Met Opera Ends Cinema Monopoly, Shares Screens with Royal Ballet
Met Opera Opens Doors to royal Ballet, Sharing US Screens in Historic Move
By Norman Lebrecht
December 06, 2024
For nearly two decades, Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, has dominated the U.S. cinema market for opera, expanding the Met’s reach while largely excluding other opera houses. Now, facing declining audiences, Gelb has made a meaningful concession.
In a historic move, the Met will grant the Royal Ballet and Opera access to its U.S.cinema screens. This reciprocal agreement will see Covent Garden share its home turf with gelb’s streams, marking a shift in the opera world’s landscape.
This isn’t a simple win-win; it’s a strategic climbdown by the Met.
Starting this holiday season, U.S. audiences will have the prospect to experience the Royal Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker, screened in cinemas nationwide on December 22nd and 23rd. Next June, UK audiences can enjoy Bartlett Sher’s witty production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia from the comfort of their local cinemas.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal ballet and opera, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with The Metropolitan Opera to improve access to some of the world’s best ballet and opera. This first-of-its-kind partnership will unlock audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, so even more people can enjoy performances from our world-class Companies in their own hometowns.”
Peter Gelb echoed the sentiment, stating: “This partnership will result in more opera lovers in the UK enjoying the Met and more ballet lovers in the US enjoying The Royal Ballet, a positive advancement for both of our companies.”
This groundbreaking collaboration signals a potential shift in the way opera and ballet are experienced, offering wider access to world-class performances and fostering a greater gratitude for the arts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Met Opera Opens Doors to Royal Ballet, Sharing US Screens in Historic Move
By Norman Lebrecht
December 06, 2024
For nearly two decades, Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, has dominated the U.S. cinema market for opera, expanding the Met’s reach while largely excluding other opera houses. Now, facing declining audiences, Gelb has made a meaningful concession.
In a historic move, the Met will grant the Royal Ballet and Opera access to its U.S.cinema screens. This reciprocal agreement will see Covent Garden share its home turf with Gelb’s streams, marking a shift in the opera world’s landscape.
This isn’t a simple win-win; it’s a strategic climbdown by the Met.
Starting this holiday season, U.S. audiences will have the prospect to experience the Royal Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker, screened in cinemas nationwide on December 22nd and 23rd. Next June,UK audiences can enjoy Bartlett Sher’s witty production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia from the comfort of their local cinemas.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal ballet and opera, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with The Metropolitan Opera to improve access to some of the world’s best ballet and opera. This first-of-its-kind partnership will unlock audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, so even more people can enjoy performances from our world-class Companies in their own hometowns.”
peter Gelb echoed the sentiment, stating: ”This partnership will result in more opera lovers in the UK enjoying the met and more ballet lovers in the US enjoying The Royal Ballet, a positive advancement for both of our companies.”
This groundbreaking collaboration signals a potential shift in the way opera and ballet are experienced, offering wider access to world-class performances and fostering a greater gratitude for the arts on both sides of the Atlantic.