The performances of the 25 finalists were as diverse as ever with emotional ballads, mock opera, classic pop and a half-hearted attempt at some hybrid-rap.

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Mr Storrs said the four-day Summer Pops from 9 - 12 July would not be in competition with opera and Welsh pop acts at Faenol.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North West Wales | Bryn Terfel festival 'crisis'

They argue that in South Korea, the pop music, film and soap opera industries are backed and nurtured by the ministry of culture.

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In preparing its bid for UNESCO status, Glasgow counted an average of 130 music events a week ranging from pop and rock to Celtic music and opera.

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Now, with a diet of soaps, pop music and quiz shows pouring out on Mr Berlusconi's TV channels, Italy's great opera composers of the 19th and 20th centuries Verdi and Puccini are no longer flavour of the month.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Italy facing opera funding crisis