Insights Opera - In Conversation With

Music Director of The Royal Opera Antonio Pappano and director David McVicar introduce their production of Berlioz's epic Les Troyens for Covent Garden. Interviewed by Penny Smith.

Antonio Pappano, Music Director, The Royal Opera, introduces the music to Verdi's Otello with pianist Stephen Westrop and soprano Alexandra Deshorties (Desdemona).

One of the most in demand directors working today, David McVicar has left an indelible mark on the Covent Garden stage over the last decade. Since his debut with Rigoletto in 2001, he has brought a renewed vigour and urgency to many great works. This Season alone The Royal Opera stage four McVicar revivals, alongside his hotly anticipated new production of Les Troyens. Come and hear him discuss his career to date and future plans.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House and Nicholas Serota, Director of the Tate, talk with John Tusa about audiences, funding and their roles at two of the biggest international Arts organisations.

Director of Opera at the Royal Opera House for over a decade, Elaine Padmore looks back over her career and strong artistic legacy with critic Rodney Milnes.

A towering figure in the opera world, hear bass René Pape in conversation with broadcaster Christopher Cook as he talks about his upbringing in Dresden and the roles that excite him.

Conductor Jeffrey Tate talks candidly to Christopher Cook about his exciting and varied career within some of the world's greatest opera houses and on the concert platform. He discusses his approach to Wagner and recalls working with masters such as Herbert von Karajan, Carlos Kleiber, Pierre Boulez and Georg Solti.

Casting Director for The Royal Opera, Peter Katona has the enviable job of choosing all principal singers for Royal Opera productions. Hear him talk to Christopher Cook about his career, singers he admires and the challenges of putting on 20 productions every season.

Mezzo sopranos Joyce DiDonato, Jane Henschel and Catherine Wyn-Rogers introduce their voice type and explore the rich music written for the mezzo voice in opera. Presented by Sara Mohr-Pietsch.

Three opera house music directors, Antonio Pappano from the Royal Opera House, Vladimir Jurowski from Glyndebourne Festival and Edward Gardner from English National Opera came together for a unique interview with broadcaster John Tusa. With an unparalleled frankness they discussed their passions, fears and the future of opera in the UK.