’s discretion.
Season tickets and individual tickets with seat selection will be available later in the
spring, when the complete 2023-24 season is announced

YOU DECIDE! tickets are sponsored by the Holly and Walter Thompson Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. co-trustee.

For more, visit www.operasb.org/performances/carmen/.