Digital technology is definitely a two-edged sword, but it has brought many good things to all of us that we never imagined possible.  In a new twist, I have seen a couple of live satellite broadcasts into local movie theatres of musical performances by Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour in the past year. Although I was skeptical that such a thing could compete with a real concert, what I found, in fact, was that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The sound is superior (and not TOO LOUD like a concert), the visuals are much better, there are no crowds or parking problems, and the ticket cost of $10 is a mere fraction of the price of a concert ticket.

When I learned that New York’s Metropolitan Opera was similarly live-broadcasting its season into a few local cinemas, I decided to give it a try. I was once employed in the opera “business” and I am a very big opera fan. I have had the good fortune to attend many great performances in top European and American opera houses. We also have very good companies right here in San Jose and up the road in SF. However, the cost of attending opera these days is prohibitive for most of us, especially when they are big productions with headline stars.

The Met is broadcasting a live performance of each production on selected Saturday mornings, with a recorded repeat on the following day at noon.  The price of a ticket is $22 (about 10 percent of the price of a good seat at the Met, not to mention the tux rental, plane ticket and hotel), so it’s very reasonable. I went to Cinearts in “Satanic Row” on Sunday to see Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde with the wonderful Debra Voigt as Isolde. The 5 hour and 35 minute broadcast started promptly and included interviews in the intermissions between acts with conductor James Levine, Voigt and some of the other singers and much else. I am happy to report that it was an incomparable experience and the unique way that the opera was presented made up for not actually being there.

The broadcast production was well planned to provide a cinematic experience with evolving split screens that gave close-ups of the singers as well as a wider view of the complete stage. An English translation of the text at the bottom of the screen, like a foreign film, completed the experience. And the sound and picture were very clear—just as good as being there, but different.

We are very lucky to be able to have the opportunity to attend these performances locally. There are a few screens being utilized around San Jose and Silicon Valley for the broadcasts, including Cinearts, and you can get the details here.

Unfortunately, I was late in discovering the broadcasts, but there are still two more operas this season. The next broadcast is of Puccini’s La Boheme on April 5. If you like opera, or have never seen one and want to see what it’s like, I highly recommend it. And be sure and tell us what you think here on San Jose Inside.