Tweed TV - Opera Binge

Free Opera from the Comfort of Your Armchair

The Franco-German TV network arte is providing free HD operas recorded at the greatest European venues for us all to enjoy.

Click this link to watch Handel's Theodora in full HD recorded at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris without having to hop on the Eurotunnel. The opera was directed by William Christie (of Les Arts Florissants fame), and features acclaimed English soprano Katherine Watson and French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky.

I watched it from the comfort of my armchair at Tweed Towers with a tumbler of whisky, and it was an absolutely splendid triple of hours showcasing the best of high European culture.

Things get better. The Opera Platform presents the European opera season online, for free, live and on-demand through partnership with European opera companies, festivals and venues. Right now you can watch and listen to Bizet's Carmen, Mozart's The Magic Flute, Verdi's Aida, Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and our very own Thomas Adès' Powder Her Face (the next one on my list).

If the EU is trying to persuade us to stay in the union with opera, it might just work.