The colourful story of Violetta, who finally finds true honesty and tries to quit her sinful life as Paris' leading courtesan. But alas! Violetta is struck by tuberculosis and fights in vain against the contempt of those around her and the hypocrisy of the...

It takes forever to produce an opera production. Several years pass from the moment your idea is conceived to the moment the champagne is popped at the premiere. In your first years as an opera director, you will inherit your predecessor's repertoire. Your own best...

Despairing over her arranged marriage, Lucia di Lammermoore stabs her husband to death on their wedding night while the guests wait downstairs. Covered in blood, she staggers down the castle stairs, captivating the audience with the acrobatic mad scene aria from...

Carmen's signature aria is opera at its very best. The Habanera steams with temperament and sexy flirtation, instantly leading the poor soldier Don José astray. The melody's descending, chromatic scale more than hints at trouser or dress buttons being slowly...

Puccini made his breakthrough at the same time as technological developments exploded around 1900. Radio, records, films and skilfully orchestrated advertising campaigns in the new mass media created unprecedented demand. Puccini and his forward-thinking publisher...

Your voice is your instrument, and it must be looked after and cared for. Be prepared for a life that may be more puritanical than you expected. Diet and lifestyle affect your voice. Red wine dries out your mucous membranes, and fatty foods cause stomach acid, which...

Handel was an enterprising gentleman from Germany who became one of the kings of the Baroque era. He enjoyed huge success in London in the 1700s with his Italian-inspired operas, magnificent oratorios and captivating orchestral pieces. Handel was involved in several...

The greatest tearjerker in opera history. Only the most hardened can resist when the poor bohemian artist Rodolfo realises that his beloved Mimi has succumbed to tuberculosis, and the death knell sounds in Puccini's poignant finale.For seven years, Angelica has...

Mozart at his best – lively, fast and playful. An upstairs/downstairs farce with the best overture in opera history, featuring captivating orchestration and a feast of timpani. The ensemble finale with its iconic fifth leaps is a masterpiece of musical purity and...

Paradoxically, the huge range of online entertainment available today makes live events even more exciting. Opera is a wild mix of music, singing and spectacular stage shows that provides a unique real-time experience. Keep an eye on the theatre's website and book...

Wagner's Ring is an iconic boxing match between good and evil, spread over four operas with a total playing time of almost 20 hours. With The Ring, Wagner revolutionised the opera genre with a new compositional approach, carried by powerful,ng soundscapes without aria...

Florentina Holzingers sensational opera performance has made headlines across Europe. Sancta is explicit sex, blood and violence – a feminist kick in the crotch of the Catholic Mass. The music is a fusion spectacle, ranging from classical choral pieces to brutal hard...

Operetta emerged in the 1850s as a kind of “opera light” with a focus on silly comedy plots and naughty staging that appealed to a wide audience. Light, popular entertainment with high spirits and fast pace, which serious opera aficionados tend to frown upon.French...

The Lithuanian megastar is my absolute favourite soprano with her unique tone and captivating stage presence. Immeasurably melodious with a dramatic impact that must be experienced to be understood. Her breakthrough in the famous Castellucci-Salome earned her the...