NBDtv To Showcase HD Classical Opera Performances At MIPCOM

Leading independent distributor NBDtv, a subsidiary of DCD Media, will arrive at MIPCOM 2007 with a range of programming featuring unique and spectacular classical opera performances, recorded in high definition by Bel Air Media at prestigious locations such as Opéra National de Paris, Grand Theatre Geneva and the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence.
Recorded in June 2007 at the Opéra National de Paris, Un Ballo in Maschera is a wonderful production based on the life of King Gustav III of Sweden. Verdi’s dramatic opera boasts music of such power, passion and intensity that it grabs and holds the imagination from beginning until the end. Bel Air Media’s production (145’), conducted by Semyon Bychkov, features the Orchestre de l’Opera de Paris and Choeur de l’Opera de Paris and stars an international cast including Marcelo Alvarez, hailed as one of the hottest tenors on the international scene and the rising French star, Ludovic Tézier.
Die Walkure (200’), recorded at the Festival d’Aix en Provence in July 2007, is the second in the four operas that comprise Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung), by Richard Wagner. Sir Simon Rattle conducts the Berliner Philharmoniker with an outstanding cast including Sir Willard White as Wotan, Mikhail Petrenko as Hunding and Robert Gambill playing Siegmund.
Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Don Pasquale is well-crafted and hilarious, striking just the right balance between satire and compassion. Don Kent’s production for Bel Air (120’) was recorded in May 2007 at the Grand Theatre, Geneva and features the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Choeur du Grand Theatre, Geneva with Patrizia Ciofi in the role of Norina, the love interest of Ernesto, performed by Norman Schankle.
Recorded in July 2006 at the Theatre du grand Saint Jean, Aix en Provence, Rossini’s operatic dramma giocoso L’Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) (135’) is directed by Vincent Bataillon, who is well supported by the Arnold Schonberg Choir and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Giorgio Surian’s Mustafa is a convincing Bey of Algiers, while his adversary, the tough, witty pro-feminist Isabella, is given real presence in Christianne Stotijn’s performance.
All programmes are available to international buyers at MIPCOM 2007 from NBDtv at stand number RSV.30.
(DS)