Music Academy's Hahn Hall to Screen
Metropolitan Opera Simulcast of 'Thaïs'
For Immediate Release December 3, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – An electrifying new production of Thaïs, Jules Massenet's piquant tale of religious eroticism, will be the focus of the Metropolitan Opera's next "Live in HD" simulcast at the Music Academy of the West on Saturday, December 20. The Music Academy's Hahn Hall will air the live simulcast at 9 am and present an encore screening at 2 pm on Sunday, December 21. Tickets cost $22. Free parking is available on the Music Academy campus.
One of Massenet's most performed operas, Thaïs has spawned several controversial productions since its debut in 1894. John Cox's daring new staging, which originated at Lyric Opera of Chicago, stars the radiant American soprano Renée Fleming as the title character, an Egyptian courtesan in search of spiritual sustenance. Music Academy Distinguished Alumnus Thomas Hampson portrays Athanaël, a Cenobite monk who attempts to convert Thaïs to Christianity, only to discover that his obsession with her is rooted in lust. Jesús López-Cobos conducts.
The 2008-09 "Live in HD" series will continue on Saturday, January 10, with a live simulcast of Puccini's La Rondine, featuring the charismatic real-life duo of Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna. Most Met performances are simulcast on Saturdays at 10 am local time, with encore screenings on Sundays at 2 pm.
Launched in December 2006, the Met's groundbreaking "Live in HD" series features live transmissions of Met Opera performances to select venues in 17 countries throughout the world. The transmissions are in high definition, and performances are captured using robotic cameras and other advanced technologies. Simulcasts also include behind-the-scenes features, live interviews with cast and crew, and insightful short documentaries.
For more information, call 969-8787.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
