Opera Lafayette throws its visionary founder a splendid sendoff / For His Met Opera Debut, a Director Takes On 'Salome' / It's Taken Three Tries To Get Jennifer Higdon's Latest Opera Onto A Stage / Festen review - Turnage's taut new opera grips, appals and moves / In 'Festen,' a Nightmare Birthday Becomes an Opera / 'Opera should be an unstoppable art form': Royal Opera announce Netia Jones as associate director / South African opera star returns to Malmo Opera / Bringing the Magic of 'Fanny and Alexander' to the Opera Stage / Opera Philadelphia brings opera to first-time viewers by lowering ticket prices / Director's grand opera upset in Amsterdam