Maria Callas was a complex character, bootstrapping her way up from poverty to international stardom, largely through grit and the force of her personality. Her onstage magnetism and passionate approach to acting brought fresh life to the opera scene.

Angela Meade ruled the stage as Norma last Saturday in an alluring new production at Washington National Opera, and judging from the ovation after her first aria and the "bravas" at the finale, this singer will now add another glittering success to her list of plaudits.

It is our responsibility in the field to continue to push the artform to exciting new levels, and to also offer educational opportunities to the next generation.

It's been fascinating to see how critics have reacted to The Iron Lady, a new film inspired by Margaret Thatcher that has been directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Meryl Streep stars as the former British Prime Minister in a script written by Abi Morgan.

Master Class is based, very roughly, on a series of master classes Maria Callas gave at Juilliard in the early '70s. McNally uses the device of Callas teaching young singers to delve into her understanding of her art.

Many professional musicians who give of their time to conduct master classes for young opera singers have a vested interest in passing on the knowledge they have acquired in the course of their own performing careers.

Sports programs often produce extremely competitive students whose careers peak early in life. Arts programs often produce extremely creative students whose critical thinking skills deepen as they mature.

I was intrigued by Symmetry Theatre's claim that fewer good roles are written for women, I found myself wondering if people might not be aware of the variety of plays that do indeed have meaty roles for female characters.