Building on the success of the last 25 years of free live Big Screen broadcasts, the Royal Opera House is delighted to announce that this year’s BP Summer Big Screen performances are The Royal Opera’s La bohème and Falstaff, and The Royal Ballet’s Metamorphosis: Titian 2012. These world-class productions of opera and ballet will be beamed live from Covent Garden to a record 27 locations up and down the UK as part of the highly anticipated programme. Falstaff and Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 both feature as part of the London 2012 Festival.
The Royal Opera House first screened a live performance on a Big Screen in Covent Garden Piazza 1987. From those humble beginnings, where hundreds of people came to see Plácido Domingo perform in La bohème, it is fitting that 25 years later we celebrate with the return of this most famous of operas along with Falstaff and Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 and are now able to broadcast to 27 different venues. This incredible growth in this free scheme would not be possible without the support of BP and the BBC.
The Royal Opera’s La bohème will be screened on Thursday 17 May at 7.30pm and Falstaff on Wednesday 30 May at 7.30pm. The Royal Ballet’s Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 will be screened on Monday 16 July at 7.30pm.
Falstaff is part of the World Shakespeare Festival, which is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company for London 2012 Festival. Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 is also part of the London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad where leading artists from all over the world will come together in the UK’s biggest ever nationwide festival including dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.
Whether audiences are new to ballet and opera or already devotees, the BP Summer Big Screen relays offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the very best from the Royal Opera House in unique settings across the UK, on BBC City Centre screens and as part of the Hammersmith Festival and Canary Wharf Arts and Events summer programme. The screenings will also include exclusive backstage footage and live audience interaction.
La bohème - The Royal Opera - LIVE at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 May. Presented by Deborah Bull and Zeb Soanes.
Opera’s greatest love story returns in this beautifully detailed traditional production starring Celine Byrne and Joseph Calleja under the baton of Semyon Bychkov. Perfect for new opera audiences the free BP Summer Big Screen live relay of Puccini’s La bohème, the story of a struggling poet whose life changes forever after meeting a beautiful fragile young woman, is the ideal place to start.
Falstaff - The Royal Opera - LIVE at 7.30pm on Wednesday 30 May. Presented by Deborah Bull and Zeb Soanes.
Verdi’s scintillating Shakespearian comedy starring Ambrogio Maestri in the title role is a feast of romance, intrigue and comic confusion. This lavish and exciting new production is set to captivate BP Summer Big Screen audiences all over the UK. Conductor Daniele Gatti is sure to bring an authentic Italian sparkle to a joyful work performed here as part of the World Shakespeare Festival, which is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company for London 2012 Festival.
Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 - The Royal Opera - LIVE at 7.30pm on Monday 16 July. Presented by Deborah Bull and Zeb Soanes.
Seven choreographers work together to create a single evening of exciting dance with new scores from British composers and stage designs from leading contemporary artists. It is the kind of choreographic event that happens once in a lifetime. Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 is part of the London 2012 Festival, and inspired by three of Renaissance master Titian’s paintings on display at the National Gallery. This extraordinary event features the combined talents of Chris Ofili, Conrad Shawcross, Mark Wallinger, Kim Brandstrup, Alastair Marriott, Wayne McGregor, Liam Scarlett, Will Tuckett, Jonathan Watkins, Christopher Wheeldon, Jonathan Dove, Nico Muhly, Mark-Anthony Turnage and The Royal Ballet.
Deborah Bull, Creative Director of the Royal Opera House, said:
“These summer big screens, now in their 25th year, are a highlight of our performing season. They offer world class performance – for free – and a unique window on our world, through live presentation from behind the scenes, specially created films, cast interviews and more. We’re delighted this year to be part of the UK’s biggest ever celebration of UK culture, the London 2012 Festival. The free BP Summer Big Screens are the perfect way in for newcomers to opera and ballet – and an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys music and dance.”
Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House and Chair of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Board, said:
“The BP Summer Big Screens are still the best way to introduce friends and family to the Royal Opera House and to world-class opera and ballet – and it’s all absolutely free. We are very proud to be able to celebrate 25 years of such great quality al fresco screenings. With the generous support of BP we’re providing the opportunity for people to enjoy unforgettable experiences in a range of wonderful venues across the UK, working in partnership with the BBC City Centre Screens, LOCOG and councils across the UK. With BP Summer Big Screens, our cinema programme, BBC TV and Radio broadcasts, live YouTube streaming and our involvement in London 2012 Festival we’re reaching new audiences across the country and beyond and offering a unique insight into our world at the Royal Opera House.”
Des Violaris, BP’s UK Director for Arts and Culture, said:
“This is a unique opportunity to connect people and communities across the UK by bringing opera and ballet performances live from the Royal Opera House into the lives of people who may not normally have an opportunity go to experience the very best in these art forms. BP is proud to be able to continue its support of this programme for a further five years until 2017 enabling access to excellence in the arts for people across the country.”
Simon Lloyd, Director Media Engagement BBC, said:
“The Big Screens – a partnership between the BBC, local councils, London 2012, local arts groups and the creative industries – is pleased to be working with the Royal Opera House for the eighth year to broadcast three live relays of The Royal Opera's La bohème and Falstaff and The Royal Ballet's Metamorphosis: Titian 2012. Initiatives such as this enable the Big Screens to bring iconic performances to the widest possible audiences across the UK.”
To find out if there is a screen near you visit www.roh.org.uk/bpbigscreens and follow us on twitter (logo) www.twitter.com/bpbigscreens.
To find out more about the Royal Opera House and London 2012 Festival visit www.roh.org.uk/2012.