Live HD Metropolitan Opera---in Anchorage, Alaska
Last year the Metropolitan began a new program to spread the Metropolitan Opera performances throughout the country---in addition to the ongoing Saturday afternoon live broadcasts. The new venture is live HD broadcasts delivered to selected theaters outside of New York. The number of theaters has increased significantly this year, even to include Anchorage. However, because of the four-hour time difference between Alaska and New York, our performances are replayed several days later.
I went last night for the first time. One on my very favorite things in life to do is to attend Met performances in New York in person. I like to sit down in front and take in all aspects up close and personal. I had been wondering how the HD filming of a live performance would work for me.
Well, for the first act it was a jolt. It took the entire act for me to adjust to the fact that I was not sitting front and center in the fifth or sixth row at the Met. It was such a jolt that the camera did not allow me to focus on what I wanted to look at. I kept wanting to look at this or that longer---away went the camera without any consideration for my wishes. Finally, I took myself in hand and sternly told myself that I was not at the Met---I was only viewing a movie. Buy the end of the first act I was finally into movie mode.
The HD performance is not attending in person, but as a movie substitute it is good. (I wonder if it would make a difference if I knew the HD performance was live) It is bringing opera to people who couldn't otherwise participate. The theater had a fair size audience made up of people of all ages.
The evening reminded me that it is time to make another trip to New York and the Met---next year in New York.
Thank you, the Met, for this innovative idea and project.
8:41:36 AM 
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