The Royal Opera House (ROH) will be returning to more than 2,000 screens around the world, the London-based opera house has revealed. Its international cinema programme of ballet and opera – first launched in 2008 – has been on hold for the last 16 months as both cinemas and theatres across the globe shut their doors due to the ongoing coronavirus health crisis.
The upcoming season, created in collaboration with global cinema distributor Trafalgar Releasing, will launch on 7 September 2021. It features a selection of new productions and timeless classics from the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.
The season starts with the Royal Ballet’s much-loved production of The Nutcracker. Peter Wright’s interpretation of Lev Ivanov’s 1892 ballet (combined with Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous, iconic score) was first performed at the Royal Opera House in 1984.
The full programme offers viewers the best seat in the house. Performances are complemented with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and rehearsal insights, showcasing an exciting roster of British and international talent performing across the ROH’s two London stages. The screenings will be broadcast to audiences up and down the UK, and in more than 35 countries around the globe.
Edgar Kamga-Sande, head of cinema and distribution at the ROH, commented: “Building on well over 10 years of successful broadcasts, this season has been specially designed to re-ignite interest in our artforms, bringing first-class performances to those wanting to experience the finest ballet and opera in the world, on their doorstep. After a challenging 16-month hiatus, we are thrilled to be back at your local cinema.”
The last year has been devastating for both international cinema and the global arts industry. Overnight, the Royal Opera House lost £3 out of every £5 of income and, in order to survive the impact of the pandemic, put in place an emergency plan to ensure financial recovery.
With restrictions easing across the globe, the opera house has now re-opened its Covent Garden theatre, and has launched a brand new 2021-22 season – its first full programme for two years. The new cinema programme will form an integral part of ROH’s plan to secure its future, expand audiences across the country and help facilitate the vital recovery of cinema domestically and internationally.
Full details of the upcoming season, including dates and booking details, will be announced on 7 September.
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The Royal Opera House returns to the big screen this autumn with a packed programme of opera and ballet highlights starting with the Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (Emma Kauld).