BizJournals Portfolio

The $15,000 Club

Only a handful of the world's top singers earn $15,000 or more for an operatic performance. Even fewer have product-endorsement deals.

The Soprano The Soprano

Opera buffs know Natalie Dessay as a diva with acting chops. What she really wants is to shoot a commercial with George Clooney. Read More
Illustration of top opera stars.

1. Deborah Voigt, 47

An American dramatic soprano, Voigt lost 135 pounds after gastric bypass surgery in 2004. She is now singing major Wagner roles. Voigt has no endorsements.

2. Anna Netrebko, 36

The charismatic Russian-born soprano currently helps promote the jewelry company Chopard and BMW's Clean Energy program. Chopard compensates Netrebko both in money and in jewels, some of which she is allowed to keep. The rest are loaned to her for the length of her contract. In the past, she has also lent her name to Vöslauer bottled water and O2, a telecommunications company.

3. Rolando Villazón, 36

Last year, the heartthrob Mexican tenor canceled six months of performances for health reasons, but he was back at work in Vienna in early January. Villazón's standard promotion deal with Rolex nets him a watch, some free publicity, and a nominal fee.

4. Renée Fleming, 49

The reigning American lyric soprano, Fleming is one of the few names that can sell out the Met's 3,800 seats. She has a deal with Rolex, for which she received a free watch (as do all Rolex endorsers). She is also paid for her endorsement, though "not a lot," says her manager.


Comments

If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.

Connect With Portfolio.com

Come on, like us—you know you want to.

Follow us and if you're an innovative entrepreneur, we'll return the favor.

Today's top stories, conversation starters, and the back nine business bites.

spotlight on

People & Ideas

Whisky To-Go-Go

Now there's a company that let's you taste your knowledge of fine blended Scotches by mixing a whisky of your own. Read More