Met Opera's 'Carmen' HD telecast sets record

[February 04, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- The Metropolitan Opera's live high definition telecast of Bizet's "Carmen" to movie theaters has set a record with 240,000 viewers.

Saturday's performance starring Elina Garanca and Roberto Alagna sold an estimated 140,000 tickets for 700 screens in North America and a 100,000 more for 300 screens in 37 countries in Europe and Latin America, the company said Sunday. The total topped the Met's previous mark of 197,000 last March 7 for Puccini's "Madama Butterfly."

The Met estimates that the total audience for "Carmen" including delayed showings will be 320,000, bettering the 285,000 for "Butterfly." The company's HD series is in its fourth season.

[Associated Press]

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