The Vienna State Opera are kindly giving Intermezzo readers the chance to try out their live streaming service (normally €14 a pop) for free.
The service, launched in late 2013, offers live opera broadcasts in Full HD. While you're watching, you can switch between the standard multicamera setup with close ups and a fixed full screen view (as if you're sitting in the auditorium). Multilingual subtitles are available on a separate device, and you can choose whether you start the stream live, or delay it for a few hours.
Here's the message from the Vienna State Opera:
"We would very much like to invite you as opera lovers and visitors of Intermezzo to try our new offer for free. Please write us an eMail to office@staatsoperlive.com, we will send you a voucher code to one of the upcoming broadcasts – Offenbachs “Les contes d’Hoffmann” on June 1, or Janacek's “The cunning little vixen” on June 30."
I strongly suggest you read the information page carefully and try the test-stream before you apply, as not all of the options are available with certain setups. It's possible to watch from any old tinny laptop, but a large TV screen, the Samsung Smart TV app, and/or an additional smartphone or tablet will allow you to take full advantage of all the features available.
Wow. Wonderful offer--and great to know that we wouldn't be limited to the typical stupid camera shots that focus on the wrong person at key moments.
Now if only my Internet provider was up to the challenge. I shall try, anyway.
Posted by: Sheila | 27 May 2014 at 04:21 AM
Wow, What an awesome offer! Thanks for the opportunity. I heard part of Hoffmann on OE1 Radio last weekend and I think I'll check it out again THIS weekend. Thanks again!
Posted by: Regie, or Not Regie | 27 May 2014 at 01:36 PM
Thank you, Intermezzo, for this offer! It was easy to get the voucher code this morning and I'm looking forward to the opera on June 30.
Posted by: Heather | 27 May 2014 at 01:53 PM
The Staatsoper obliged by sending the voucher code almost immediately. I shall be enjoying (I hope!) "Hoffmann" on my not so tinny old laptop.
Posted by: Diane | 27 May 2014 at 03:32 PM
Forgot to say thanks to you for this opportunity! Tsk,tsk, manners!
Posted by: Diane | 27 May 2014 at 03:55 PM
Aah Intermezzo you are too generous, not to mention the team at Vienna State Opera. Will certainly take up the offer - now all I need is a 50inch plasma with surround sound. do you have a voucher code for that?
Posted by: Brett Sidaway | 27 May 2014 at 04:22 PM
Thanks Intermezzo -- I'm an avid reader and I'm looking forward to seeing The Cunning Little Vixen!
Posted by: Christopher | 27 May 2014 at 04:25 PM
"Watch your Wiener - for free"
Some of us have been doing this for years......
Posted by: SJT | 27 May 2014 at 09:31 PM
No other interested spectators?
Posted by: manou | 28 May 2014 at 02:34 PM
They tend to form an orderly queue, commensurate with levels of payment.
Posted by: SJT | 28 May 2014 at 07:18 PM
Most splendid. Thank you Intermezzo for the opportunity to sample this. I'm confident that my exactly 5-year old today, above-average laptop will be able to cope.
Posted by: Tone | 28 May 2014 at 07:40 PM
I´ve already watched live streams from the Vienna State Opera and their streaming is absolutely perfect. For their high quality I don´t mind paying the usual Eu14,oo. Obviously this offer is wonderful.
Posted by: Helen | 06 June 2014 at 07:17 PM
I agree. I thoroughly enjoyed Intermezzo's freebie. The streaming was of such good quality that I would be happy to pay if another Staatsoper production takes my fancy.
Posted by: Diane | 11 June 2014 at 11:26 AM