There is no doubt that live-in-HD versions of Metropolitan Opera performances have been a signal success, both at the box office of the international theaters in which they are shown, and in the opinion of many operagoers.

BERLIN — Rumors that German film-maker Wim Wenders will stage “Der Ring des Nibelungen” for Wagner’s 200th anniversary at Bayreuth in 2013 are soon to be confirmed. Katharina Wagner has told the German newspaper “Die Welt” that the festival is in the midst of negotiations.

Andreas Scholl, arguably the world’s most famous countertenor, has found a new way to stun his fans and anger his critics – with a daring approach to Purcell’s love duets. He talks gender-bending and jealous sopranos with Tom Service.

BEIJING—When Italian opera star Leo Nucci set off in 2009 on his first-ever working visit to China, he concedes he felt a measure of excitement.

When you’re an opera you’re not necessarily an opera all the way. Such is the case with West Side Story – best known as a Broadway musical and subsequent movie musical. But there’s an operatic version of the Leonard Bernstein classic, and such a production will open Vancouver Opera’s 2011-2012 season.

It is the story of an immoral Lothario, a tale which begins with sexual violence and ends with divine justice. You’d have thought seasoned opera-goers would be well prepared for the exploits of Don Giovanni. But that hasn’t stopped a new production from being accused of “shock tactics” by suggesting scenes involving gang rape.

Opera doesn’t have to be produced in grand venues to make an impact. Just look at what we’ve done to the King’s Head.

The Royal Opera House company hasn’t performed in Japan for nearly 20 years. Nicholas Wroe accompanied it on a return visit and found the performers ready to reach out to the world.

A few hours before the gala start to a new season, Metropolitan Opera general manager Peter Gelb was anything but boastful. This, despite successfully opening up his company to the world.

It is 6.30pm on a cloudy Monday evening and the audience is gathering outside the theatre. Although the opening night of this much-heralded new opera has been the talk of the town for weeks, nobody could have anticipated such a chaotic scene. The number of people wanting to get in has overwhelmed the box office, which has just shut down, and those who do have tickets cannot get to their seats in the scrum.