Arts Alliance Media is working with Montreal-based DigiScreen Corporation, The Pillar Group and the Royal Opera House-owned TV and DVD production company Opus Arte to bring ballets, operas and dance from the Royal Opera House and other performing arts companies to cinemas across Europe.

The HD content, both pre-recorded and live, will be seen in the UK and Ireland (initially via Odeon and Cityscreen Picturehouse), France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux and the Nordic territories.

The exclusive deal is for digital projection with 5.1 surround sound.

The first offerings include the Royal Ballet's Sylvia with Darcey Bussell, the Royal Opera's Le Nozze Di Figaro directed by David McVicar.

AAM has also worked with operatic offerings with its La Scala series.

Paul Chesney, director of business development for AAM said: 'Digital cinema is enabling cinemas to become vibrant cultural entertainment centres, as well as movie houses. We are delighted to be working with the Royal Opera House, Opus Arte and DigiScreen and thrilled to be bringing these stunning performances to cinema exhibitors across the UK and Europe.'

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House and Executive Chairman of Opus Arte, added: 'Having experienced the performances first hand, I cannot emphasize enough what an exhilarating experience these screenings live or recorded are, the High Def digital technology coupled with Surround Sound is remarkable.'

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