| The best of the Royal Opera House on demand. Over 50 extraordinary productions, and over 100 pieces of behind-the-scenes content New titles this December: The Nutcracker (2016) and Carmen (2006 and 2018) |
| This Christmas, the Royal Opera House is delighted to be offering even more world-class art on demand, giving audiences an opportunity to discover more by the artists they love, and experience the very best of ballet and opera, on stage and off. From Friday 16 December, two different versions of Georges Bizet’s Carmen will be available on Royal Opera House Stream, giving subscribers the chance to see multiple perspectives on an audience favourite. The first – a refreshing adaptation from visionary director Barrie Kosky, conducted by Jakub Hrůša – stars Russian operatic mezzo-soprano Anna Goryachova, and includes rarely-heard music Bizet omitted from the opera’s first performances, as well as a variety of dazzling dance numbers. The second, staged by internationally recognised director Francesca Zambello, stars the ‘utterly compelling’ Anna Caterina Antonacci as Carmen and Jonas Kaufmann as Don José, in a performance conducted by Antonio Pappano. With a glorious score that features a host of audience favourites – from Carmen’s sensual Habanera and Seguidilla to Don José’s tender Flower Aria and Escamillo’s rousing Toreador Song – the opera is a perfect choice for those new to the art form, and a treat for even the most seasoned theatregoers. The two performances together offer a unique opportunity to see both The Royal Opera’s current Music Director, Antonio Pappano, and the Company’s new Music Director Designate, Jakub Hrůša, on the podium. These two recordings join this month’s first ‘new release’ – The Nutcracker – which was made available on Thursday 1 December. The Royal Ballet’s production, created in 1984 by Peter Wright, is set to Tchaikovsky’s irresistible score, and features sweeping snowscapes, magical stagecraft and a showstopping series of dances performed in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. With gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan and lighting by Mark Henderson, it is the ideal family production – a work of lasting magic that offers the perfect opportunity to start the festive season in style. The performance was recorded in 2016, and stars Principal Lauren Cuthbertson as the Sugar Plum Fairy, former Principal Federico Bonelli as The Prince, Principal Alexander Campbell as Hans-Peter/The Nutcracker, and Principal Francesca Hayward as Clara. Royal Opera House Stream now hosts over 50 stunning works from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, with highlights including Wayne McGregor’s The Dante Project, Katie Mitchell’s Theodora, Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée, Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale and Puccini’s Tosca. In addition to the 100+ pieces of behind-the-scenes content already online, further features – ranging from rehearsal footage to interviews and masterclasses – will be made available throughout December for subscribers to enjoy over the festive period. Join today to watch the world’s greatest performers, emerging talent, leading choreographers and trailblazing creative teams from the comfort of your own home. From family favourites and modern masterpieces to heartbreaking arias and passionate pas-de-deux, Royal Opera House Stream offers it all: truly transformative experiences for only £9.99 a month or £99 annually. Whatever your interest – whether classical or contemporary – there’s a breadth of content for you. |
What to watch this Christmas from the Royal Opera House.
