The Royal Ballet’s Ondine and The Royal Opera’s La Traviata and The Barber of Seville will be beamed live from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House to a big screen in Castle Square for the first time this summer as part of the BP Summer big Screen Programme 2009.
Swansea residents can watch Ondine this Wednesday (3 June) at 7.30pm, La Traviata on Tuesday 30 June at 7pm and The Barber of Seville on Wednesday 15 July at 7.30pm. The free events will be three of 42 free screenings around the country this summer as thousands of people enjoy world-class opera and ballet in their own local area.
Councillor Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council said: “We have a strong cultural programme in Swansea, both indoor and outdoor and we are delighted these performances delivered via the Swansea big screen will further enhance this. Many people prefer these types of performances in a less traditional environment and the big screen certainly provides such an opportunity. I am sure that these three screenings will prove to be very popular with residents of and visitors to the City.”
The BP Summer Big Screen relays are a great opportunity for people to get together, bring a picnic and enjoy wonderful ballet and opera for free – the events have continued to grow in popularity regardless of the UK’s notorious summer weather.
Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “I think it’s very exciting that we’re able to relay live opera and ballet performances from the Royal Opera House to all of these new and existing big screens across the country, and all completely free for audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for family and friends to come together this summer and experience these world class performances in the outdoors, maybe even with a picnic. Each city creates a unique atmosphere – there’s such an air of excitement and expectation with hugely enthusiastic crowds. The support of both BP and the BBC has been critical to the success of the big screens, and we’re very excited that more people than ever before will be able to see our performances on the big screens this year.”
In August, Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles will be hosting the popular Outdoor Theatre production of Merchant of Venice. Against the stunning backdrop of Oystermouth Castle, this is always a popular event in the festival calendar, providing a unique way of enjoying a picnic on a blanket with friends or family.
Sian Davies, Swansea Bay Summer Festival Co-ordinator said “This event provides an opportunity for the audience to really feel part of the performance, and the weather conditions just add to the atmosphere.”
September see’s the return of BBC Proms in the Park to Singleton Park. On 12 September, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with conductor Grant Llewellyn and guest soloists, including Elin Manahan Thomas, bring an evening of rousing choruses and orchestral favourites to the city.
The Community Stage will be hosting pre-concert performances as well as fireworks, and of course, audience participation makes it a night to remember.
Details on all the outdoor entertainment in Swansea, as well as all the other events taking place can be found on www.swanseabayfestival.com.
