One of my greatest lessons about live opera took place years ago when I saw two performances of Verdi's "Don Carlo" in three days.

For many, it is a first brush with live opera.

It also sponsored Scottish Opera and televised live opera and ballet, networking more opera than similar television companies.

At Nicola Paone, the salad show is sometimes even accompanied by a little live opera.

On the weekend, students from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and elsewhere perform live opera.

Now you can enjoy the beauty of live opera for the price of a cinema seat or online from your own home.

Despite the small stage (only five feet wide and two feet deep), the illusion of live opera prevails.

National CineMedia said it would transmit live operas to about 25 major markets and recorded versions to 25 smaller markets.

A satellite receiver is also used to display live operas, plays, and ballets.

"For me," the impresario replied on that muggy night, "live opera in the opera house will always be the core experience."