STING STARS IN SPECIAL CINEMA PRESENTATION OF JOHN CAIRD’S CHAMBER PLAY TWIN SPIRITS FROM ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

twin-spirits-film-logo-small-with-text185On Saturday October 17th, theatre and classical music fans are in for a treat when DigiScreen presents a special HD presentation of John Caird’s exquisite chamber play TWIN SPIRITS starring Sting at select Landmark Cinemas locations and other select theatres in Canada. Distributed worldwide by DigiScreen, the highly acclaimed production appears on select Canadian screens as part of an ongoing cinema series from the world’s great stages presented by The Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte.

Twin Spirits, an intimate chamber performance piece, is a beguiling blend of theatre and music from Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby director John Caird - featuring the life and music of Robert Schumann, the most popular Romantic composer of the 19th Century. Stage legend Derek Jacobi, renowned baritone Simon Keenlyside and rock star Sting lend their talents to a chamber ensemble of actors, singers and musicians, who portray the deeply poignant love affair between the composer, Robert Schumann, and his pianist wife, Clara Wieck.

After a bitter dispute erupted between Schumann and Clara’s father who was also Robert’s music teacher, the couple were forbidden to see one another. A long enforced separation ensued but, in secret, Robert and Clara strove to keep the courtship alive. The tumultuous four-year period, so formative an influence in their lives, is expressed poignantly in a series of letters and music.

Robert is played by a quartet of performers - his letters to Clara read by Sting, his songs sung by Simon Keenlyside, and the accompaniments and instrumental music played by pianist Iain Burnside and violinist Sergey Krilov. Clara is portrayed by actress Trudie Styler, soprano Rebecca Evans, cellist Natalie Clein and pianist Natasha Paremski. Derek Jacobi provides the narration that links the letters and lyrics.

Conceived and directed by John Caird, Twin Spirits was first performed in June 2005 at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, as a charity fund-raiser. It has since been experienced only at private performances, by small audiences of all ages and interests, leaving them deeply touched and inspired. The performance to be seen in cinemas was captured before a live audience at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden on a magical evening December 20, 2007.

“It is impossible not to be moved.” - Gramophone

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.digiscreen.ca. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver, Waterloo and Bracebridge please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com, www.norwoodtheatre.com.

Add a comment
Posted on October 7, 2009 at 8:59 am by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , , ,

WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ANNOUNCES ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MUSICAL EVENT

ae-and-jalc_banner

WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES!


Recorded Live IN HD at Jazz at Lincoln Center…

In cinemas in HD and available on DVD and Blu-ray, this debut release features 15 soul-stirring performances and a special appearance by Norah Jones

IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 15 — IN STORES OCTOBER 20

NEW YORK, NY (September 23, 2009) - On one special evening at Jazz at Lincoln Center, two musical icons, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, along with the stunning songstress Norah Jones, collectively brought their unique musical perspective to 15 of  legendary Ray Charles’ hits such as “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” “Hit the Road Jack” and “Unchain My Heart.”  Recorded in High Definition by HDNet, WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES gives music lovers a front-row seat to the sold-out concert, including never-before-seen rehearsal footage, interviews and photos.  WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES can be seen in select cinemas from October 15 and arrives in-stores on both Blu-Ray and DVD on October 20 from A&E Home Entertainment for $19.95 (SD) and $29.95 (BD).  The concert event, including a half-hour backstage, behind-the-scenes interview special, airs on HDNet in true high definition on October 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET and on SIRIUS XM’s Real Jazz channel, SIRIUS channel 72 and XM channel 70 on October 18 at 8:00 pm ET.  Blue Note Records will release a live album of the concert in Spring 2010.

Country music legend Willie Nelson and Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz artist and Jazz at Lincoln Center Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis share more in common than their multiple GRAMMY® awards.  They also share great respect and admiration for the late musical pioneer Ray Charles.  In February 2009, Nelson and Marsalis joined musical forces for a two-night Jazz at Lincoln Center concert event at New York City’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.   Their set list explored the legacy of Charles, cleverly sequencing the songs to tell the story of a love affair from beginning to end and beyond.  This fine idea was made finer by the inclusion of fellow multiple GRAMMY® winner Norah Jones, whose style suggests a middle ground between Nelson and Marsalis.  The sold out performance was captured on video, and the resulting footage expertly edited for the brand new DVD, WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES.

In addition to 90 minutes of exemplary, soul stirring music, both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES feature All Access, a new documentary comprised of interviews with Marsalis, Nelson and Jones as they share thoughts and anecdotes about the Jazz at Lincoln Center concert.  A musical photo gallery takes the viewer on a remarkable journey through the two-night event, including never-before-seen rehearsal footage, and set to the artists’ phenomenal rendition of Charles’ “What’d I Say.”

Prior to the DVD release, cinema audiences will have a chance to enjoy the concert on the big screen in High Defintion and full surround sound. DigiScreen will release WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES starting October 15th. at select cinemas in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.  Visit www.digiscreen.ca to find participating cinemas in your area.

SIRIUS XM’s Real Jazz channel, SIRIUS channel 72 and XM channel 70, broadcasts live each week from Jazz at Lincoln Center with its Live at Jazz At Lincoln Center and A Night at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola programs. SIRIUS XM is also home to Willie’s Place, SIRIUS channel 64 and XM channel 13, the SIRIUS XM channel devoted to authentic Texas honky-tonk and Western Swing music with special regular segments featuring Willie Nelson.wynton-willie-nora-2mb2

Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children’s concerts and classes, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff and Executive Director, Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center will produce thousands of events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world.

An Exclusive Musical Photo Montage (SD: $19.95/BD: $29.95 SRP)

CONCERT AIRS IN HIGH DEFINITION ON HDNET SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
AT 8:00 P.M. ET

SIRIUS XM’S REAL JAZZ CHANNEL TO BROADCAST THE WILLIE NELSON, WYNTON MARSALIS AND NORAH JONES SPECIAL PERFORMANCE, OCTOBER 18

Add a comment
Posted on September 23, 2009 at 10:32 am by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , , , , ,

IN CINEMAS: JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ STARS IN TEATRO REAL MADRID’S DAZZLING THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

barbero-3320On Saturday October 3rd, the fall heats up for cinema opera fans with a special presentation of Teatro Real Madrid’s dazzling THE BARBER OF SEVILLE at select Landmark Cinemas locations and other select theatres in Canada. Distributed worldwide by DigiScreen, the highly acclaimed production appears on select Canadian screens as part of an ongoing cinema series from the world’s great stages presented by The Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte.

The sparkling production of Rossini’s delightful comedy is led by two of today’s greatest opera stars - María Bayo as the young ward Rosina and Juan Diego Flórez as her handsome suitor, Count Almaviva.  The wily Figaro (the Barber) is played by the wonderful lyric baritone Pietro Spagnoli, Bruno Practicò is the hapless guardian Don Bartolo, and the cunning singing teacher Basilio is the renowned Ruggero Raimondi. Beautifully staged by Emilio Sagi, the Teatro Real production is a visual delight, from its opening moments of silver and white elegance to its closing explosion of boisterous colour. The Orquesta Titular del Teatro Real Madrid, conducted by Gianluigi Gelmetti, plays Rossini’s glittering score with flair and grace, while star performances from Bayo and Flórez lift the production into the breathtaking realm of the extraordinary.

Critics have lavished praise on the Teatro Real’s production. “Overflowing with a mischievous joy for life that is infectious! A dazzlingly colourful closing scene is a true masterstroke!” - Classical Net Review. The Sunday Times pronounced superstar Juan Diego Flórez “dazzlingly virtuosic“.

Montreal distributor DigiScreen, in association with Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte, releases 10-16 HD productions throughout the year. THE BARBER OF SEVILLE was captured in High Definition and Surround Sound before a live audience at Teatro Real Madrid in 2005.

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.digiscreen.ca. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver and Waterloo please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com.

About Teatro Real Madrid

www.teatro-real.com

From its inauguration in 1850 through to the present day, Teatro Real has occupied a prominent place on the European circuit, thanks to the succession of great performers who graced its stage. In 1863, Giuseppe Verdi himself arrived to complete the final preparations for the first performance of his opera La forza del destino with a cast that included Lagrange and Fraschini. Many architectural and structural changes have been made over the years and in 1997 the Teatro Real was re-inaugurated as the home of opera in Madrid. It features a world-class stage, whose 1,472 square metres and 18 articulated platforms provide the required space for complex scene changes and can be arranged in a large variety of ways to accommodate different requirements both on stage and in the orchestra pit. The auditorium retains exquisite historical details such as the drop curtain and exact reproductions of the decorated ceilings and boxes installed in 1850. Now a National Monument, Madrid’s Opera House dominates the Plaza de Oriente.

Add a comment
Posted on September 11, 2009 at 11:43 am by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged

RENÉE FLEMING’S TRIUMPHANT PERFORMANCE IN ROYAL OPERA HOUSE’S LA TRAVIATA IN CINEMAS FOR TWO PRESENTATIONS

The most anticipated performance of the opera season, megastar Renée Fleming’s sumptuous Violettala-traviata-poster-art-all in La traviata at Royal Opera House Covent Garden, will be on screen in High Definition for two presentations Saturday August 29th and August July 30th at select Empire Theatres’ locations and other select cinema locations.

The acclaimed American soprano Renée Fleming took London by storm this June with her six sold-out performances as Violetta in The Royal Opera’s production of Verdi’s best-loved work LA TRAVIATA. The performance was given more ovations by sold-out audiences across Europe, when presented live in cinemas at the end of June.

Critics and audiences alike were spellbound.

“The soprano’s charisma on stage is truly magical!” - Dominic McHugh, Musical Criticism

“Renée Fleming wins all hearts with her breathtaking performance. She rightly brought the house down! Mesmerising!” - Keith Mc Donnell, Music OMH

“This is a world-class voice!” - Neil Fisher, The Times

“Nothing cautious about Ms. Fleming’s performance here! Tumultuous ovations!” - Anthony Tommasini, NY Times

Captured live by Opus Arte in London on June 30th, Canadian audiences  will see Renée Fleming’s performance replayed and experience the thrill of this true operatic event in select cinemas on Saturday August 29th and August 30th.

Richard Eyre’s 2009 production is a revival of his highly acclaimed 1994 staging which dazzled audiences with its striking visual feast. Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja and American baritone Thomas Hampson co-star in the Royal Opera House’s La traviata. Music Director Antonio Pappano, now in his seventh Season with The Royal Opera, conducts La traviata for the first time at Covent Garden.

Based on La Dame aux Camélias, La traviata was first performed at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice in March 1853. A toast to the pleasures of life! Verdi’s masterpiece features some of the most poignantly tuneful music in all of opera.

Montreal distributor DigiScreen Corporation, in partnership with Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte releases 10-16 HD productions throughout the year. For more information or to find a participating theatre near you, please visit www.digiscreen.ca.

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Ontario and the Western provinces visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver and Waterloo, please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com

Add a comment
Posted on August 13, 2009 at 10:33 am by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Three geniuses: Shakespeare meets Mendelssohn meets Balanchine at Sadler’s Wells for the enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

Summer Series

On Saturday August 15, summer audiences will have a chance to enjoy a special presentation of George Balanchine’s enchanting ballet A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Empire Theatres locations and other select theatres throughout Canada. Distributed worldwide by Montreal distributor DigiScreen, the highly acclaimed production appears on select Canadian screens as part of an ongoing cinema series from the world’s great stages presented by The Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte.

Choreographed by artistic genius George Balanchine, Shakespeare’s comedy of magic and love’s delusions is a guaranteed audience pleaser, set to the beautiful music of Felix Mendelssohn. The Pacific Northwest Ballet displays all the vitality, brilliance and versatility of its wonderful dancers in this award-winning production of Balanchine’s first original full-length ballet. The characters from Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy are as enchanting as ever: the haughty, unattainable Titania (Patricia Baker), mysterious Oberon (Paul Gibson), chaotic mischief-maker Puck (Seth Belliston), charming buffoon Bottom (Timothy Lynch). Balanchine brings the essence of the ‘Dream’ to life and creates his own pure dance magic as he and Shakespeare intertwine to bring the story to a whimsical climax. A highlight is a breathtaking pas de deux danced so beautifully by two dancers of whom most audiences may never have heard, Louise Nadeau and Olivier Wevers.

Based in Seattle, Pacific Northwest Ballet is one of the largest and most highly regarded ballet companies in the United States and known for its fascination with George Balanchine. A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM is a milestone for the company winning the highest award from IMZ Dance Screen.

“Lavish! Full of colour and brilliant images! Such productions surely guarantee the survival of classical ballet well into the next millennium.” - Morning Star

“Enchanting!” - Guardian

The performance will be presented across Canada on August 15 at Empire Theatres and select locations. For details screenings, please go to www.digiscreen.ca and locate the participating theatre in your area.

Montreal distributor DigiScreen in association with Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte, releases 10-16 HD productions throughout the year. The award-winning A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM was captured in High Definition and Surround Sound on the stage of London’s storied (and newly restored) Sadler Wells in April 1999.

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver, Waterloo and Montreal please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com.

Add a comment
Posted on July 31, 2009 at 10:51 am by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For The First Time, Cinema Audiences Can Experience The Excitement of The Proms From The Royal Albert Hall!

DigiScreen and the BBC present Last Night of the Proms at Empire Theatres and select cinemas across Canada

proms-2mb

On Saturday July 25th and 26th, DigiScreen and the BBC present a first: Canadian audiences will finally experience the exuberance of LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS. The Proms at The Royal Albert Hall has a special place in the hearts of British people and all fans of classical music around the world. The September feast of music is the highlight of the symphonic season, which culminates with the hottest concert ticket in London, LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS! Lucky audiences are treated to the works of leading international artists and an all-embracing classical music programme, introducing new works alongside much-loved classics. Look for LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS in high definition and full surround sound at Empire Theatres across Canada and other select cinema locations.

The Proms, a British musical tradition for more than a century, is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by an audience of many millions around the globe. The two-month celebration of timeless classics and exciting new works culminates in one extraordinary evening - the internationally renowned Last Night of the Proms at The Royal Albert Hall! “Last Night” encapsulates the spirit of the Proms in one party-filled night.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS 2008 brings together the different themes of the season under the helm of Sir Roger Norrington who makes his first “Last Night” appearance, leading an all-star dazzling final concert. As usual, the line-up is an eclectic mix of new pieces and the old classics, including the world premieres of the BBC commissions from Chris Hazzell and Anna Meredith. The world’s most famous feast of classical music features Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus and Fantasia in C minor, star turns from Puccini’s Tosca and Verdi’s Falstaff, orchestral movements from Wagner’s Tannhäuser, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.1and Vaughan Williams’ Sea Songs. The programme also celebrates traditional folk music from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Featuring Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone), Hélène Grimaud (piano), BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS was captured live at The Royal Albert Hall in High Definition and Full Surround Sound in September 2008.

“An exuberant and irreverent romp! Enthralling! A Last Night to remember!” – Geoffrey Norris, The Telegraph

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver and Waterloo, please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com

Add a comment
Posted on July 2, 2009 at 2:57 pm by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , ,

DIGISCREEN’S SUMMER CINEMA SERIES FEATURES RENÉE FLEMING IN OPUS ARTE’S LA TRAVIATA, FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

la-traviata-poster-art-all

The much-anticipated performance of opera’s megastar Renée Fleming at Covent Garden is one of the many highlights of DigiScreen’s Summer Opera/Ballet/Concert Cinema Series, which will screen at Empire Theatres across Canada and other select cinema locations in July and August. Theatres will present an opera, a ballet and a classical music concert from the great stages of London, England.

The summer series opens on July 25th & 26th, when cinema audiences have the pleasure of experiencing, for the first time in Canada, the excitement of the BBC’s LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS from Royal Albert Hall in London.

On August 15th, Shakespeare meets Mendelssohn meets Balanchine at Sadler’s Wells for the enchanting ballet A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Saturday August 29th and August July 30th will be “Don’t miss Renée Fleming at Covent Garden!” days.

On Saturday July 25th and 26th, DigiScreen and the BBC present a first: Canadian audiences will finally experience the exuberance of LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS. The Proms at Royal Albert Hall has a special place in the hearts of British people and all fans of classical music around the world. The September feast of music is the highlight of the symphonic season, which culminates with the hottest concert ticket in London, LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS! Lucky audiences are treated to the works of leading international artists and an all-embracing classical music programme, introducing new works alongside much-loved classics. Sir Roger Norrington makes his first “Last Night” appearance leading an all-star dazzling final concert.

On Saturday August 15th, select theatres across Canada will present the enchanting ballet A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Choreographed by an artistic genius, George Balanchine and performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Shakespeare’s comedy of magic and love’s delusions set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn is a guaranteed audience pleaser. The Pacific Northwest Ballet displays all the vitality, brilliance and versatility of its wonderful dancers in this award-winning production of Balanchine’s first original full-length ballet. Balanchine’s pure dance magic, Shakespeare’s stage wizardry and Mendelssohn’s bewitching tunefulness make for a special experience.

For two presentations only in August (29th and 30th), cinema audiences will be able to enjoy beloved American soprano Renée Fleming on London’s Covent Garden stage starring in The Royal Opera’s production of Verdi’s best-loved work LA TRAVIATA. Captured live by Opus Arte in London on June 30th, audiences will see her performance replayed in select theatres throughout Canada. Richard Eyre’s 2009 production is a revival of his highly acclaimed 1994 staging which dazzled audiences with its striking visual feast. Renée Fleming and company soar with some of the most poignantly tuneful music in all of opera.

Tickets are available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver and Waterloo, please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com

Add a comment
Posted on at 2:25 pm by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Royal Opera’s LA FILLE DU REGIMENT: The ‘Must-See’ ‘Must-Hear’ show of the Opus Arte cinema series!

LA FILLE DU REGIMENT.ROH.6-1-2007Spring cinema audiences shouldn’t miss the chance to see what the critics have raved about in The Royal Opera’s triumphant LA FILLE DU REGIMENT, in theatres throughout Canada for two presentations on Saturday & Sunday May 30 & 31. Distributed worldwide by Montreal distributor DigiScreen, the highly acclaimed opera production appears on select Canadian screens as part of The Royal Opera House’s international Opus Arte Cinema series.

Richard Morrison of The Times praised: “A must-see, must-hear show. It’s the operatic show of the season.” David Mellor, Mail on Sunday exulted: “A triumph! This is an evening of pure magic.” Critics unanimously raved about French star Natalie Dessay and the production as captured before a live audience in HD and full surround sound.

The plot of Donizetti’s action-filled physical comedy is inspired. The beautiful tomboy Marie was found on a battlefield as a baby and adopted, not by one soldier but by an entire regiment. When Marie falls - quite literally - into the arms of the handsome Tonio, her military dads jump to protect her to stop a possible marriage. The delightful comedy that follows features some of the most hilariously funny moments in all opera.

Performed at London’s famous and historic Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, two international superstars of the operatic stage - glorious French soprano Natalie Dessay and Peruvian heart throb tenor Juan Diego Flórez - provide plenty of vocal fireworks in the starring roles. The opera has dazzlingly brilliant music for Marie and includes the tenor’s famous nine top note high C’s aria. There are wonderful choruses and sparkling playing from The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House making the production one of The Royal Opera’s greatest achievements.

The performance will be presented across Canada on 30 & 31 May, at Empire Theatres and select locations. For details screenings, please go to www.digiscreen.ca and locate the participating theatre in your area.

Montreal distributor DigiScreen Corporation in partnership with Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte, releases 16-20 HD productions throughout the year. La Fille Du Regiment was captured live at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in High Definition and Full Surround Sound on Jan 29 /2007.

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver, Waterloo and Bracebridge please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com, www.norwoodtheatre.com.

About The Royal Opera

To discover more about The Royal Opera please visit:

www.roh.org.uk

Add a comment
Posted on May 6, 2009 at 12:18 pm by Blair Haynes under Upcoming Show.

Rare chance for Cinema audiences to see Rameau’s masterpiece CASTOR AND POLLUX from The Netherlands Opera!

castor-et-pollux-film-photo-web-image-236x349pixels801As part of the acclaimed Opus Arte Cinema series, audiences across Canada will be treated to a special presentation of Rameau’s opera CASTOR AND POLLUX. This stylish masterwork was captured live and in high definition from the Netherlands Opera at Het Musiektheater, Amsterdam and will be presented at selected cinemas Saturday April 25 & Sunday April 26.

De Nederlandse Opera (DNO) is a collossal success story in Amsterdam and regularly lends its productions to foreign companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Lincoln Center Festival in New York, and the Adelaide Festival in Australia. Castor And Pollux is arguably Jean-Philippe Rameau’s finest creation in the tragédie lyrique style and one of The Netherlands Opera’s recent hit productions.

Its libretto, based in mythology, focuses on an unusual theme: the self-sacrificing love between Castor (Finnur Bjarnason), who is mortal, and his immortal brother, Pollux (Henk Neven). When Castor is killed while defending his beloved Télaire (Anna Maria Panzarella) from an attempted abduction, Pollux resolves to give up his immortality and take Castor’s place in the Underworld. After passionate debate over who will live and who will die, the brothers are eternally united, transformed into the constellation Gemini.

Throughout  Castor And Pollux, music, theatre, dance and spectacle are brought together in a spectacular fashion that foreshadows Wagner’s dream of total music theatre. The strikingly luminous sets, depicting a stylized version of the constellation, give this fabulous production, staged by Pierre Audi a glorious 21st-century baroque look.  The terrific score is deftly brought to life by Les Talens Lyriques, conducted by Christophe Rousset, Véronique Gens sparkles as the spurned Phébé in a bravura Act Four performance.

‘A popular hit! … Beautiful and polished. Gens’s performance is radiant!’ - Bloomberg.com

The captured live performance will be presented across Canada on 25 & 26 April, at Empire Theatres and select locations. For details screenings, please go to www.digiscreen.ca and locate the participating theatre in your area.

Montreal distributor DigiScreen Corporation in partnership with Royal Opera House’s Opus Arte, releases 16-20 HD productions throughout the year.

Tickets will be available at $19.95 + tax per adult, $16.95 + tax per senior and $9.95 + tax per child.  For cinema locations and to purchase advance tickets throughout Canada visit www.empiretheatres.com/opusarte. For Landmark Cinemas in Alberta and BC, go to www.landmarkcinemas.com. For independent theatres in Vancouver, Waterloo and Montreal please visit www.festivalcinemas.ca, www.princesscinemas.com.

For more information about The Netherlands Opera please visit www.dno.nl.

For more information about DigiScreen, please visit www.digiscreen.ca.

Add a comment
Posted on April 22, 2009 at 2:40 pm by Blair Haynes under 2009 Canada Winter/Spring series, Upcoming Show. Tagged , , , , ,

Graniz Mondal Inc. enters into letter of intent with DigiScreen Corporation

Graniz Mondal Inc. (”Graniz”) (NEX: GRA.H) announces that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with DigiScreen Corporation (”DigiScreen”, www.digiscreen.ca), a private Montreal-based corporation specializing in creating and administering digital networks for the international distribution and presentation of independent film and alternative content, such as opera and musical concerts. The letter of intent contemplates that the parties will conduct a reverse take-over or other business combination (a “Transaction”) whereby Graniz would acquire DigiScreen from DigiScreen’s shareholders in exchange for approximately 50% of the common shares of Graniz (”Graniz Shares”) issued and outstanding after the completion of the Transaction (on a non-diluted basis and after taking into account the private placement described below). It is contemplated that the completion of the Transaction be conditional upon a private placement of common share units at prices (and subject to terms and conditions) to be determined, for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). It is proposed that the securities issued in the Private Placement would convert on a one-for-one basis into shares of Graniz upon completion of the Transaction, on the basis of one post-Transaction share so issued being valued at $0.25 per share.

Upon the completion of the Transaction, Mr. Daniel Langlois and Mr. Campbell Becher will be appointed to the board of directors of Graniz, and Mr. Langlois will be appointed as the non-executive Chairman of the board of directors of Graniz.

In connection with the Transaction, Graniz has agreed to advance up to $250,000 to DigiScreen as a loan for the payment of Transaction-related and operational expenses to be incurred by DigiScreen, so as to permit the continued operation of DigiScreen while the transactions contemplated in the letter of intent are being pursued. An initial advance of $25,000 will be made immediately, and the balance would be available after approval of the TSX Venture Exchange is obtained. The parties contemplate paying a 5% finder’s fee in connection with the loan from Graniz to DigiScreen, as well as issuing 200,000 Graniz Shares upon completion of the Transaction, all of which would be paid to parties who facilitated the agreement between Graniz and DigiScreen.

The parties are currently in discussions to enter into a definitive and binding letter of intent, as well as other definitive and binding agreements with respect to the Transaction. The Transaction is subject to the approval of Graniz’s shareholders. In addition, the Transaction, as well as the payment of the finder’s fees, are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Trading of Graniz Shares has been halted at Graniz’s request while the parties pursue their discussions.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Graniz Mondal Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from Graniz’s plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Graniz with the TSX Venture Exchange/NEX and securities regulators. Graniz does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information: Richard-Marc Lacasse, President of Graniz, at (418) 564-8834

Graniz Mondal Inc. press release (PDF 68Kb)

Add a comment
Posted on April 9, 2009 at 4:02 pm by Mark Hooper under News, Press Release. Tagged ,