It’s been a strange, difficult year for the music world, which is all the more reason to celebrate musical excellence.

“I will put all my passion at the service of the Monte Carlo Opera. Taking over the direction of the Monte Carlo Opera is a new stage, but also the realization of a dream,” the Italian singer averred.

SALZBURG, Austria (AP) — There was a time a generation ago when Cecilia Bartoli’s many U.S. fans could count on seeing her regularly in opera or in concert. The Italian mezzo-soprano noted for her warm sound, dramatic intensity and dazzling coloratura agility had shot to fame in the early 1990s while still in her 20s on the strength of best-selling …