See world-class shows in high definition

The opera is coming to Whitefish.

The 2013-14 Metropolitan Opera season will be broadcast live at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center beginning in October. Opera lovers will no longer have to brave fierce winter roads to drive to Missoula, Great Falls or other places to see first-hand our country’s premier opera live in high definition.

“If you have never seen a ‘Live in HD’ broadcast from the Met, you are in for a treat,” said Carol Atkinson, head of the Whitefish Arts Council. “It features amazing close-up camera work and insightful backstage interviews with the leading singers between acts. The audience comes away from the performance with a greater appreciation for all the art forms that create an opera: singing, acting, choreography, orchestration and conducting, costume design, set design and makeup, not to mention the genius of the composer and librettist who created the opera in the first place.”

In addition to the broadcasts, the Whitefish High School drama, choir, orchestra and band teachers will present Opera Preview Sessions before some of the presentations, with the purpose of encouraging students to learn about this art form.

“The Met: Live in HD” is being brought to town by the Whitefish Arts Council. The council had to raise money to purchase the audio equipment needed for the high-definition broadcast, Atkinson said. The council also purchased a high-definition projector, a new screen and satellite dishes for the roof.

The effort will be worth it for the “huge opera-loving population in this part of the world,” she added.

The season, which runs from October to June, features 10 popular operas. Friday performances start at 7 p.m. Saturday shows start at 10:55 a.m. The lobby will open one hour before performances.

Tickets will only be available with cash or a check at the door prior to the broadcasts. Call Atkinson at 862-7591 for more information.