A profound approach to opera uncovers a gold mine of possibilities; opera is fuelled with the energy of the future. And while the search for gold will always go on, the other 'mines' - concealed in the operatic production process - must be tracked down and defused. Risk-taking is integral to the operatic process; without risks, an exciting policy is unthinkable.'

It was with these thrilling and significant metaphors that, in 1988, Pierre Audi laid out his initial plans as artistic director of...