Opera hits the great outdoors Friday, Sept 30 as the Opera Company of Philadelphia, a Knight Arts grantee, celebrates the opening of its 2011-2012 season with an al fresco live simulcast of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. “Opening Night Philadelphia” is the first ever simulcast at Independence Mall and will feature an enormous HD screen and thousands of new and veteran opera fans.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia was awarded $150,000 as part of the Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia to host the simulcast. The event is free to all and begins at 8pm – register online in advance or on-site at the event. Whet your opera appetite with this video asking artists what they love about Philadelphia

Opening Night Philadelphia! Friday, Sept 30, Independence Mall, free