Critic Tom Sutcliffe argues that opera's intimacy lies at the core of its effectiveness. For him, the aria is a confessional form, opening up a character's emotions. Show more

Charity worker Matt Peacock, who runs a community opera project for the homeless, considers the positive connections between these two worlds. Show more

Critic Robert Thicknesse explains why he has fallen out of love with opera: its opulence, the claims of broad appeal, the disproportionate funding and the audiences. Show more

Ashutosh Khandekar, editor of Opera Now magazine, recounts his entry into the opera world via student opera and the interest that he has since developed. Show more

Countertenor Michael Chance talks about the challenge of being an opera singer on the road, spending most of his working life living out of a suitcase. Show more