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NEW YORK, Oct 25, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A free streaming media of performances by New York's Metropolitan Opera kicks off Wednesday evening on RealNetworks.
The weekly performances debut with Verdi's "Rigoletto" and will be available on the Internet via the Met's Web site metopera.org.
"Streaming opera live on the Internet is the most immediate experience we can provide to opera lovers all over the world and a new way to introduce opera to the uninitiated," Met General Manager Peter Gelb said in a news release. "This is a distribution platform that can reach into homes and generate an interest in what's happening at the Met."
The performances continue through December and include classics such as "Tosca," "Barber of Seville," "Madame Butterfly" and "Pagliacci."
In addition, the Met will offer the world premier of Tan Dun's commissioned libretto "The "First Emperor" on Dec. 21 with Tan conducting and Placido Domingo singing the title role.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
