When the music and the characters are flawlessly synchronized, the opera develops an emotional force that movies and plays cannot match.

In Australia, they set up a special fund to kick films off. It was quite an enlightened sort of move. You could go to this government bureau with scripts and and get finance for films.

The number of opera houses around the world and the high attendance rates show that opera an art form that is more popular than ever.

Directing an opera is similar to directing a play. The singing must not get in the way of the drama.

The music of the most popular operas is so highly esteemed, it can stand endless revivals.

When the music and the characters are flawlessly synchronized, the opera develops an emotional force that movies and plays cannot match.

With a film, I do my best to understand the author's intentions and try to bring the characters to life.