Introduction

Abstract

The already highly international art of Western opera has gone more global again in recent years. New theatres have been erected in its honour on all five continents during the last 50 years, and exist as monuments of contemporary architecture in their own right. Freed from dependence on a specific opera house, many great artists and producers — conductors, directors, soloists, set designers, lighting designers and other specialists — travel the world to ply their trade wherever their talent can be displayed and their reputation recognized.