MUSIC

The Washington Opera--faced with mounting production costs and the rising cost of hiring foreign singers (due to the dollar’s decline)--has raised ticket prices and reduced the number of operas and performances next season, officials said Tuesday. The opera’s first major price hike since 1981 has resulted in a $60 price for the best orchestra seats, up from $49.50, and has reduced performances from 66 to 48. But the price hike won’t solve all the opera’s financial problems. General director Martin Feinstein said the opera still must raise $300,000 privately to stage a new production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca,” starring Placido Domingo, for its season opener in the Kennedy Center on Nov. 5. The good news: Standing room remains $10 and students and senior citizens may still buy half-price tickets.