FROM ROME: Keep in touch with the Italian opera and classical music scene by reading Giuseppe Pennisi's regular reports.
CENTRAL ENGLAND: Mike Wheeler's concert reviews from Nottingham and Derbyshire feature high profile artists on the UK circuit - often quite early on their tours.
Michael Costa was born in Naples on 14 February 1808. He came into prominence as a conductor when he settled in London in 1829 and soon was directing the larger festivals and opera. Neither did he neglect composition, with four operas and three symphonies to his credit. He died in Hove, England, on 29 April 1884.