If you are a ballet and opera lover then read on… Do you miss having the opportunity to watch performances of ballet and opera? Would you like to introduce your children to some of the classic ballets like The Nutcracker?
Last night I discovered that a small cinema in Los Alcázares is showing opera and ballet performances in HD from Opera Houses and theatres all over the world for the following year, including the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan and even the Teatro Real de Madrid. I went to see the incredible (and gorgeous) Jonas Kaufmann as Verdi´s Otello, which originally was streamed live to cinemas in 28 countries back in June. There has been a great deal of controversy over cinemas and live streaming of opera and is it the death of the Opera House, but in my opinion, it merely gives a chance to people not usually able to get to a live performance to be able to enjoy opera.
Of course, it is not only distance that is a factor for many but the cost too. I paid 10 euros for my ticket last night (including a glass of cava and some simple tapas in the interval…). Covent Garden opera goers pay far more for the authentic experience of actually being there.
My friend and I commented that perhaps we missed the sound quality, the “hum” that one experiences in the live opera house, and oddly enough the clapping, but the quality of the screening of the operas transmitted by satellite to the local cinema is superb, and there is the opportunity to see the expressions of the stars close- up and the detail of the amazing costumes and sets. The performance of Otello was magical, with even a programme handed to us, with a full synopsis and details of the cast.
So what do the Cine Las Velas have in store for us for the 2017/2018 season?
Otello was the first screening of the season, which continues as follows:-
Thursday 5th October at 20.00 Cinderella by the Australian Ballet
Thursday 19th October at 20.00 The Magic Flute from the Royal Opera House of London
Thursday 9th November at 20.00 Jonas Kaufmann Recital from Carignano Theatre and La Scala Milano
Thursday 30th November at 20.00 Alice in Wonderland Ballet from the Royal Opera House of London
Thursday 14th December at 20.00 La Boheme from the Royal Opera House of London
Thursday 28th December at 20.00 The Nutcracker ballet from the Royal Opera House of London
Thursday 11th January at 20.00 Love, Life of my Life Zarzuela recital Plácido Domingo from Salzburg
Thursday 25th January at 20.00 Romeo and Juliet San Francisco Ballet
Thursday 8th February at 20.00 Rigoletto from Royal Opera House in London
Thursday 22nd February at 20.00 La Bayadere Mariinsky ballet
Thursday 8th March at 20.00 Tosca from Royal Opera House in London
Thursday 22nd March at 20.00 The Winter´s Tale ballet from Royal Opera House London
Thursday 12th April at 20.00 Carmen from the Royal Opera House London
Thursday 26th April at 20.00 Sleeping Beauty from the Australian Ballet
Thursday 10th May at 20.00 Madam Butterfly from Teatro Real de Madrid
Thursday 24th May at 20.00 Macbeth from Royal Opera House London
Thursday 14th June at 20.00 Manon from Royal Opera House London
Thursday 28th June at 20.00 La Traviata from Teatro Real de Madrid
Here are the Contact details as you need to reserve or buy tickets in advance:-
Cine Las Velas
Calle Catamaran 1
30710 Los Alcazares
Teléfono: 615146965
http://www.cinelasvelas.com
Facebook: cinelasvelas
Twitter: @CineLasVelas
The cinema itself is lovely with warm and welcoming owners and shows English (original version) films on Tuesday nights at 17.00 and a later film showing at 21.00 or 21.30. Their cinema package is a bargain 7.90€ for a drink, a pizza and the showing.
