The number of Verdi's works in the current repertories of the world's opera houses is greater than at any time since the composer's death a century ago. Yet, those responsible for staging and performing these works are faced with many difficult decisions, not least of which is how to make the operas relevant to modern audiences while respecting the composer's intentions. First written for an international conference at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, these lively and stimulating essays by leading Verdi scholars, music and stage practitioners reflect current thinking on matters such as 'authentic' staging, performance practice, Verdi's approach to the ballet, and the role of critical editions. With a chronology of the composer's life and times and also a list of his works, this anthology is essential reading for anyone interested in the performance of Verdi's operas in the new millennium.