BP Big screen offers free opera in the park
01 July 2015
Seduction, betrayal and song are on offer with a special screening of the popular opera Don Giovanni at the Duthie Park, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council in partnership with BP and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, will stage the tragicomedic opera at 7pm on Friday 03 July as part of BP Big Screens.
Kasper Holten's production of Mozart's Don Giovanni, stars Christopher Maltman as the impulsive and charismatic Don Giovanni as he travels through Europe seducing women, accompanied by his long-suffering servant Leporello. When Don Giovanni commits murder, he unleashes a dark power beyond his control. As he continues to seduce and betray he is haunted by the ghost of the murdered man, he decides to invite him to dinner. The ghost urges him to repent but Don Giovanni will not and the story builds up to an iconic finale.
The opera features some of Mozart's most iconic music including Giovanni's energetic Champagne Aria so whether you are new to opera or a devotee, the BP Big Screen offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy the very best from the Royal Opera House in a unique setting for free.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: "From Aberdeen to Portsmouth the BP Big Screens are a brilliant way to enjoy free opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House across the UK. A must-see in many people's summer diaries, the ongoing commitment and support from BP allows us to reach new audiences whilst entertaining those who return each year to watch the productions beamed on to the big screens."
Tim Smith, Vice President Communications & External Affairs, BP said: "BP is pleased to support the BP Big Screen programme which has brought these free live relays from the Royal Opera House to Aberdeen for the past 10 years. We hope that everyone will have a great evening's entertainment watching one of the most well-known of all operas."
Aberdeen City Council's vice convener of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Jean Morrison OBE, said: "The BP Big Screen is a popular annual event and the city's Duthie Park is the ideal location to experience opera outdoors.
"It's a great occasion so I would encourage all residents and visitors to the city to come along and enjoy this very special free event."
The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles with a running time of approximately 3.5 hours including intervals.
Picnics and portable seating are welcome in the park but no glassware, cans, barbecues or naked flames are allowed. A selection of hot and cold soft drinks and light snacks will be available to purchase.
The alcohol by-law will be lifted between 6pm and 11pm however alcohol can only be consumed on the main grass area of the park.
Entry to the Big Screen is via Polmuir Road or Riverside Drive. Parking is limited to the Riverside Drive car park so wherever possible please use public transport.
For bus timetable information visit www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/aberdeen/
Anyone coming along to the event should remember: