Acquisitions made from BBC Worldwide and Opus Arte
New York, NY – February 6, 2007 – VOOM HD Networks' Gallery HD, the only high-definition channel devoted to the visual arts, announced today a new Sunday afternoon programming block, Opera and an Omelet, featuring an eleven week series of various, well known operas from around the world beginning Sunday, February 18th at noon. The operas have been acquired from BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of The BBC and television and production company Opus Arte UK Ltd and have been chosen as much for their visual appeal as for their variety. VOOM HD Networks are the largest and most diverse suite of HD channels available nationwide and currently on Dish Network.
"VOOM's Gallery HD is dedicated to working with the top producers from around the world to deliver spectacular imagery from the front line of the arts and entertainment genres," said Executive Producer Tamar Hacker. "Gallery HD is a visual arts channel and these operas are a perfect extension of that mandate. Each one is highly visual with stunning sets, lights and costumes all in 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound."
The first opera to premiere from the Opera and an Omelet programming block is Handel's Giulio Cesare. Sung in Italian, the music is provided by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the UK's leading period instrument ensemble. The following Sunday, February 25th will be Verdi's Otello starring Jose 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. For the month of March, Opera and an Omelet will feature Don Giovanni on March 4th, followed by Tales of Hoffman on March 11th, Barber of Seville on March 18th and then La Gazzetta on March 25th. All the operas will include English subtitles.
Each program will be wrapped by Michelle Maryak and John Radwick, as they enjoy a casual brunch while looking at, and commenting on, each production. In a series of fun, light-hearted and informational interstitials, Radwick will discuss the operas with opera newbie Maryk. Radwick was a classical dancer who appeared in several operas at the Metropolitan Opera. He followed his dance career with several years in the Costume Department of New York City Opera and is currently the Assistant Men's Wardrobe Supervisor at New York City Ballet. The segments will be at the top of each act.
Today's announcement comes on the heels of Gallery HD'S announcement this month of the exhibition of the VOOM PORTRAITS BY ROBERT WILSON, an artistic venture consisting of over 30 high-definition video portraits, created by the celebrated theater icon and visual artist Robert Wilson. The portraits demonstrate Gallery HD's capabilities in high definition television, capitalizing on the richness of this technology. In October 2007, Gallery HD will debut the video portraits, as well as a behind the scenes, making of, documentary, on television.
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.
About BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has seven core businesses: Global Channels, Global TV Sales, Magazines, Content & Production, Home Entertainment, Children's and Digital Media. In 2005/06 BBC Worldwide generated profits of ₤89 million on sales of ₤784 million.