What You Need for a Concert Opera

A concert opera needs more than sheet music and a stage. You will need equipment for the conductor and performers, reliable sound and lighting, audience seating, and practical supplies for dressing rooms and refreshments. Use the guest count and performer list to calculate quantities before shopping. Check technical requirements at least two weeks ahead, then confirm deliveries and missing items during the final week.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Audience chairsqty 250
Stage chairsqty 45
Foldable tablesqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Coat racksqty 4
Dressing room tablesqty 6
Changing room chairsqty 24

Equipment

Music standsqty 40
Conductor's lectern
Conductor's podium
Digital piano
Piano stool
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
Mixer
Speakersqty 2
Monitor speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 8
Audience lightingqty 4
Battery lampsqty 12

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 150
Water glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Dessert platesqty 150
Pastry forksqty 150

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Ice cube bagsqty 8

Decorations

Program boardsqty 4
Entrance sign
Directional signsqty 8
Table numbersqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Cloakroom numbersqty 300

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Trash bag holdersqty 10
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 10 liter
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Mini water bottles - 60 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Apple syrup - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Brown rolls - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Mini quiches - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Herb cheese - 1 kilo
- Crackers - 12 packs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Brioche rolls - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Sugar sticks - 200 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan one audience chair per confirmed attendee, plus 5–10% extra if the venue allows it. Count stage chairs and music stands separately from audience seating; performers may need different positions.
Match microphones, microphone stands, speakers, monitor speakers, and the mixer to the technical plan rather than buying by guest count. Test every cable, power strip, and extension cord at least one day before the concert.
Allow one water glass per performer and conductor, with at least two refill points backstage. Buy or borrow extra glasses for interval or post-concert refreshments instead of moving audience tableware during the performance.
For coffee service, provide one cup and spoon per expected user, plus 10% spare. Check the capacity of the coffee machines and kettles so hot drinks can be prepared within 20–30 minutes of the planned break.
Arrange dressing room tables, changing room chairs, coat racks, and battery lamps before performers arrive. Keep a small reserve of lighting and power equipment available; missing backstage items are difficult to replace once the concert has started.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a concert opera?: Plan for music stands, a conductor’s lectern and podium, a digital piano and stool where required, microphones, stands, a mixer, speakers, monitor speakers, and cables. Confirm the exact setup with the performers and technical team at least two weeks before the concert.
How many chairs do I need for an opera concert?: Buy or reserve one audience chair per confirmed attendee and add 5–10% spare capacity. Count stage chairs separately using the final performer list, and check the seating plan at least three days before opening.
How much tableware is needed for concert refreshments?: Allow one wine glass, water glass, coffee cup, spoon, dessert plate, and pastry fork per person expected to use that service, plus 10% extra. Confirm the final guest count 48 hours before placing the catering order.
When should I arrange sound and lighting for a concert opera?: Inspect the technical room and confirm the equipment list at least two weeks ahead. Test microphones, speakers, monitor speakers, spotlights, audience lighting, extension cords, and power strips no later than the day before the performance.

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