The Metropolitan Opera in New York may be six hours and thousands of miles away but thanks to the DCA it is readily accessible.
With a live, high-definition satellite link, audiences in Dundee can enjoy a close-up, multi-angled view of top-class opera, with the DCA being one of only 300 cinemas across the globe with this special arrangement.
Seven new productions, including two company premieres, and featuring the world’s greatest singers and conductors, will be screened in an eighth-month season.
It is a first-class way to watch opera, and could be the perfect introduction for novices.
DCA head of cinema Alice Black said, “This is something entirely new for us as a venue, but we are thrilled to be involved and hope that Dundee audiences enjoy this new addition to the cultural calendar.”
Saturday’s production of Puccini’s La Fanciulla Del West was the fourth in the series and its inclusion was apt as it recently celebrated its centenary.
Premiered at The Met in 1910, it starred Enrico Caruso and was conducted by Arturo Toscanini.
Saturday’s line-up was just as impressive, with Deborah Voigt (Minnie), Marcello Giordani (Johnson) and Lucio Gallo (Rance) turning out stellar performances, with Nicola Luisotti conducting.
Voigt took top marks, though, for an incredible performance of a highly demanding role.
Despite Puccini saying that this was his best creation, it doesn’t contain any of his finest music or famous arias, but it is still a memorable score.
If you add massive sets, magnificent staging, brilliant lighting and illuminating back-stage interviews, you have the complete package.
Further operas are scheduled up to and including May and will feature stars including Bryn Terfel, Renee Fleming and Joyce DiDonato.
For those not operatically inclined, there are also similar live broadcasts from the National Theatre.