Fry has appeared in opera before with a part in a recording of the Richard Strauss opera Ariadne auf Naxos.

BBC: Stephen fry

Known in Greek legend for helping to rescue Theseus from the Labyrinth, Ariadne has been abandoned by her heroic lover.

WSJ: Review: A New-Look Ariadne Dazzles| 'Ariadne auf Naxos' |The Salzburg Festival

But the mind reeled at Ariadne, sung by American soprano Emily Magee.

WSJ: Review: A New-Look Ariadne Dazzles| 'Ariadne auf Naxos' |The Salzburg Festival

After World War II she concentrated on singing, landing lead parts in Tosca and Ariadne auf Naxos with the New York City Opera.

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The version most of us know about the comic preparations for a mythical opera, also called "Ariadne auf Naxos, " followed by the sublimely sad opera itself is actually a rewrite.

WSJ: Review: A New-Look Ariadne Dazzles| 'Ariadne auf Naxos' |The Salzburg Festival

"First" isn't quite the word to describe the festival's new staging of "Ariadne auf Naxos, " but it just about sums up the novelty and allure of what will surely be remembered as one of this year's highlights.

WSJ: Review: A New-Look Ariadne Dazzles| 'Ariadne auf Naxos' |The Salzburg Festival

Pointing out a third-century onyx, gold, enamel and pearl cameo, "Dionysus and Ariadne on Naxos, " Ms. Leopardi says it was most likely transformed into a hat pin or pendant in the 1500s after a gold mount was added.

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The day he appeared in court, the Times reported that he had transferred ownership of his estate at Knossos, including his vineyards and the Villa Ariadne, to the Athens-based British archaeological institute: an unexpected act of generosity that Mr MacGillivray argues was intended to save his reputation.

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