Opera Cinema: A New Cultural Experience - Paperbackby Joseph Attard (Author) Since 2006, leading opera companies have beamed their shows to thousands of cinema screens all over the world live. 'Opera cinema' is the most successful marriage of this elaborate, esoteric art form and the silver screen. In the twenty first century, more people watch opera on cinema screens than the stage. But what is different about watching Massenet at the multiplex, compared to a traditional stage performance? Is opera