1.   All of this makes the issue of colorblind casting even more crucial to black opera performers than it does to black actors.

2.   But as an opera performer, Bartoli can only be who she is, and who she is occupies a small corner of the repertory.

3.   Ms. Bartoli, the opera performer, is slowly revealing herself to New York audiences, and the picture is of a physical comedian pure and simple.

4.   Jennifer Lopez seemed delighted at the Chinese opera performers dancing around her, but was put on the defensive Monday by a question about her singing skills.

5.   A European centre to organize training of opera performers and staff is to be set up to counter lack of international coordination in the business, officials said Sunday.