Traditionally the “merry month” in the northern hemisphere, May is very much the “busy month” here in Australia. The May edition of Limelight is proof of it.

This month’s cover image features a production shot from Tosca, directed by Edward Dick for Opera North in the UK. Opera Australia presents the production in Melbourne this month and at the Sydney Opera House between June and August. Photo © James Glossop

It’s 100 years since Giacomo Puccini died after suffering a heart attack aged 65 in 1924. His music lives on however – and as strongly as it ever did, despite the various criticisms levelled at his work. With the centenary in mind, UK academic and renowned Puccini expert Alexandra Wilson reflects on what makes Puccini operas so special and the ways in which opera companies around the world are continuing to explore the composer’s legacy.

This month also heralds the return to Australian stages of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard, with Sarah Brightman starring as Norma Desmond. Limelight Editor Jo Litson talks to the superstar soprano about her 30-year hiatus from the musical theatre...