The University has now become one of 32 schools that will broadcast Washington National Opera's production of "La Boheme."
Angela Olson, public relations assistant manager for Washington National Opera, said the production will be simultaneously broadcast from the Kennedy Center stage to various locations all over the United States.
This will be the third simulcast done by the opera company.
"We started with 'Porgy and Bess' two years ago," Olson said. "It was very successful and we wanted to expand on it."
Bruce Holsinger, chair of the McIntire Department of Music, noted the unique nature of this venture happening at a higher education institution.
The broadcast will simultaneously air at multiple universities, public high schools and middle schools, Holsinger said, adding, "I've never heard of a similar venture of this kind. U.Va. is very lucky to have it."
According to Olson, the University became involved in this through a national opera board member who is an alumnus of the University.
The goal of these broadcasts is "really to target young people who may not be able to access an opera easily," Olson said, adding that it will bring a new facet of culture to the University.
Holsinger echoed a similar sentiment, adding that the University "doesn't have an established opera program here, [so] it's exciting to bring this kind of quality opera to U.Va.,"
Olson noted that "La Boheme" resonates with a younger audience, making the University community more likely to positively respond to the production.
"It's a story that is at the base of many other popular shows and musicals such as 'Rent,'" Olson added.
The opera company has yet to determine how frequently they will be broadcasting such productions. These simulcasts are still new, but "it's [had] great success," Olson said. "We are definitely hoping to do it again in the future."
The opera will be broadcast at the University for the first time Sept. 23rd.
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