Amazon Prime Adds Classical Content From Naxos

Dutch National Opera, Koenigskinder, 2022. (Photo: Monika Rittershaus)

Nothing says 2023 like ordering groceries and streaming an opera simultaneously.

Thanks to Amazon’s recent license deal with Naxos, classical music lovers can now access opera and classical music on Amazon Prime.

What’s going on: The classical streaming service, Naxos, has been expanding its digital library to include recent opera productions over the past few years, as well as releasing videos on DVD and Blu-Ray for purchase. These videos will now be available for purchase or rental digitally through Prime Video, Amazon’s video streaming service.

Why it matters: Options to watch opera on the small screen have only expanded within recent years. Amazon Prime’s entry into the opera market means it will compete with the Met’s streaming service, Met Opera on Demand, Medici.tv, Deutsche Grammophon’s Stage+, and Arte in Europe. But much like Netflix and other streaming services, none of these options are free.

For those looking to save a buck, YouTube still hosts numerous archival opera videos. For the new stuff, fans will have to shell out.

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a Dora-nominated soprano, writer and yoga teacher. She has performed and created leading roles with companies including Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Dayton Opera, and Aspen Opera, and is a former member of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. Currently based in Montreal, she is a doctoral student at McGill University — where she recently received the Wirth Vocal Prize — and editor of Art Song Canada magazine.