I'm 68 years old and have never been to an opera or listened to or watched one all the way through. My singing tastes have ranged from Buddy Holly and Richie Vallens through Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Bonnie Tyler to Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Jane Monheit, Bruce Springsteen, Luciana Souza, Chet Baker, Susana Baca, and Kate McGarry.

I decided recently to do something about my opera illiteracy. I stumbled on your podcast, started at random with the May 2010 shows, and am now a regular listener.

Oliver, I liked the Handel shows. Knowing nothing, I now know something.

One request, of all of you. After you've played a cut, please re-identify the singer. Listeners aren't always paying attention when you introduce a cut, and afterwards you often say only "he" or "she" when talking about the performer.

Thanks.