On Stage, Backstage, and Beyond

A fascinating look at the preparation and production of a Live in HD cinema broadcast, this 12-minute film takes you behind the scenes of the 2015 transmission of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" with the HD director, host, stars, and crew. Get an up-close view of the process behind the Met's HD presentations – watch the feature on the following screen.

In recent seasons, the HD cameras have gone a step further behind the scenes during the intermissions of several broadcasts for a look at other operas then in rehearsal at the Met. On the following pages, Met artists are seen working on Lehár's "The Merry Widow" and Verdi's "Falstaff," and members of the orchestra explain the musical leitmotifs in Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen."

In 2010, visionary director Robert Lepage teamed up with the Metropolitan Opera to tackle opera's most monumental challenge: the production of Wagner's epic "Ring" cycle. In her documentary "Wagner's Dream," award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke chronicles the making of the Met's "Ring" from early technical rehearsals through the presentation of the four-part cycle on stage.

This acclaimed full-length documentary from filmmaker Susan Froemke looks at the intense pressures young opera singers face as they struggle to succeed in one of the most difficult professions in the performing arts. The film, released in 2007, takes you behind the scenes at the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions, where each year thousands of hopefuls compete for a cash prize, the chance to sing on the Met stage – and the opportunity to launch a major operatic career.

The Met’s HD Live in Schools program was established in 2007 to bring opera performances into five New York City high schools – for free. Today, students in 30 states across the U.S. participate in the program, with nearly 14,000 students each year attending broadcasts at their local movie theaters. Students also get the chance to meet Met artists like mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato (pictured) for special educational events. Watch a clip of soprano Patricia Racette visiting a New York City high school on the following page.

Meet some of the star hosts and artists from the early seasons of Live in HD.