OP-era~2~ Front of house 4 Editorial 6 News and Comment + New boss for Wexfor'd Opera + First intervie\ \\1th Scottish Opera 's incom ing chief + Giulio Cesar e exhibition at Handel House

Features 12 Opera Housewarming Wayne Gooding unveil the Four Sea ons Centre for the Perfoming Arts: Canada's first purpose-built opera house 16 The Opera Now interview Yehuda Shapiro talks to soprano Susa n Bullock about maturing into the I'Oie of Brtinnhilde 19 In the wings Rising Dutch mezzo Chr·istiannc Stotijn discusses how her spiritual life informs her artistry 20 In the boardroom Peter Gelb sets out his stall as he takes charge of the Metropolitan Opera . , ew York 24 Out of Edinburgh Outgoing Edinburgh festival directo r Sir Brian McMaster' takes stock of three decades at the heart of British cultural li fe 28 The Performing Voice The definitive Wagnerian bass of his generation, Sir John 'l'omlinson ta l ks Mark Glam~ ll e through his long-lasting and versatile ca reer 32 Aria There are many recorded Tannhausers. but not everyone's 'lnbrunst im 1-l erzen' impresses John Steane 33 New series In the first of a sLx-part seri es. Daniel SnO\\man begins hi surve of the socia l and cultural de\·elopments that have influenced opem thi'Oughout its history 44 CD News + Jennifer Larmore on her work \~th Opera Rara + The world 's first SACD. surround-sound Ring Cycl e. from Australian label Melba Recordings 120 Operabase at 10 years old 54 Opera Previews + Gaddafi at E '0 + Street\\~Se Opera + Opera UK

Reviews 38 CD features and reviews 46 In recital 48 Opera in view 51 Book reviews 63 Review features + Estonian National Opera + :\'e\\ operas in Germany 70 Live reviews 105 World Premieres + Grendel at LA Opera + King in Canterbul) Cathedra l 107 Young Artists 113 Festivals

123 Opera Worldwide The gu ide to international opera performances and festivals. Plus. this issue's 'l'm\'cl Tips