Sky Arts to broadcast a world first in opera simulcasting
Sky Arts · TV Week · 08 Jan 2009 · by: Sky Press Office
Bringing viewers the action from both sides of the curtain
Puccini's classic opera will be brought to life in a way never seen before this February – as Sky Arts and English National Opera bring viewers a cultural milestone in opera simulcasts.
In a world first for broadcasting, Sky Arts 2 and Sky Arts HD will screen Jonathan Miller’s eagerly awaited new production of Puccini’s La bohème for ENO, whilst simultaneously Sky Arts 1 will screen all the backstage action live, as it happens.
The simulcast is a watershed co-production for Sky Arts and ENO, and represents a fitting climax to a highly successful six year partnership, with Sky Arts as season sponsors of ENO. Viewers will have unprecedented access to all areas of this new production on Sky Arts 1, watching the action unfold backstage and experiencing first hand how a major opera is staged. The live broadcast on Sky Arts 2 is a must for any opera fan, and the simultaneous screening on Sky Arts HD will allow viewers the opportunity to experience this stunning production in glorious detail.
Marking the return of the renowned director Jonathan Miller to ENO, a dynamic cast of young artists - including Peruvian-born conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya making his British opera debut and British tenor Alfie Boe have been assembled for this production.
“This simulcast, to us, embodies everything that Sky Arts is aiming to do,” comments James Hunt, acting channel manager at Sky Arts. “This is a world class production, screened in the best possible format – but the first priority for our viewers has always been to go beyond traditional offers; and this encapsulates that vision perfectly. You’ll see the cast just before they step out onto stage; and then be able to flick over to see them perform. That, to us, is truly groundbreaking. We’re thrilled to be working with ENO to deliver it.”
“We are delighted to be working with Sky Arts on this groundbreaking broadcast,” comments John Berry, artistic director of ENO. “Not only does this project enable many more people to enjoy opera, it provides a unique opportunity for audiences to make their own choices about how they experience this new production of La bohème.”
