Sochi Olympics organizers offer a few details on opening ceremony

SOCHI, Russia -- Television viewers tuning in for the 2014 Sochi Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night should not expect a reprise of the 2012 London Games opener.

In other words, there will be no Paul McCartney singing “Hey Jude.”

“Unfortunately, we cannot boast a plethora of famous, world-known pop stars,” producer Konstantin Ernst said. “This is why were are now focusing on what Russia is best known for musically around the world -- namely classical music.”

Sochi organizers have kept a tight lid on preparations, but let a few details slip Friday morning.

The program calls for a journey through Russian history, a story told in 18 episodes. Famed soprano Anna Netrebko will sing the Olympic anthem.

Ernst also hinted that the most boring part of any opening ceremony -- the parade of nations -- might be abbreviated with athletes emerging from beneath the stage at the center of Fisht Olympic Stadium.

“They will arrive at the stadium just like the ancient heroes of Greece,” he said.

The show is scheduled to last 2.5 hours. It will involve 3,000 performers and 22.5 tons of fireworks.

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