Spring Break
The Charles delivers opera to masses in new endeavor
Issue date: 2/21/08
Throughout the years, opera has fallen out of favor amongst the younger generation. Not only are they in different language (Italian, French, German, etc.), but there are no spoken words, the plots are intricate and often confusing, and tickets are way too expensive for the student budget. To actually understand an opera requires an immense effort. With an inundation of movies and musicals with English dialogue based on original operas, it seems that real deal is out of date. While the language barrier appears to be an unreasonable obstacle and the stuffiness of the opera culture might be out of date, how can one honestly deny the extraordinary talent of the music, the libretto and those infamous opera singers? In an effort to bring back the glory of the opera, the Charles Theatre began to broadcast operas live, beginning with Verdi's "blockbuster opera Aida" in December.
"I support [the operas]," said Mike Anderson, manager of the Charles Theatre. "I think it's a great idea. The audience is pretty big - we're selling out almost every show."
While there are opera houses all over the world, including in Baltimore, none are considered as beautiful and famous as La Scala in Milan, Italy, often considered the greatest in the world. After a fire destroyed the original building, La Scala was reconstructed and rechristened in 1778 and has been performing classic works ever since. La Scala tickets are expensive (not including the price of getting to Italy, of course), but, through the efforts of the Charles Theatre, it's possible to see an actual La Scala production for just $21.
The operas are live performances recorded at La Scala, Teatro del Maggio Musicale and Teatro La Fenice, and brought to you in digital high definition and surround sound by Emerging Cinemas. They're "a combination" of a movie and an opera, Anderson said.
"It's a live performance that's filmed, but it's not just one camera. They zoom in on characters during important parts and there are also a lot of orchestra shots. They make an effort to make the orchestra a part of the performance."
"I support [the operas]," said Mike Anderson, manager of the Charles Theatre. "I think it's a great idea. The audience is pretty big - we're selling out almost every show."
While there are opera houses all over the world, including in Baltimore, none are considered as beautiful and famous as La Scala in Milan, Italy, often considered the greatest in the world. After a fire destroyed the original building, La Scala was reconstructed and rechristened in 1778 and has been performing classic works ever since. La Scala tickets are expensive (not including the price of getting to Italy, of course), but, through the efforts of the Charles Theatre, it's possible to see an actual La Scala production for just $21.
The operas are live performances recorded at La Scala, Teatro del Maggio Musicale and Teatro La Fenice, and brought to you in digital high definition and surround sound by Emerging Cinemas. They're "a combination" of a movie and an opera, Anderson said.
"It's a live performance that's filmed, but it's not just one camera. They zoom in on characters during important parts and there are also a lot of orchestra shots. They make an effort to make the orchestra a part of the performance."
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Norma Long
posted 11/16/08 @ 12:16 PM EST
Greetings to the Chales. I commend you for presenting the operas from La Scala - how thrilling. Please send me the schedlue of upcoming opera dates at the Charles, and information on procuring tickets. (Continued…)
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