• Jacek Kaspszyk has been appointed Music Director of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Last month he conducted the Sinfonia Varsovia on tour in Japan and this month he conducts 'Salome' in Tel Aviv

• Geoffrey Dolton begins rehearsals for the leading role of Dr Needlemeier in Opera North's world premiere production of David Sawer's operetta, 'Skin Deep'

• Alan Fairs sings the role of Doctor Grenvil in Scottish Opera's new David MacVicar production of 'La Traviata', returning to the company twice more in 2009

• Patrick Fournillier conducts 'Turandot' at the Vlaamse Opera in Antwerp and 'Don Giovanni' at the Semper Oper in Dresden

• Jan Latham-Koenig conducts the Orchestra of the Teatro Regio, Torino and then a new production of 'Le Nozze di Figaro' at the Teatro Municipal in Santiago where he is Music Director

• Kathleen Wilkinson sings the role of 3rd Maid in the Royal Opera's production of 'Elektra' conducted by Sir Mark Elder. Next month sees rehearsals begin for her at the Royal Opera in the role of Brigitta in 'Die Tote Stadt'

• Roland Wood sings the role of Don Giovanni with the Orchestra of St Cecilia at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, conducted by Kenneth Montgomery. Next month he begins rehearsals for the role of Marcello in English National Opera's new production of 'La Boheme', directed by Jonathan Miller