NEW YORK, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- 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.
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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.
