Top-earning classical female artist?
mainKaty Perry has just been named the highest earning female performer by Forbes, with 2015 revenues of $135 million.
Who, we wonder, tops the classical field?
It could be Anna Netrebko, if only she was inclined to accept some of those pressing invitations to private oligarch parties. It could also be Angela Gheorghiu or Renee Fleming.
But, on the basis of statistics received, we believe it is Cecilia Bartoli, by far the highest selling female classical singer on record and a highly successful touring artist in her own productions.
No-one else, we believe, comes close.
This must be the first article I ever read in my life that says the words “statistics” yet presents NO NUMBERS?!?!?!?!? “WE BELIEVE”?!?!?!?
Welcome to Lebrechtland!
Well, there is a site that supposedly lists Fleming’s net worth on it, but it’s probably just made up. Does Bartoli do a lot of private events or galas for big money? I don’t know. I think it’s probably Netrebko.
Bartoli sells far more recordings than Netrebko and performs far more solo concerts than Netrebko. In addition Bartoli receives a manager’s salary for the Pfingstfest in Salzburg. Netrebko probably receives the highest per performance in opera fee.
Good points. In that case, I may say Fleming – who also receives a “consultant” salary reported to be over 500K and does a continuous string of solo performances all year.