Fredonia, N.Y. The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will screen a unique high definition “captured live” art exhibition event titled Henri Matisse- The Cut-Outs on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Captured live in high definition, this cinematic presentation is part of a global revolution bringing the world’s greatest art exhibitions to cinemas and performing arts centers around the world. Filmed at the Tate Modern museum in London, where Henri Matisse-The Cut-Outs has been hailed as the most successful exhibition in the Tate Modern’s history, the production also features exclusive new footage from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, where the exhibit was on display through February of this year.

Audiences are invited to enjoy an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at this acclaimed exhibition with contributions from people who knew Matisse and subject matter experts including curators, historians, Tate Modern Director Nicholas Serota and MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry.

There also are breathtaking, specially commissioned performances by Royal Ballet principal dancer Zenaida Yanowsky and jazz musician Courtney Pine. Acclaimed British actor Simon Russell Beale brings insight and emotion to the words of Matisse himself, while actor Rupert Young narrates.

Apollo magazine says “the way the production captured Matisse at work, bringing his artistry to life including resonant readings from Simon Russell Beale is genuinely inspiring.”

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that because Fredonia’s Farm Festival is being held the same weekend, patrons are advised to arrive early and plan to park on one of the side streets surrounding downtown Fredonia. “Come early and grab dinner from one of the Farm Festival food vendors,” he suggests. “Doors to the theatre will be open starting at 6:50 p.m.”

This presentation is part of the Opera House’s Live in HD Series of events, which is made possible by Dr. James M. and Marcia Merrins, who funded the purchase of the satellite transmission and projection equipment used in the screening. Support also comes from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member. Headset funding was provided by Robert & Marilyn Maytum, the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club, and by a grant from Theatre Development Fund’s TAP Plus program in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.