Vienna platform launches opera live stream

VIENNA (AP) — Vienna's opera scene is going live on the web for the first time with the launch of the first Internet-based platform for streaming classical productions from the Austrian capital.

The venture kicks off Sunday with the premiere of Gioachino Rossini's "La cambiale di matrimonio" — "The marriage contract" — at Vienna's Kammeroper.

The production stars an international cast of singers, including Lithuanian bass-baritone Igor Bakan, American tenor Andrew Owens, Australian baritone Ben Connor, and soprano Anna Maria Sarra and mezzosoprano Gaia Petrone, both of Italy. The production is conducted by Konstantin Chudovsky and directed by Jacopo Spirei.

Bakan, in the role of Tobia Mill, says he hopes "both avid fans and newcomers" will tune in online at www.sonostream.tv.

The free performance begins at 1730 GMT.

____

Online: www.sonostream.tv