London opera house sparks debate with tabloid 'stunt' (AFP)

LONDON (AFP) - London's Royal Opera House triggered an energetic debate about "culture for the masses" Wednesday after limiting tickets for a prestigious premiere to readers of a tabloid newspaper. The respected venue will open its autumn season with a performance of "Don Giovanni" on September 8, but only for readers of The Sun, which is more famous for its Page Three topless models than its coverage of Mozart's masterpieces. In addition the London concert hall has done a deal to relay live screenings of some of its performances to cinemas across Britain and in Europe, in a bid to attract wider audiences and counter the "elite" image of opera here. "This is a very exciting time for the Royal Opera House," said its chief executive Tony Hall in a statement. "We have so many opportunities to open up our doors to more people and... [read full story]