Free opera on Bristol's Big Screen

Release Date:  25-Jun-2009

For the first time ever, local people will be able to enjoy free, live, world-class opera right in the heart of the city. Come along on Tuesday 30 June to watch The Royal Opera's performance of La Traviata, beamed live and direct from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden onto Bristol's Big Screen in Millennium Square.

This open-air event is absolutely free and the perfect way to introduce world-class opera to friends who have never been to the Royal Opera House before. This event follows the Royal Ballet's performance of Ondine, which was screened earlier this month.

Verdi’s deeply emotional La Traviata is a story as old as the hills. Young man falls for young, beautiful woman, and she falls for him… except the woman is a high-class prostitute and their love causes social embarrassment for his family. To cap it all, the woman is seriously ill. She gives her lover up, both their hearts are broken, he vows revenge, her illness becomes terminal - can he get to her bedside before it is too late? You will need more than one tissue as you watch Renée Fleming and Joseph Calleja in an all-star line-up for this - one of the most famous operas of all time. Verdi’s incredible score will leave you exhilarated and deeply moved as the tragedy plays out before you.

From 6.15pm, Millennium Square will come to life with live performances from Bristol Opera, theatrical walkabout artists and roving musical entertainment. The performance of La Traviata is scheduled to start at 7pm.

Louise Merrifield, soprano soloist with Bristol Opera, will be singing arias by Puccini, Dvorak and Bizet. Presented by Cirque Bijou, world record juggler, Rod Laver, described as an ‘oral exhibitionist’ will be performing his unique mix of comedy and spectacle, and musicians from the band 'Fromage en Feu'"- pedlars of fine music from the Balkans, Argentina, France, Poland, Romania and beyond, will be bringing a taste of the exotic to the Square during the intervals.

There will also be deckchairs, Astroturf, ice creams and summer-inspired food on offer for a civilised but fun picnic in the park feel.

Bring a picnic blanket, bring your family and friends, and bring a box of tissues!

“This is a fantastic opportunity to see top quality opera,” says Philippa Haynes, head of arts, festivals and events for Bristol City Council. “Bristol’s Big Screen is perfect for this type of event - and thanks must go to the Royal Opera House and BP and also to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the BBC, who are responsible for the Big Screen in Bristol.  This cultural initiative is just one of many fantastic, free events on offer in Bristol’s 2009 summer programme.

“I hope opera lovers, as well as those new to opera will come along and enjoy the performance - it’s guaranteed to be spectacular.”

The screenings are part of BP's national Summer Big Screens Programme 2009. Bristol is one of 20 locations across the UK to host the BP Big Screens Programme.

Author:   Helen Hewitt, tel. 922 2646

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