By Holloway, Robin There was no space in my report last month, on a first visit to the Bayreuth Festival, for what was in retrospect its most exciting quart d'heure, a privileged informal investigation of the unique orchestra layout that produces the Festspielhaus's unique acoustic.

German scientists say their detailed microscopic analysis of hair fibers interacting with each other will lead to better shampoos and conditioners.

Bayreuth (Germany) Festival planners are considering broadcasting some of Richard Wagner's operas on outdoor screens so people can enjoy them for free.

By Finn-Olaf Jones 'What's your favorite Wagner opera?" I jokingly asked the 11- year-old boy wearing a black T-shirt and reversed baseball cap in the back seat of a car in which I'd hitched a ride. "Siegfried," he answered immediately.

WAGNER'S entire 15-hour Ring Cycle is to be broadcast in one day in what could be a first for British radio. The performance, conducted by Daniel Barenboim in Bayreuth, Germany, will begin at 8am and finish at midnight on Easter Monday, 17 April, on BBC Radio 3.