Grab a seat to Vue season of classic cinema performances

A SEASON of films of classical performances for cinema-goers in Edinburgh has been announced, kicking off with an exclusive performance of La Traviata, Verdi's best-loved opera from London's Royal Opera House.

The screening, at the Omni Centre's Vue cinema on 18 January at 2pm and 19 January at 6:15pm, is the first of 11 films to be shown throughout 2010 of some of the UK's favourite operas, ballets and plays.

Recorded in June 2009, the performance of La Traviata stars American soprano Rene Fleming making her debut as Violetta at Covent Garden.

A performance of Romeo and Juliet, recorded at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, will show on 15 February at 2pm and 16 February at 6:15pm.

Mark De Quervain, sales and marketing director of Vue Entertainment, said: "Similar screenings last year were well supported so we're pleased to offer a broader spectrum of performances."