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SPECIALS

America Abroad: Missiles, Money and the Mainland: The Taiwan Dilemma
Monday, May 12, 1:00 p.m.

Taiwan’s political status has the potential to ignite great-power conflict between the United States and China. But Taiwan’s economic dynamism has made the small island the 16th largest economy and a major player on the world stage. “Missiles, Money and the Mainland” travels to the island to explore Taiwan’s identity and politics in the shadow of a rising China. Hosts Ray Suarez and Deborah Amos trace the history of America’s relationship with Taiwan and how those ties have impacted U.S.-China relations. They talk to key officials who served in the Clinton administration about the U.S. management of the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1996, and they examine Panama, one of Taiwan’s most important allies, to understand the global significance of Chinese-Panamanian ties.

Co-anchored by Ray Suarez and Deborah Amos, “America Abroad” examines key issues in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. It features archival material and original analysis, and provides the historical context essential to understanding pressing international issues.

The Clash: Revolution Rock
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 p.m.

Influential pioneers of the English punk scene are remembered through recent and vintage interviews band members include and rare audio from throughout their 1977-83 heyday and insightful Joe Strummer comments recorded shortly before his death in 2002. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), film director Julien Temple and others discuss how The Clash affected their lives, and why they are still “the only band that matters.”

Returning Series

NPR World of Opera
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m.

“World of Opera” returns with host Lisa Simeone, presenting compelling performances by top American and international opera companies. While “World of Opera” strives to showcase opera as anything but an elitist form of art, it has been described as “a program designed for opera connoisseurs, listeners who know the standard repertoire thoroughly and seek out seldom-heard rarities.”

The format of “World of Opera” makes it possible to present lengthy productions without having to resort to an irregular schedule. Opera lovers can tune in at 1:30 on Saturday afternoons and be confident that they will not have missed the first act.

May 10: W. A. Mozart: Cosi fan tutte

Vienna State Opera; Riccardo Muti, conductor

CAST: Barbara Frittoli (Fiordiligi); Angelika Kirchschlager (Dorabella); Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Guglielmo); Francesco Meli (Ferrando); Laura Tatulescu (Despina); Natale De Carolis (Don Alfonso)

Deceptively complex, Cosí fan tutte is a comic farce that leaves many of its listeners more than a little bit queasy -- and pondering the future of their most treasured relationships. The libretto may spring plenty of jokes, but Mozart’s music tells you to hold on to your heart; you never really know which way the romantic winds are blowing.

May 17: Vincenzo Bellini: Norma

Vienna State Opera; Friederich Haider, conductor

CAST: Edita Gruberova (Norma); Jose Cura (Pollione); Elina Garanca (Adalgisa); Dan Paul Dumitrescu (Oroveso); Marian Talaba (Flavio); Caroline Wenborne (Clotilde)

In the title role of Bellini’s most popular opera, the legendary soprano Edita Gruberova proves that the bel canto tradition is well-served by mature artistry, as well as vocal brilliance.

May 24: G. F. Handel: Ariodante

Grand Theatre of Geneva; Kenneth Montgomery, conductor

CAST: Joyce DiDonata (Ariodante); Patricia Petibon (Ginevra); Sandrine Piau (Dalinda); Antonio Abete (King of Scotland); Charles Workman (Lurcanio); Marie-Nicole Lemieux (Polinesso)

Handel was nothing if not cosmopolitan -- a German-born composer who became a superstar as the most popular composer of Italian operas in 18th-century London. Completed in 1734, Ariodante premiered at what was then a brand new opera house in a place now synonymous with opera in England -- Covent Garden.

May 31: Gaetano Donizetti: Maria Stuarda

Royal Opera of Wallonie, Liege; Luciano Acocella, conductor

CAST: Patrizia Ciofi (Maria Stuarda); Marianna Pizzolato (Elizabeth); Diana Axentii (Anna); Danilo Formaggia (Leicester); Federico Sacchi (Talbot); Mario Cassi (Cecil)

In operas from Elizabeth at Kenilworth to Anna Bolena, Donizetti seemed fascinated by the intrigues and rivalries of British royalty. This opera, Maria Stuarda, deals with the complex relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart -- also known as Mary, Queen of Scots

eTown

Fridays, 11:00 a.m.

Performances from many of today’s top musical artists, as well as conversations and information about the world around us, recorded in front of a live audience.

• May 2: Big Head Todd & The Monsters / Kathleen Edwards
• May 9: Nanci Griffith / Piers Faccini
• May 16: Bodeans / Over The Rhine; Interview: Doug Fine
• May 23: David Hidalgo & Louie Pérez / Ray Lamontagne
• May 30: Devotchka / Au Revoir Simone