Andre Rieu To Be Part Of New Arts Channel For Foxtel


 



SBS to run new arts channel for Foxtel

    * Michaela Boland, National arts writer
    * From: The Australian
    * January 26, 2010 12:00AM

   

FLAMBOYANT violinist Andre Rieu will be part of the mix but a new arts channel will include more than endless reruns of his lavish concerts.

That's the word from SBS, which has been contracted by Foxtel to create the channel after the platform's decision to drop Ovation.

The new channel, called Studio, will go to air on April 1 on Foxtel and regionally on Austar with a brief to connect to Australia's arts scene and build on Ovation's audience of over-55s.

"We're not going to all of a sudden focus on young, funky Chunky Move (performances) to the exclusion of programming that's loved by the traditional Ovation audience," said SBS's director of strategy, Bruce Meagher.

Studio would attempt to emulate Australia's more successful arts festivals, which had broadened their audience base in recent years, Mr Meagher said.

"If we can do something like that, it'll be a great success."

Changes to programming would be introduced slowly, he added.

Studio will be run by SBS's commercial division -- separate from its public-broadcasting channels -- which last year assumed full control of the World Movies channel.

It will include programs on books and writing, visual arts, architecture, design and the performing arts.

"We will look at programming two to three documentary series a year created by Australians about Australian themes and we're going to have at least six events, things like music festivals and major new Australian plays," he said.

Studio will leverage SBS's international connections to buy foreign programming, and Mr Meagher said a mini roadshow to Australian arts companies was under way to sell the idea and investigate co-production possibilities.

The Sydney Opera House has a full digital recording capability and Mr Meagher said, by way of example, that Studio could collaborate with the venue.

Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at January 25, 2010
Categories: Australia, Articles-Interviews
Tags: Andre Rieu
 
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  • January 29, 2010 Elizabeth Heinsohn-Deer wrote:
    Wow yet again what with Limelight, Foxtel,Dame Edna, what next> How are the plans for the North Pole concert proceeding? xxx
  • February 7, 2010 Patricia Idrobo wrote:
    Hola André te escribo desde Ecuador. Admiro mucho tu habilidad pero bueno, realmente no es mucha, yo aprendí a tocar el violín desde niña y en varias posiciones. No sólo la habitual. Pero, creo que tienes mucha pasión por ese instrumento al igual que yo. Ojalá algún día pueda conocerte personalmente y tocar juntos. Cuidate guapo chao
  • February 7, 2010 Patricia Idrobo wrote:
    Hola André hay muchas seguridades en tu mail. Deberías hacerlo más accesible. Ya sé que eres un personaje muy conocido e importante pero habrá mucha gente que quiere comunicarse contigo y no puede hacerlo debido a tanta seguridad.
  • February 7, 2010 Patricia Idrobo wrote:
    Hol André por decirte que eres un hombre muy guapo y sólo quisiera una noche contigo y que lo único que lleves puesto sea el violín. Te escribo desde Ecuador. Si algún día vienes ya sabes....guau!
  • February 22, 2010 Narelle Roberts wrote:
    Andr'e promised he would be in sydney for mother's day 2010 any news on this event
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