For around two decades, Peter Gelb at the Met has expanded his reach into cinemas and done his best to exclude all other opera houses from his hoome market. Now, facing declining audiences, he has relented.
For the first time, the Met will give the Royal Ballet and Opera access to its US screens and Covent Garden will share its home turf with Gelb’s stream. This is not a win-win. It’s a climbdown by the Met.
Over the holidays, US audiences will see the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker, screened in US cinemas on 22 and 23 December. Next June, UK audiences can see Bartlett Sher’s witty production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (pictured).
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Ballet and Opera said: ‘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, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera said: ‘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 development for both of our companies.’
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