Here for the first time are in-depth profiles of 139 major opera companies from around the globe, representing 35 countries, from Argentina to Yugoslavia, and including little-known information on opera in the People's Republic of China, Israel, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, and Turkey. Briefly noted in an appendix are an additional 24 companies from ten countries, three of them not included in the main section.

The profiles provide directory and access information, a survey of the company's history, and, wherever possible, a chronological listing of directors and managers, and a concise bibliography for further reference. An annotated research bibliography contains general sources, such as reference books, opera annals, architectural studies, discographies, and relevant studies of conductors and performers. A chronology of the foundings of the opera companies and an index complete the volume. Much of the information is singularly available in this source, which will be welcomed by scholars, researchers, and opera lovers.