Embracing technology is considered one of the major ways in which the English National Opera (ENO) and Royal Opera House (ROH) can reach out to a wider audience around the world.
It follows news that the ENO made operatic history earlier this week when it screened an opera in 3D for the first time. The organisation claims that utilising the medium will help to make opera more accessible and affordable.
ENO’s production of Lucrezia Borgia was broadcast live on Sky Arts 2, Sky 3D and in selected cinemas nationwide. Hollywood director Mike Figgis is in charge of the project and is confident that it will open opera up to a new audience.
“It was a realisation that we have to open up opera and the technology was sitting there saying ‘use me, use me’. For opera fans this will be the closest thing to being in a real theatre space,” he explained.
Elsewhere, the ROH is preparing to release Carmen in 3D on March 5th. Director Julian Napier told Sky News that the technology is not a gimmick, but a way of building up new audiences.
“I hope that the fact it’s in 3D will tempt people to pop their heads in. Once they’ve seen it maybe they’ll be tempted to come and see the next one,” he said.
Communications minister Ed Vaizey has also joined the discussion, praising the innovation used to screen the ENO’s version of Lucrezia Borgia live in 3D.
“There are huge opportunities for the arts and this is just one of them where different audiences will come to see an opera where they might well perhaps have felt it’s dated, or be nervous about going to an actual live screening,” Mr Vaizey said.
“This will allow people to have a taster but it will also allow people who obviously can’t get to the opera every week or every month to come and sample something they are passionate about as well.”
It follows news that the ENO made operatic history earlier this week when it screened an opera in 3D for the first time. The organisation claims that utilising the medium will help to make opera more accessible and affordable.
ENO’s production of Lucrezia Borgia was broadcast live on Sky Arts 2, Sky 3D and in selected cinemas nationwide. Hollywood director Mike Figgis is in charge of the project and is confident that it will open opera up to a new audience.
“It was a realisation that we have to open up opera and the technology was sitting there saying ‘use me, use me’. For opera fans this will be the closest thing to being in a real theatre space,” he explained.
Elsewhere, the ROH is preparing to release Carmen in 3D on March 5th. Director Julian Napier told Sky News that the technology is not a gimmick, but a way of building up new audiences.
“I hope that the fact it’s in 3D will tempt people to pop their heads in. Once they’ve seen it maybe they’ll be tempted to come and see the next one,” he said.
Communications minister Ed Vaizey has also joined the discussion, praising the innovation used to screen the ENO’s version of Lucrezia Borgia live in 3D.
“There are huge opportunities for the arts and this is just one of them where different audiences will come to see an opera where they might well perhaps have felt it’s dated, or be nervous about going to an actual live screening,” Mr Vaizey said.
“This will allow people to have a taster but it will also allow people who obviously can’t get to the opera every week or every month to come and sample something they are passionate about as well.”