Work: Falstaff: Tutto nel mondo è burla

The biggest stigma associated with opera in Ireland is not that it is an elitist art form, but that it is not “Irish”, and that it doesn’t belong to Irish culture, more of a recent import, like pasta, or avocado.

To celebrate its 50th birthday Dutch National Opera put on a festive tribute to the people that have made it the innovative and much-admired house it is today.

At the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam a performance of Michelangelo Falvetti’s recently unearthed gem Il diluvio universale was a joyful labour of love.