Damon Albarn to Premiere New Opera at Manchester International Festival

Damon Albarn will premiere his new opera 'Doctor Dee' at this year's Manchester International Festival, it has been announced.

The opera tells the story of Dr John Dee, Elizabeth I's scientific and medical adviser during the 16th century, who among other things was an alchemist, astrologer and spy. However unlike his first operatic endeavour, 'Monkey: Journey to the West,' 'Doctor Dee' will see Albarn perform in the production.

Directed and co-created by Rufus Norris, the show starts its run on July 1 at the city's Palace Theatre.

The M.I.F., which runs throughout June and July, is according to its director Alex Poots (via BBC News), "a home for major artists to realise their most ambitious projects" -- the perfect philosophy when it came to approaching one of its other star turns Bjork.

The Icelandic songwriter brings her new album 'Biophilia' to Campfield Music Hall for six nights over three weeks. Alongside her latest creation she'll also be delving into her extensive back-catalogue.

Running between June 30 to July 16 at the 1,800 capacity venue, Bjork's appearance at the festival will mark her first UK shows in over three years.

Watch a Clip from Albarn's 'Monkey: A Journey to the West'