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Microspace Digital Cinema Network To Deliver 2009 La Scala Premiere Opera Performance of 'Don Carlo' to U.S. Theaters

Posted on: Friday, 5 December 2008, 14:34 CST

RALEIGH, N.C. and LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace), the leading distributor of digital cinema via satellite, announced today it was selected by Emerging Pictures to deliver the 2009 season opening night performance of "Don Carlo" live in high-definition from the world-renowned La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy.

The event will mark the first live satellite-delivered opera from La Scala, considered one of the world's most famous opera houses. Microspace will deliver the event live in high definition and multi-channel surround sound to selected theaters December 7 at 12:00PM EST (6:00PM in Milan) to six states including California, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

"Emerging Pictures selected Microspace to deliver the opera world's most anticipated performance because of its experience in delivering live events in high definition via satellite," said Giovanni Cozzi, president, Emerging Pictures. "Microspace offers the reliability and expertise we need to ensure a flawless performance."

La Scala's Opening Night takes place on December 7 annually and is widely considered one of European society's most important cultural events. Italy's elite are joined in attendance by international heads of state, royalty, VIPs and the world's most ardent opera fans. Last year's Opening Night tickets soared to US $2800 each, and it is anticipated that this year's performance of "Don Carlo" will command even a higher premium as this opera is widely considered to be Giuseppe Verdi's greatest work. The digital cinema presentation is a collaboration between New York based Emerging Pictures and RAI Trade.

"Live alternative content is a growing business trend that is driving incremental revenue for exhibitors year-round," said Curt Tilly, manager of digital cinema distribution at Microspace. "The Microspace network of installed theater sites across the U.S., Canada and Mexico gives content providers like Emerging Pictures the option of delivering live alternative content."

Microspace offers the world's only full-time, dedicated digital cinema satellite system to distribute motion pictures as well as live performances. The system currently serves eight major motion picture studios and 22 theater networks that include Allen Theaters, Carmike Cinemas, Celebration! Cinemas, Cineplex Entertainment, Mann Theaters, Marquee Cinemas and Megaplex Theaters.

About Microspace

Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace), a subsidiary of Capitol Broadcasting Company, is the leader in satellite services for digital cinema, business communications and digital signage. The company operates the largest global business satellite broadcasting network with nearly 340,000 remote links worldwide. With a 20-year heritage, Microspace's VELOCITY(R) satellite services power networks for Morgan Stanley, Abercrombie and Fitch,

John Deere and many, many more. Microspace uses the Intelsat network for delivering services to the digital cinema industry.

The VELOCITY service is available as either a dedicated solution or as an on-demand service, enabling customers to easily and affordably expand bandwidth as their needs change. Microspace is headquartered in the U.S. and has a presence in Europe and Latin America. For more information, visit http://www.microspace.com.

About Capitol Broadcasting

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, 99.9 The Fan, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Marketing in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WMYT-TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV and The Durham Bulls in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Project and Diamond View office building in Durham, NC.

About Emerging Pictures

Emerging Pictures was founded in 2002 by Barry Rebo, Giovanni Cozzi and Ira Deutchman to create a new theatrical distribution network for independent, international and documentary films through the use of digital technology. Emerging has grown into a distribution, marketing and exhibition company through its network of theaters, Emerging Cinemas, bringing first-run art house cinema, opera and ballet worldwide. http://www.emergingpictures.com. Emerging Pictures is the leading distributor of Operas into Cinemas representing the programs from Teatro alla Scala (Milan, Italy), Salzburg Festival (Austria), Teatro La Fenice (Venice, Italy), Teatro del Maggio Musicale (Florence, Italy), Teatro Regio (Parma, Italy), Teatro Comunale di Bologna (Italy), Glyndebourne Festival (U.K.), Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Valencia, Spain).

SOURCE Microspace

Source: PR Newswire

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