Awe-inspiring live opera on the big screen

The much anticipated 2013-14 Live in HD Season from the Metropolitan Opera in New York will be screened four times, exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor theatres countrywide, on 9, 13 and 14 November at 7.30 PM and on 10 November 10 2.30 PM.

It's not only about experiencing opera at its best

With the sublimely spectacular Eugene Onegin, it's not only about experiencing opera at its best. During the two 15-minute intermission breaks and scene breaks, you get a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the production team behind the curtain and watch how they meticulously bring the world of Alexander Pushkin's novel and the 1820's St Petersburg to glorious life.

Witnessing the live transformation from a massive ballroom to a snow-filled landscape in a couple of minutes is pure magic.

If that's not enough, hostess Deborah Voigt, one of opera's leading dramatic sopranos, interviews The Met's GM Peter Gelb before curtain up, as well as the principle singers as they step off stage after a performance, and conductor Valery Gergiev before he steps into the pit to conduct Act III (you also get to walk with him and his assistant from the stage to the orchestra pit).

It's moments like these that gives one an opportunity to crawl under the skin of opera, and mark the beginning of an instant love affair with the world of live opera.

It's also about love

Eugene Onegin is all about love, not only between the characters, but Tchaikovsky's luscious and soulful score is enough to capture any heart.

Add to this the magnificent Anna Netrebko, who opens her third consecutive Met season in her company role debut as Tatiana, the naïve heroine; Mariusz Kwiecien (who has sung in many of the world's leading opera houses) as the self-confident title character, in a much-admired interpretation; and Piotr Beczala reprising his acclaimed performance as Onegin's friend-turned-rival, Lenski, and you are in for opera at its best.

A further bonus is the superb set designs by Tom Pye (his use of mirrors is ingenious); the detail and texture of Chloe Obolensky's costumes contribute to the richness of the production; lighting designer Jean Kalman creates miracles; video designers Finn Ross and Ian William Galloway spin their own magic; and choreographer Kim Brandstrup adds vigour to the passion.

You don't have to be an opera lover to enjoy Eugene Onegin. If you take pleasure in heavenly music, a great romantic story and voices that will rouse emotions, these four hours in the dark fly swiftly. In fact, it's guaranteed that you'll return for another screening.

Make sure not to miss Deborah Warner's sensational production of Eugene Onegin, directed for this staging by Fiona Shaw, or four hours of your life will remain missing forever!

To book tickets and for more information, please visit: www.cinemanouveau.co.za or mobi site www.sterkinekor.mobi.