Don Carlo, widely considered to be Giuseppe Verdi's greatest work, has been selected to open the 2008/09 Teatro alla Scala Opera Season. Now a global audience can see it via a digital cinema release being organized by New York based Emerging Pictures & RAI Trade, the international sales arm of public broadcasting powerhouse, RAI.

The performance will be brought to cinemas throughout Europe and North America LIVE in High Definition worldwide, on Sunday, December 7th 2008.

La Scala's Opening Night is one of European society's most important cultural events. Heads of state, princes & kings, as well as Italy's elite are certain to be in attendance. Last year's premiere saw ticket prices soar to  $2800 each, and it is anticipated that this year's performance of Don Carlo with its superb cast, will command even a higher premium. Founded in 1778, La Scala is widely considered the greatest opera house in history. It has been home to many of the most renowned composers, conductors and virtuoso singers of the international opera world.

Opening Night of La Scala 2008/2009 Season - Cast and Production
December 7th 2008

New Production of the Teatro alla Scala
Conductor Daniele Gatti
Staging and Sets Stéphane Braunschweig
Costumes Thibault van Creanenbroeck
Lights Marion Hewlett

Philip II Ferruccio Furlanetto, bass-baritone:
widely in demand and has sung in the world's major opera houses.

Don Carlo Giuseppe Filianoti, tenor:
acknowledged as being one of the finest and most beautiful voices of his generation.

Rodrigo Dalibor Jenis, baritone:
acclaimed for his thoughtful interpretations and his great musicality.

The Grand Inquisitor Matti Salminen:
one of the leading basses of our time. He was King Mark in the Tristan und Isolde for the Premiere of La Scala in december 2007.

Elisabeth de Valois Fiorenza Cedolins, soprano:
the Italian star. She won the Luciano Pavarotti Vocal Competition in 1996 and has since performed with world-leading conductors and singers.

Princess Eboli Dolora Zajick, mezzo-soprano:
the leading exponent in the dramatic Verdian mezzo-soprano repertoire.