New York's Metropolitan Opera Will Transmit Live to Movie Houses

New digital technology will bring opera to larger audiences

In the latest example of new technologies affording wider access to world-class arts and entertainment, New York City's Metropolitan Opera on December 30 will begin transmitting select live performances into specially equipped movie theaters in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Similar advances have expanded access to hard-to-find and out-of-print literary titles and a number of leading universities have made podcasts of course lectures available for free download. (See related article.)

The "Met" has availed itself of the latest technology to reach a larger audience. Its first radio broadcast, on Christmas Day 1931, was carried in the United States by the NBC Red and Blue networks, by Canadian and Australian radio and transmitted globally via BBC shortwave. Today, weekly Metropolitan Opera broadcasts can be heard on 300 radio stations in the United States and in 40 countries.

In an era of digital technology, "the Met has launched an array of new initiatives that are designed to broaden the public appeal of opera," said Met General Manager Peter Gelb. In September, thousands of New Yorkers viewed the opening-night performance of Puccini's Madame Butterfly under the stars via giant outdoor screens at Times Square and Lincoln Center Plaza in New York. Music lovers outside the New York City area now can enjoy a free weekly performance streamed via the Met Web site.

The new high definition movie broadcasts will provide "a unique opportunity for people to experience world-class opera in their local community," Gelb said. "Plus the movie theater environment and affordable ticket price make these events something the entire family can enjoy."

Although the first transmission, featuring Mozart's The Magic Flute, will appear in just a few theaters, the number of participating cinema houses will increase to more than 100 by April 2007. The use of 10 cameras will ensure many close-ups and the highest production standards, according to the Met. According to the Metropolitan Opera Web site, in addition to showings in the United States, theaters in Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Norway will make some or all of the operas available in movie houses.

As of mid-2006, an estimated 400 theaters had been equipped with digital projectors. Because the technology permits studios to distribute motion pictures to theaters via reusable hard drives rather than more expensive and less durable film prints, its continued adoption is expected. Lower distribution costs also might increase the economic viability of foreign, "art-house" and other nonblockbuster films tailored for smaller audiences.

The ability to receive digital satellite transmissions similarly will enable theaters to offer special events and other live programming, like opera. "The audience will see their favorite opera singers bigger than they'd see them even from a front-row seat. It's the next best thing to being there," said Gelb.

Founded in 1880, the Metropolitan Opera is located in New York City. It presents some 240 performances annually and is the nation's largest classical music organization.

More information on the movie theater opera performances is available on a Metropolitan Opera Web site.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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