Tara Erraught is enjoying a blossoming international career. Fresh from her Met debut, she comes home to Ireland to play Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro. Cathy Desmond met the mezzo in Munich

Fancy watching opera at one of Europe’s top venues this autumn? Cathy Desmond selects six of the best, from Barcelona to a floating stage on Lake Constance

Irish soprano Tara Erraught was ‘mauled’ by British critics for her appearance. ‘Lookism’ disrespects us all, says Suzanne Harrington

Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa has spoken out in support of Dundalk singer Tara Erraught after a series of reviews criticised her appearance.

An Irishwoman - one of opera's rising stars - has found herself at the centre a debate on body image in the arts world after opera reviewers dismissed her latest performance based on her weight.