The arts play a crucial role in questioning and shaping cultural norms and attitudes. In this time of tectonic social change, we need to reconsider what opera can be in the 21st century says Sally Blackwood.

As much as she protested, a career in music was the only option for this young singer. She tells us about competition success, the best piece of advice she’s ever been given and her dream opera roles.

The esteemed Irish pianist and educator is the Jury Chair of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in Queensland. He offers words of advice to young musicians.

The Australian Chamber Choir is exploring a new concept in its latest concert, which it is performing in Australia and around Europe.

One of the finest violinists of his or any generation, Ysaÿe was also a composer of considerably greater talent than he himself was inclined to believe.

The Utah Symphony's Music Director is a fan of the prodigious yet underrated French polymath.

Contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang has created some astonishing new work for Melbourne, including an installation of 10,000 birds, in a dialogue with the Terracotta Warriors.

Guy Noble reflects on how orchestral gender disparity often starts at school, and why he avoids all-male environments.

Why do some still believe the Polish pianist bedded one of Paris’s most notorious sirens?

Eloquence reissues the Aussie mezzo’s Mahler while Bridge scrubs up a sci-fi opera.

George Balanchine changed the face of Western ballet. We talk to the Bolshoi’s Artistic Director Makhar Vaziev and two of his rising stars about how the world famous company has belatedly embraced the “lost son” of Russian ballet, as they perform Jewels in Brisbane.

Where did the Requiem come from and why have so many composers been fascinated with death? We explore the evolution of the Mass for the Dead, and looks at the five big ones to die for.