12 JULY 1997, page 39

Opera

Verdi Festival (Covent Garden) Was he right? Michael Tanner T he annual attack of Verdementia is sweeping the capital. Normally sane critics are hanging on every first thought......

Arts

Has the Arts Council had its day? Should it be scrapped, shaken up or absorbed into a new Culture Ministry? John Parry investigates I t is always difficult talking to people in......