Image via Wikipedia Partially because of the economy and partially because of the changing times, opera companies (professional ensembles of instrumentalists, vocalists, set designers, etc. who solely produce operas) have had a difficult time surviving financially. Because of this, there are a few opera companies that have started some innovative programming. If you do not have opportunities to see an opera or other large scale vocal work in person at the local theater or university, I suggest checking out The Met: Live in HD . The Metropolitan Opera , the foremost opera company in the United States , taped various performances in HD and have toured the films at various local movie theaters. Imagine not only seeing and experiencing an opera, but also enjoying it in Dolby Surround Sound! You can find out about the upcoming season here: http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast/hd_events_next.aspx The upcoming season includes: Wagner's Das Reingol...

See the Metropolitan opera for the cost of a movie ticket!  Can't afford to pay for the Metropolitan Opera 's extravagant rendition of Richard Wagner 's Das Reingold ? Don't worry about burning through your checkbook to see the Met. The Met is coming to a movie theater near you with The Met: Live in HD film series. You don't have to be rolling in dough to enjoy the best that the Met has to offer. Shot in impressive HD and larger than life, The Met: Live in HD series opens up a new and exciting world of music and opera at regular movie ticket prices that anyone can afford. Why did the Metropolitan Opera create this series? Created by a grant from Metropolitan Opera sponsors The Neubauer Family Foundation, this Emmy Award-winning series is the Met's answer to the growing economic crises which has negatively affected the pocketbook of every major classical music institution. Growing a new generation of opera lovers is nearly impossible with music educatio...