Placido Domingo on PBS SoCal Nov. 25

Los Angeles will provide its entry to the nine-part PBS Fall Arts Festival with the premiere of Great Performances “Il Postino From LA Opera” with Plácido Domingo. The special episode will air Friday, Nov. 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCaL and will be hosted by legendary singer Linda Rondstadt.



“Il Postino” features the beautiful voice of world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo with the LA Opera in a romantic new opera, by composer Daniel Catán, based on the Oscar-winning Italian film.



Ronstadt is one of the most honored female musicians in history, with 10 Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award and numerous gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, among many others. She also received the ALMA award (created by the National Council of La Raza to honor Latino artists who promote a positive image of their community), presented to her by Domingo, making this a felicitous pairing of host and star.



“Il Postino From LA Opera,” part of the Great Performances series from WNET/NY, is presented in cooperation with PBS SoCaL, and will include PBS SoCaL’s calendar of what’s new in the Southern California arts scene.



PBS SoCaL’s support for the arts is reflected in its broadcast and community outreach activities. The station prominently covers the arts community in its programming, bringing to television nationally known names as well as talented local performers who may not otherwise get broadcast attention. PBS SoCaL’s initiatives in support of the arts include:



· Working with regional arts organizations including The Bowers Museum, St. Michael’s Abbey, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Center Theater Group to produce dozens of video segments on their works, exhibits and productions for the program “Real Orange;”

· Showcasing dozens of original music programs featuring individual artists and televised events such as “Star Wars: In Concert” from the Hollywood Bowl;

· Producing “ArtSmart” – series of short interview segments that offer viewers insights and information about local arts institutions;

· Covering the local and national literary arts on the acclaimed author-interview show, “Bookmark with Maria Hall-Brown.”



The PBS Fall Arts Festival, which originates from cities around the country, premiered Oct. 14, 2011 and is introduced by well-known hosts connected to the regions and themes of the programs. The Festival’s exciting line-up of performances will be broadcast every Friday night at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCaL into mid-December.



The remaining PBS Fall Arts Festival broadcast schedule, airing Friday evenings at 9 p.m., is as follows;



· Nov. 25 – Los Angeles: GREAT PERFORMANCES “Il Postino From LA Opera” with Plácido Domingo, hosted by Linda Ronstadt

· Dec. 2 – New York: GREAT PERFORMANCES “Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park,” hosted by Paula Zahn

· Dec. 9 – San Francisco: GREAT PERFORMANCES “The Little Mermaid From San Francisco Ballet,” hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi