Although it may be of a similar size to our own capital, Zurich has a distinctly different feel, with royal blue trams criss-crossing the centre against the backdrop of bridges, clock towers and the beautifully preserved buildings, writes Arlene Harris.

Soul’s James Brown is the latest singer to have his life story filmed, in a ‘rags to riches’ genre that began with the first ‘talkie’ in 1927.

Richard Skinner tells Richard Fitzpatrick why the weird and wonderful ways of the real-life Erik Satie provided such great material for his new novella

NOT every life warrants a film of seven hours and 46 minutes, but not every life was as dramatic as Richard Wagner’s. The British film director, Tony Palmer, cast Richard Burton in the title role of the epic biopic, Wagner, which was shot over seven months and released in 1983. It will be screened, with two breaks, as part of this year’s Cork Film Festival.

Tourists going to Venice beware — and make sure you read the fine print.

A modern version of Richard Wagner’s opera Tannhauser has been cancelled in Germany after the opening-night audience complained about new scenes showing Jews being executed and dying in the gas chambers.

AN Israeli orchestra is to perform a work by Adolf Hitler’s favourite composer, Richard Wagner, in a taboo-breaking concert in Germany.

An Israeli orchestra is to perform a work by Adolf Hitler's favourite composer, Richard Wagner, in a taboo-breaking concert in Germany.

Three world premieres and an appearance by acclaimed conductor Sir Simon Rattle will form some of the highlights of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, it was announced today.

Conductor Daniel Barenboim faced heckles after he played music by Hitler’s favourite composer during a concert at the Israel Festival - having earlier agreed not to do so.