The Met: Live in HD: Encore time for four operas

Above: Renée Fleming takes center stage in The Met: Live in HD Summer Encores seres presentation of Franz Lehár's opera "The Merry Widow." (Photo/Fathom Events)

As late as the 19th century, opera was one of the most popular forms of performance art. At least among those who love music.

It caters mostly to a much smaller group these days, especially among those who love music. The top Spotify stars don’t tend to sing arias in Italian.

But thanks to The Met: Live in HD series, not only do opera fans get to hear – not to mention see – some of their favorite pieces without having to travel to New York or, farther afield, Milan, they can simply drive to either of a couple of area movie theaters.

Beginning on July 13, the Regal Cinemas theaters at Northtown Mall and Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone Stadium will be featuring The Met: Live in HD Summer Encores series.

The entire schedule is a follows (all screenings will be held at both 1 and 6:30 p.m.):

July 13: “The Merry Widow.” Susan Stroman presents Franz Lehár’s work, featuring soprano Renée Fleming, baritone Nathan Gunn and soprano Kelli O’Hara.

July 27: “Madame Butterfly.” Anthony Minghella stages Giacomo Puccini’s opera, featuring soprano Patricia Racette.

Aug. 3: “La Bohème.” Another Puccini offering, this one based on Franco Zeffirelli staging, featuring soprano Sonya Yoncheva and tenor Michael Fabiano.

Aug. 10: “La Fille du Régiment.” In this 2008 production of Gaetano Donizetti’s work, soprano Natalie Dessay is the feature performer.

That’s the lot. Make sure to check your librettos before you go.