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Opera On The ´óÏó´«Ã½ – a major new collection of programmes across the ´óÏó´«Ã½ celebrating opera, starting 13 May.

Why is opera one of the most thrilling and passionate of art forms? What makes a great soprano? Or for that matter a great tenor?

What's life like behind the scenes for today's greatest opera singers? And who are the opera stars of tomorrow?

How has Italian opera become the backbone of opera performance around the globe? And what part has food played in its development?

What is the nation's favourite aria? Where can you enjoy full performances of some of the most critically acclaimed and celebrated productions from around the world?

How can you love and loathe Wagner at the same time? And why do so many women die in opera?

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is exploring opera through the eyes of the world's leading singers, conductors, directors and opera enthusiasts, providing the answers to all the questions you've always wanted to ask about opera.

Opera On The ´óÏó´«Ã½ starts on 13 May on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 3 with Bellini's La Sonnambula from the Paris Opera, starring Natalie Dessay, and on 24 May with Antonio Pappano exploring the history of Italian opera, in Opera Italia on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Four.

Opera On The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Four, Radio 2, Radio 3 and online at bbc.co.uk/opera.

DP