[ ClassicalX ] Opera buffs flock to Victoria Park

Opera in the park provided the perfect anecdote to a summer of boozy rock festivals. Giant screens erected in Victoria Park, Canary Wharf and other parts of London and Britain, relayed the live performance of Mozart's the Marriage of Figaro on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch the opera, which was being performed live in Covent Garden to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Motzart.

The classic story of servants outwitting their master was directed by the renowned David McVicar and performed at the Royal Opera house.

In Canary Wharf, it was a far cry from the violence that marred the screening of the first England World Cup match against Paraguay last month.

Office workers brought picnics and set down for a relatively peaceful night of music.

Opening the proceedings was a special performance by 13-year-old singer and composer, Alex Prior, who has already been compared with Pavarotti because of his remarkable voice.

In Victoria Park, families sprawled out on the grass and enjoyed the sunshine.

The weather managed to stay sunny, despite threats of rain and dark clouds looming over the park.

Source: http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/
Both screens were part of a nationwide scheme, with similar events taking place in Trafalgar Square, Ipswich, and Leeds. In total, 34 screens were erected in the UK, meaning the opera was seen by more than 50,000 people.

The screens in Canary Wharf will also be showing sporting events, including Wimbledon.