Scottish opera director David McVicar also receives a knighthood, for services to opera, while English National Opera's Edward Gardner becomes an OBE.

BBC: Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet and Gary Barlow

Like the Dutchman himself, the production is entirely redeemed, though here by Edward Gardner's orchestra and the precise, often thrilling, singing of the chorus.

WSJ: Review: Saving a Sinking Ship | 'Flying Dutchman' at the English National Opera

The "technically challenging and rarely performed opera", which is based loosely on the life of the Florentine sculptor of the title, will be conducted by Edward Gardner.

BBC: Terry Gilliam to return to the English National Opera

In addition, and without implying they would necessarily agree with the views expressed here, the author would like to thank: Lajos Bokros, Robert Braun, Martin Bruncko, Robert Cooper, Pavol Demes, Jeremy Druker, Michel Foucher, Andrew Gardner, Heather Grabbe, Charles Grant, Istvan Gyarmati, David Kral, Mart Laar, Edward Lucas, Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, Jiri Pehe, Sandra Pralong, Olli Rehn, Gyorgy Schopflin, James Sherr, Pirkka Tapiola, Emma Udwin and Alexander Vondra.

ECONOMIST: Sources and acknowledgments