Preview: Il Re Pastore, Linbury Theatre, ROH, London

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article356792.ece

The Guardian on Helen of Troy and Opera

She’ll always have Paris

Sexual icon, dark temptress or a smutty comedienne? Helen of Troy has fascinated writers and composers for centuries.

The Finnish Soprano Soile Isokoski Returns for New York Dates

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/09/arts/music/09gure.html

BELLINI: La sonnambula — La Scala 1955

La sonnambula, Melodramma in due atti

Music composed by Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835). Libretto by Felice Romani, based on La Sonnambule ou L’arrivÈe d’un nouveau Seigneur (1827) by EugËne Scribe.

Farewell, Maestro

http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2006/04/10/entertainment/entertainment02.txt

Netrebko Romps Through Met’s ‘Pasquale’

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/08/AR2006040800574.html

LEONCAVALLO: Pagliacci

No exact date is given for this performance and there is good reason for
it. The sleeve notes clearly state that baritone Enzo Sordello (of the 15
minutes of world fame when the Met fired him for clinging to a high note
longer than Callas) sings the role of Silvio.

Rosie Millard on the price of tickets at Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House is publicly funded – so why does it charge more than £100 per seat, asks Rosie Millard

La Belle Helene, Coliseum, London

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/reviews/article356359.ece

BELLINI: I Capuleti e i Montecchi

I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Tragedia lirica in due atti e quattro parti.

Music composed by Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835). Libretto by Felice Romani, based on the play Giulietta e Romeo (1818) by Luigi Scevola.