SAM MENDES - MENDES TO DIRECT FIRST OPERA

Director SAM MENDES is set to fulfil a lifelong dream - after signing up to work with one of the world's most prestigious opera festivals. The star will direct Mozart's Don Giovanni in the 2010 season after being courted by English opera house Glyndbourne for eight years to take the role. David Pickard, Glyndbourne's general director, says, "We've met once a year for at least the past five years to discuss the possibility of his directing with us. "He has always wanted to direct opera, and he has always wanted to do it at Glyndbourne - I think it is our reputation for looking after the people we work with. For him it is the ideal way to embark on opera; other houses may not give him the same level of care and attention as we would." Even though it will be Mendes' first foray into the opera world, Pickard is confident he will be able to cope with the challenge. He adds, "With Mendes, you can see that his use of music is integral to the atmosphere he is building." Mendes is no stranger to the stage - he was previously artistic director of London's Donmar Warehouse, and won critical acclaim for his working of Cabaret on Broadway.