By Frank Cadenhead [Opera Today, 10 February 2012]

February 10, 2012. Who says Italian opera is in the doldrums? Contrary to all the recent budget bad news from the country that invented the form, the dramatic new 150 million Euro ($200 million) opera house in Florence projects another view. The house was far enough along for a celebratory opening concert December 21st with Zubin Mehta conducting.