World-class opera performances will be broadcast live and free of charge for the University community and members of the public at the University of Warwick this summer. They will be beamed live from the Royal Opera House in London directly to the Big Screen on the main campus piazza on Tuesday 4 July (La traviata) and Friday 14 July (Turandot).

The first screening is La traviata on Tuesday 4 July, followed by Turandot, which includes the world-famous aria “Nessun Dorma” on Friday 14 July. The live broadcasts feature exclusive backstage footage and competitions, all adding to these special events in Warwick’s summer social calendar.

LA TRAVIATA | TUESDAY 4TH JULY FROM 19:00

Verdi’s best loved opera returns this summer for the BP Big Screens experience, in one of The Royal Opera’s most popular productions. La traviata is the story of a beautiful Parisian courtesan prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for love. It is told through thrilling ensembles and choruses, impassioned duets and stunningly beautiful lyrical arias – performed by a wonderful young cast and a great Royal Opera Chorus.

TURANDOT | FRIDAY 14TH JULY FROM 19:00

Go beyond the famous aria ‘Nessun dorma’ in The Royal Opera’s famously spectacular production of Puccini’s final masterpiece, which will transport you to legendary China in all its pageantry and savagery, with disguised identities, puzzles and ritual executions. Princess Turandot subjects her suitors to cryptic riddles only to execute them when they fail to answer correctly, until the mysterious character Calaf takes up the challenge.

Eleanor Sterland President of Opera Warwick said: “The live screenings, taking place on the piazza will provide a brilliant opportunity bring the local community together - even better, it's free so there's literally nothing to lose!

“It’s a great way to inspire and show the community and fellow students here at the university how exciting, dramatic and beautiful Opera can be. Opera will be everywhere on campus this summer, as the students and members of Opera Warwick take to the Studio Theatre stage with their production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ June 20th - 22nd as well as live screenings and the stars festival! There's so much on offer, this summer is a great time to give audiences a new insight into the varied and imaginative world of Opera!”

Director of Music at the University of Warwick, Paul McGrath, himself an internationally known opera conductor said:
"The opera activities delivered by our students are globally innovative and cutting edge. In the context of that level of interest in the art form, I welcome this development, which will enliven our Piazza. Two of our singing teachers at the Music Centre, Gaynor Keeble and John Graham-Hall, are stars in the opera world and have both appeared in live broadcasts from ROH, La Scala and the Met, so that's also a point for us to be proud of"

Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said:“A must-see in many people’s summer diaries, the BP Big Screens are only possible due to the commitment and support from BP. It is particularly exciting that this summer, works from The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet will be seen in new locations across the UK including Brighton Marina and Hull – as a part of the broad range of cultural activities for 2017’s City of Culture – as well as such perennial favourites as Trafalgar Square and far beyond."

The University of Warwick is the only place in the West Midlands broadcasting these performances live, as they happen and members of the public are warmly welcomed to attend.

For more information about the screenings at the University of Warwick and details of how to get involved click here.

Notes to Editors:

Contacts:

Alex Buxton, Media Relations Manager, University of Warwick. Tel: 02476 150423, Mob: 07876 218166. Email: a.buxton.1@warwick.ac.uk.

Contact:

Alex Buxton
Media Relations Manager
Tel: 02476 150423
Mob: 07876 218166
a.buxton.1@warwick.ac.uk