Opera Coming to Memorial Hall

Madama Butterfly to kick off season of HD broadcasts March 7

(2/12/09) Arias from Madama Butterfly will soon grace the Memorial Hall stage as live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera come to Shelburne Falls.

SFABA Board member Chris King, co-owner of Mocha Mayas Coffeehouse and Memorial Hall Association Board member, suggested the idea, which was embraced by the Association.

The arrangement with the Met provides for the satellite digital broadcast of 11 live Saturday afternoon performances to Memorial Hall and theatres around the country. The Shelburne Falls site will serve the northern Pioneer Valley area. The nearest venues are Hadley, Albany and West Springfield, which normally sell out as soon as the tickets are released. The license also allows for the future broadcast of taped shows. Tickets to the 425 seats are $22, and available through the Memorial Hall Website.

Pothole Pictures owns a state-of-the-art high definition digital projector which will be used for the broadcasts. Board member and Pothole Pictures manager Fred DeVecca spoke to the Met, and when they heard about our projector, said,  it's the best! . In the future, the HD projector may be used to broadcast other performances, events, sports or conferences, says King.

The Memorial Hall Association is raising funds to help purchase the satellite dish required for the broadcasts and is seeking grants to upgrade electrical equipment, make general renovations and to acquire new seating. King says they are looking at new seating which may be moveable for more flexibility in arranging the auditorium to allow room for events such as dances.

Our goal is to get the hall back to its former state as a quality regional venue for the arts, says King.  This is a cornerstone for a renaissance in Shelburne Falls. Memorial Hall is a treasure and its reuse will draw hundreds of visitors to the village, he said.

The SFABA is assisting the Association in marketing the Opera, and sees these events and other performances in Memorial Hall as a real draw which will stimulate the Shelburne Falls economy.  The SFABA Marketing Committee is looking at how we can leverage these events to benefit all businesses in the area, said Mary Vilbon, SFABA Executive Director.

Watch for other Shelburne Falls events to celebrate the opening. For more information, contact Chris King at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 413-625-6292.