Paul Selar experiences a one-on-one performance of Beethoven’s song cycle An die ferne Geliebte via the telephone.

Weaving fragments from medieval versions of Tristan and Isolde, David Lang's a cappella chamber opera speaks potently about love's varied moods.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was a formidable music force under outgoing Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

A joyful production that demonstrates how it's possible to be world class while working on a shoestring.

Barrie Kosky's daring, dazzling production is controversial yet poignant, with the music having the final say.

A wild, confronting and bittersweet ride in three acts you won’t easily forget.

A new opera about William Buckley tells an incredible story, but the Indigenous characters are under-represented.

A beautifully sung, trenchant and multi-perspective staging of Britten's opera.

This adaptation of Atwood's novel is the best of the bunch at this new opera festival.

Critic Paul Selar gives us his insight into four of the operas on offer at Bayreuth this year.