Ian Storey, son of a Durham miner, is singing Tristan at La Scala - arguably the biggest prize in opera. Why is he unknown in Britain? Martin Kettle reports

[4 December 2007, The Guardian]

This year's winter exhibition in La Scala's museum is all about the times Maria Callas sang here. And the gift shop is loaded with commemorative merchandise celebrating Luciano Pavarotti. At the world's most famous opera house, they only deal in operatic legends. Which is why I have come to Milan to meet Ian Storey.