BBC partnership with the ROH

[french frank]

Press release today gives details.

"The new strategic partnership involves greater creative collaboration between the two organisations and builds on the long-standing relationship across both television and radio. The Royal Opera House and the BBC will come together to co-produce new commissions for 2012 created especially for television prior to live performance on the stage as well as continuing to showcase some of the world's finest opera and ballet.

This long-term partnership will also see a greater mix of programmes on television including documentaries on opera and ballet as well as productions giving audiences an insight into what goes into getting a new work to the stage. The new deal includes a series on classical masterworks presented by Antonio Pappano, beginning with Pappano's Essential Tosca for BBC Two and also the development of a new five-part series about singing to be written and presented by Antonio Pappano. This new direction demonstrates a commitment to reaching and inspiring a broader audience across the UK." [My italics: this could be doing the right thing the right way ]

[Osborn]

IMO Pappano is worth his weight in gold, he's a terrific conductor, has tuned the ROH orchestra into an outstanding machine, and he's been a charming and brilliant communicator in the TV documentaries he's done so far. Anything involving him and giving him his head will be 'doing things the right way'.

[Mr Pee]

IMO Pappano is worth his weight in gold, he's a terrific conductor, has tuned the ROH orchestra into an outstanding machine, and he's been a charming and brilliant communicator in the TV documentaries he's done so far. Anything involving him and giving him his head will be 'doing things the right way'.

I agree with all the Pappano comments above- I'm looking forward to his Tosca programme- I've always been rather fond of the "shabby little shocker."

[french frank]

IMO Pappano is worth his weight in gold, he's a terrific conductor, has tuned the ROH orchestra into an outstanding machine, and he's been a charming and brilliant communicator in the TV documentaries he's done so far. Anything involving him and giving him his head will be 'doing things the right way'.

Just what I meant, and on BBC Two where the mainstream audience will see it, not tucked away on BBC Four.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The new deal includes a series on classical masterworks presented by Antonio Pappano, beginning with Pappano's Essential Tosca for BBC Two and also the development of a new five-part series about singing to be written and presented by Antonio Pappano.

I saw the repeat of this yesterday. Fascinating, even though I often don't like this kind of programme; but this was an example of how to do it without treating the audience as though they are stupid. Well done, BBC.

[Chris Newman]

The Essential Tosca programme is excellent. I have watched it three times now. I hope this showing is a trailer for another showing of the opera. Pappano brings enthusiasm to everything he demonstrates and in the process shines many new lights on the opera, its music, its locations, its history, its story, its meaning in the modern world and what it takes to put it on. Fascinating interviews with Georgiu, Kaufmann, Terfel and Enrico Morricone.

Kaufmann has a fascinating English accent. He could almost get away as English but drifts between Yorkshire (hear his "love" or "luv") and Wiltshire ("perrson").

[Osborn]

Kaufmann has a fascinating English accent. He could almost get away as English but...

You ain't heard nothing yet! After performing together at Symphony Hall in March, he's joining the CBSO & Andris Nelsons on tour to Paris, Munich, Vienna & Baden Baden so that he can learn some Brum.

(I don't think there will be any problem selling tickets for that lineup)

[Flosshilde]

The Essential Tosca programme is excellent. I have watched it three times now. I hope this showing is a trailer for another showing of the opera.

The press release says "Other presentations include The Royal Opera's production of Tosca with Angela Gheorghiu in the title role and Bryn Terfel as Baron Scarpia, accompanied by Pappano's Essential Tosca, a documentary presented by Antonio Pappano in which he examines the dramatic importance of each location in the opera and illustrates what Puccini does musically to create a great theatrical experience. " (my emphasese)

[Belgrove]

According to the ROH, 'there is a possibility' that cameras may be in the auditorium for two performances of The Trojan's in July. There is no indication as to whether this is a potential BBC recording, but it is to be welcomed whoever is undertaking the venture.

The last time it was performed at Covent Garden was 1972 (did anyone see it?)

The cast looks exciting: Jonas Kauffman is Enee, Eva-Maria Westbroek is Didon, Sir Tony at the helm. The highlight of the ROH's present season.

[Mr Pee]

The Essential Tosca programme is excellent. I have watched it three times now. I hope this showing is a trailer for another showing of the opera.

Essential Tosca was first shown on Christmas Eve afternoon last year, followed by a broacast of the ROH Tosca with Terfel and Gheorghiu.