New York, NY – February 13, 2007 – Sunday brunch at VOOM HD Networks' GALLERY HD hits a high note. VOOM's GALLERY HD, the only high-definition channel devoted to the arts, is pleased to announce a new Sunday afternoon series, Opera and an Omelette, featuring eleven-weeks of well-known operas from around the world beginning Sunday, February 18th at noon. The first performance is Handel's Giulio Cesare. Sung in Italian, the opera stars critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly in the title role. The music is provided by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the UK's leading period instrument ensemble.
With this series of innovative operas, viewers are given front row seats to an experience unlike any other stage production shown before on television. The stunning clarity of high-definition showcases each opera's spectacular sets, lights and costumes, and the 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound delivers an aural experience featuring the amazing world-class singers and orchestras from each production.
The operas will be introduced by a pair of hosts. John Radwick, who has worked on stage and behind the scenes at New York's top opera houses, will share his passion for and vast knowledge of opera with "newbie" Michelle Maryk. Between acts, the two will offer fun, light-hearted, and informative commentary about the operas as they enjoy a hearty brunch. A former professional classical dancer who appeared in several productions at New York's famed Metropolitan Opera, John Radwick left dance to work in the costume departments of the New York City Opera and the New York City Ballet. Michelle Maryk, an actress and comedian, has made a living of off her witty humor and on-screen antics. Her many credits include serving as the host of GALLERY HD's original series Off the Wall and several appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
The series will continue on February 25th with Verdi's Otello starring José Cura, who is ranked among the world's leading interpreters of Verdi's music. The production was recorded live at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. During the month of March, Opera and an Omeletteé will feature productions from great Spanish opera houses including: Teatro Real de Madrid's production of Don Giovanni, starring Carlos Alvarez (March 4th); Opera de Bilbao's Tales of Hoffman directed by Giancarlo Del Monaco (March 11th); Teatro Real de Madrid's presentation of the Barber of Seville (March 18th) and Gran Teatre del Liceu's production of La Gazzetta, directed and designed by Nobel Prize-winning writer Dario Fo (March 25th). All the operas will include English subtitles.
About VOOM HD Networks
The VOOM HD Networks are the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere. Produced exclusively in true high definition and 5.1 Dolby® digital surround sound for distribution on cable and satellite systems, VOOM creates and carries programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. In the United States, the VOOM HD Networks are a critically acclaimed collection of 15 commercial-free channels, available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. VOOM is also becoming an international leader in high definition, with dedicated channels recently launched in Scandinavia and Canada, and programming available in over 20 different countries. Developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high- definition programming, the VOOM HD Networks build on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also owns Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.