NASHVILLE , TENN. ( January 17, 2007 ) - In the coming months, Nashville ’s Public Television (NPT) will broadcast several HDTV special events on its High Definition channel in addition to its regular programming on analog Channel 8. NPT’s HD channel is available over the air to those with digital receivers as well as to subscribers to Comcast and Charter Cable’s digital tier (Comcast channel 240 / Charter channel 788).

Beginning on Saturday, February 17, 2007, 1:00-4:00 p.m., GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: “I PURITANI,” will be the first in a series of five monthly Opera performances presented in HDTV exclusively on NPT’s High Definition channel. The opera by Vincenzo Bellini will be presented in its entirety.  

"Our additional digital channel allows us to share some of the high definition special programming with our community that is being offered, and at the same time continue our regular programming on our analog channel,” says NPT president and CEO Beth Curley. “Just as we inaugurated our HDTV service with our broadcast of the Nashville Symphony in its new hall, we’re pleased to be able to harness digital technology and present quality arts programming every chance we get.”

Other HDTV events to be broadcast exclusively on NPT’s High-Definition channel include:  

Sunday, January 28, 2007 , 8:00-10:00 p.m.

“ ONE SYMPHONY PLACE : A WORLD PREMIER FROM MUSIC CITY” -- A two-hour rebroadcast of the Nashville Symphony’s inaugural concert at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville  

Thursday, March 22, 2007 , 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Great Performances “BArenboim on Beethoven” -- Legendary pianist, conductor and recording artist Daniel Barenboim performs five Beethoven sonatas at Berlin’s Staatsoper — one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses — including the audience favorite “Appassionata” (Sonata No. 23, F Minor, Op. 57).  

Saturday, March 24, 2007 , 1:00-4:00 p.m.

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET:  "The First Emperor" - This premiere broadcast of Chinese composer Tan Dun’s brand-new, epic opera, features the legendary tenor Placido Domingo as Emperor Qin, who built the Great Wall and gave China its name. Tan Dun’s music is a fascinating mix of East and West, and the monumental production is staged by revered Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern and House of Flying Daggers), with costumes by Oscar-winning designer Emi Wada (Kurosawa’s Ran).

Saturday, April 21, 2007 , 1:00-4:00 p.m.

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET:  “Eugene Onegin” - With Renée Fleming and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, conducted by Valery Gergiev  

Saturday, May 26, 2007 , 1:00-4:00 p.m.

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: “The Barber of Seville” – A new production with Juan Diego Flórez  

Saturday, June 16, 2007 , 1:00-4:00 p.m.             

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: “Il Trittico” - Conducted by Maestro James Levine and directed by Jack O’Brien.

CONTACT: Joe Pagetta (615) 259-9325, x211
email: jpagetta@wnpt.net.