What Opera Spanga does

Opera Spanga (legal entity Stichting Spanga het Verona van Weststellingwerf) is a Dutch cultural foundation founded in 1989 that produces opera performances, opera films, and related publications from the village of Spanga in Friesland, Netherlands (population ~200). The company specializes in unconventional interpretations of classical opera repertoire performed in a distinctive semi-open tent on a meadow, combined with indoor location-based productions at venues such as the Jacobijnerkerk in Leeuwarden. It has produced five opera feature films (Rigoletto 2003, Samson and Delilah 2006, Donna Giovanna 2012, Gianni Schicchi 2014, The Other 2020) co-produced with broadcasters including Omrop Fryslân and NTR, and over 50 stage productions spanning its history. Recent productions include Tosca (2025, sold out) and Der Rosenkavalier (2026, all performances sold out).

The foundation operates as a lean non-profit with no paid employees; collaborators are engaged as self-employed (ZZP) professionals and the board functions voluntarily under artistic director and founder Corina van Eijk. Revenue is generated through ticket sales (€27.50 youth / €60 adult), Friends membership donations (€25/year minimum), webshop sales of DVDs (€11.50-€22.50) and books (€10-15), and structural government subsidies from Dutch public and cultural funders including Fonds Podiumkunsten, Provincie Friesland, Gemeente Weststellingwerf, VSBfonds, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, and BankGiroLoterij. The organization holds ANBI (public benefit) status enabling 125%-deductible donations. Marketing relies on the website, monthly newsletters, press coverage in Dutch cultural publications (Leeuwarder Courant, De Volkskrant, NRC, Trouw, Theaterkrant, Place de l'Opera), and partnerships with accommodation providers such as Hotel Tjaarda for cultural tourism packages.

Name

Opera Spanga

Legal name

Stichting Spanga het Verona van Weststellingwerf

Website

https://operaspanga.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Opera Spanga is a Dutch ANBI-status cultural foundation founded in 1989 that produces opera performances and opera films from the 200-inhabitant Frisian village of Spanga, serving arts enthusiasts, cultural tourists, and schools through unconventional location-based productions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts / Live Opera

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Opera & Operetta (MPAGABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Theater, Musicals & Performing Arts (THAJAFAB), Hybrid Concerts & Live Shows (Venue + Remote Audience) (MPAGAOAE)

Keywords

• Live opera performances
• Opera film productions
• Performing arts foundation
• Cultural arts nonprofit
• Outdoor opera festival

Headquarters

HQ city

Spanga

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling tickets to live opera performances. Productions typically sell out, indicating strong demand. Ticket prices range from €27.50 (youth) to €60 (adults).
2. Membership/Donations: Friends of Opera Spanga membership requires a minimum donation of €25 annually. The foundation has ANBI (public benefit organization) status, making donations tax-deductible up to 125%.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of DVDs of opera films (ranging from €11.50 to €22.50) and books about Opera Spanga's history (€10-15).
4. Government Subsidies and Grants: Opera Spanga receives funding from government bodies and cultural funds including Fonds Podiumkunsten, provincial and municipal subsidies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Opera Spanga produces and presents live opera performances in unconventional, location-based settings—primarily a large semi-open tent on a meadow in the village of Spanga, Friesland, plus indoor productions at venues such as the Jacobijnerkerk in Leeuwarden—and a catalogue of five opera feature films. Productions feature unconventional interpretations of classical opera repertoire with reduced orchestral arrangements and contemporary staging, combined with opportunities for emerging and semi-professional talent alongside seasoned professionals.

Product overview

Opera Spanga produces operas and opera films from its base in Spanga, a small village in Friesland, Netherlands. Founded in 1989, the company presents a core program of live opera performances in a semi-open tent venue, supplemented by a portfolio of opera films produced since 2003. The product portfolio consists of live opera productions (including Der Rosenkavalier, Tosca, Mijn Engel Ik Geloof Je) and five opera films (Rigoletto, Samson and Delilah, Donna Giovanna, Gianni Schicchi, and The Other), all available through the Webshop. Supporting offerings include Friends of Opera Spanga membership for priority access and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Live Opera Performances Annual program of live opera performances staged in location-based settings—primarily a large semi-open tent on a meadow in Spanga during summer, plus additional indoor location productions at venues such as the Jacobijnerkerk in Leeuwarden. The program includes classical operas (Verdi, Puccini, Strauss) and contemporary works, with reduced orchestral arrangements and unconventional staging.
• Der Rosenkavalier (2026 production) Richard Strauss opera staged in Spanga summer 2026 with ten performances from July 23 to August 13, 2026. Directed by Corina van Eijk and conducted by Tjalling Wijnstra; all performances sold out; received five-star review from Leeuwarder Courant and critical coverage from De Volkskrant, NRC, and Place de l'Opera.
• Mijn Engel, Ik Geloof Je (2026 production) Tragicomic whodunnit opera by librettist Irma Achten and composer Tjalling Wijnstra, performed at the Grote of Jacobijnerkerk in Leeuwarden February 26 to March 8, 2026. Directed by Corina van Eijk; reviewed as 'bijzonder succesvolle reeks' by Place de l'Opera.
• Tosca (2025 production) Live opera performance of Puccini's Tosca directed by Corina van Eijk and conducted by Tjalling Wijnstra. All performances sold out; received five-star review from Leeuwarder Courant.
• Rigoletto (opera film, 2003) First opera feature film by Opera Spanga, set in wetlands with a projection screen at the edge of a lake. Based on Giuseppe Verdi/Francesco Maria Piave. Nominated for the Golden Picture (Gouden Beeld) award in the Art & Culture category at the 2004 Netherlands Film Festival. Broadcast on Nederland 3 (NPS) in January 2004. Available via the Opera Spanga Webshop as DVD.
• Samson and Delilah (opera film, 2006) Opera film produced 2006, premiered July 25, 2007 in Spanga. Coproduction with Omrop Fryslân, Aukso Chamber Orchestra, and Camerata Silesia. Set in war-torn buildings, car wrecks and barren plains. Available via the Opera Spanga Webshop as DVD.
• Donna Giovanna (opera film, 2012) Opera film based on Mozart's Don Giovanni with decomposer Floris van Bergeijk; the female equivalent of the Don Juan character. Coproduction with NTR, premiered in a drive-in cinema summer 2012. Directed by Corina van Eijk. Available via the Opera Spanga Webshop as DVD.
• Gianni Schicchi (opera film, 2014) Fourth opera film by Opera Spanga, released during the company's 25th anniversary. Collaboration with Sinfonia Rotterdam conducted by Conrad van Alphen. Comedy about wealth, greed and family. Available via the Opera Spanga Webshop as DVD.
• The Other (opera film, 2020) Fifth opera feature film by Opera Spanga, premiered online October 18, 2020 during the corona epidemic. Coproduction with Rosa Ensemble. About the Lisbon Massacre of 1506. Libretto by Jonathan Levi, composition by Floris van Bergeijk; directed by Corina van Eijk. Sung in English, Arabic, Hebrew, and Frisian. Available via the Opera Spanga Webshop as online video access and DVD.
• Opera Spanga Webshop Online shop selling DVDs of the opera films (Rigoletto, Samson and Delilah, Donna Giovanna, Gianni Schicchi, The Other; priced €11.50 online to €22.50 DVD including VAT), books about Opera Spanga's history (30-year 'Opera in het weiland' book €15, 35-year anniversary book €10), and online video access.
• Friends of Opera Spanga Membership Annual membership program for supporters of Opera Spanga administered by Stichting Vrienden van Spanga. Members receive priority ticket booking, assigned seats, the Friends' Newsletter, and access to an annual Friends' Afternoon including rehearsal access. Minimum donation €25/year; eligible for ANBI tax deduction.

Quantifiable outcome

• All Der Rosenkavalier 2026 performances sold out
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Schouwburg de Harmonie, LeeuwardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for 'Mijn Engel, Ik Geloof Je' (2026) and 'Madam Scrooge'. Provides venue and collaborative production support for location-based opera performances in Leeuwarden.
• Rosa EnsemblecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for 'The Other' opera film (2020). Joint creation of contemporary opera with ensemble musicians.
• Jacobijnerkerk, LeeuwardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for location-based productions including 'Mijn Engel, Ik Geloof Je'. The historic church provides an intimate performance setting.
• Omrop FryslânminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrisian public broadcaster, co-producer of several opera films including Rigoletto (2003) and Samson and Delilah (2006). Provides broadcast and production support.
• NTRminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch public broadcaster, co-producer of 'Donna Giovanna' opera film (2012). Provides broadcast and distribution platform.
• Fontys Academy of the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner for student projects including contemporary opera 'Lulu' (2025). Provides student participation and academic collaboration.
• Sinfonia RotterdamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrchestra partner for 'Gianni Schicchi' opera film (2014) screening with live orchestra conducted by Conrad van Alphen.
• Filharmonie NoordminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional orchestra providing musical accompaniment for performances including Carmen and Aida.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Salzburg Festival: Prestigious annual summer opera and performing arts festival in Salzburg, Austria. Comparable in seasonal-festival model and concentration of productions in a defined window, though at vastly larger international scale.
• Glyndebourne Festival Opera: Renowned UK country-house opera festival producing summer seasons in a rural setting. Comparable in concept (premium summer opera outside major city centers, loyal membership base) though at much larger scale and global recognition.
• Bregenz Festival: Austrian festival famous for its lakeside stage ('Seebühne') and unconventional outdoor opera stagings. Highly comparable to Opera Spanga's location-based, natural-setting performance concept, though at significantly larger scale and budget.
• Dutch National Opera & Ballet: The Netherlands' flagship opera company based in Amsterdam. Not a direct competitor (different scale and venue model), but relevant as the leading Dutch opera institution whose alumni (e.g., Eva Hermus previously worked there) and ecosystem Opera Spanga participates in.
• Opéra de Lyon: Major French regional opera house known for innovative, contemporary stagings of the classical repertoire. Comparable artistic philosophy (unconventional interpretations of the canon), though operating at city-house scale.

Direct peers

• Buxton International Festival: UK summer festival in the spa town of Buxton featuring opera, music, and literature. Comparable in scale and small-town rural location, with a similar mix of classical and contemporary programming.
• Nationale Reisopera: Dutch touring opera company (formerly Holland Opera) that brings opera to regional venues across the Netherlands. Closely comparable in mission (taking opera outside major houses) and product (touring opera productions across Dutch regions).
• Opera Zuid: Regional Dutch opera company based in Maastricht that produces touring opera productions. Directly comparable to Opera Spanga as a smaller-scale Dutch opera producer with a similar lean operating model and touring/subscription programming.
• Wexford Festival Opera: Irish annual opera festival held in the small town of Wexford, producing rare and unconventional repertoire. Comparable in small-town rural setting, niche repertoire focus, and festival-driven economics.

Regional players

• Holland Park Opera: London-based summer opera festival staging productions in an outdoor park setting. Conceptually comparable to Opera Spanga's outdoor/location-based staging, though serving the London audience rather than the Dutch rural market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/opera-spanga

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Opera Spanga