*Blub*

We can't take it. Admittedly Barlines cried at the Youtube Symphony Orchestra global mashup (it's beautiful, just beautiful, and there's a fit xylophone player and a bloke in a Star Wars helmet) but we may just implode in a glob of nostalgic tears and snot if what we hear is true. Kiri Te Kanawa has reportedly (and steady, it wouldn't be the first time some quarters of the press have jumped the gun on this one), announced that, after 40 years, her swansong on the operatic stage will be playing the Marschallin in Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier, for Cologne Opera next April.

She brought grown men and women (and women dressed as men, and Barlines, who was but a boy) to their knees over 20 years ago in the role at the Met (see below); just think of the atmosphere in the house as she signs off her career with the act 3 trio - as the knowing, experienced Marschallin, her heart breaking, releases the strapping young Octavian to pursue the younger Sophie.

Kill for a ticket.