Chicago Classical Music

Hi Navy59,

Where did you hear about this? That would be an excellent iMax presentation.

Steve

I saw the Magic Flute simulcast, although in Pittsburgh-area not Chicago-land.

Still, a very intersting experience.

It's kind of cool being able to eat popcorn during an opera performance, and the full theater definitely gave it a buzz something akin to actually going to the opera.

That said, you really can't replace seeing it live. The camera work, as good as most of it was, is telling you what to look at, and the beauty of seeing it in-person is that you get to choose.

Did anyone else on this board see it, or are going to see the Tan Dun opera this weekend?

I haven’t been to one of the broadcasts but I thought I’d chime in (and exercise bragging rights) since I attended a live performance of Tan Dun’s the First Emperor at the Met last week. First off, it was my first visit to the Met and first time seeing Domingo, so I may have been a bit starry eyed. But I did find it a compelling production all around. The cast was outstanding, Domingo was simply a force of nature, and the choral scenes are as spectacular as they come. The balance of Eastern/Western dramatic and musical values was about right. The Eastern sections felt utterly authentic and effectively set the time and place for what was essentially a Western opera. Certainly one of the most interesting evenings I have spent at the opera. If you are at all curious, I would strongly encourage you to attend the broadcast of this important operatic event.

Hi Navy59,

Great post!  To answer your question, I had read about the broadcasts on the ASOL daily newsletter but didn't think to post about it - though I really admired the concept.  I might have blogged about it if my orchestra hadn't been involved in our current concert.  I'm glad you put it on the site and that so many have commented.

Jim Hirsch