Listen: Damon Albarn Previews Doctor Dee

Ahead of premiere tonight

A preview of Damon Albarn’s upcoming opera ‘Doctor Dee’ has emerged online.

Never one to shy from a challenge, Damon Albarn is almost set to launch perhaps his most ambitious project yet. Another opera, this time ‘Doctor Dee’ focuses on the life of an Elizabethan scientist.

John Dee merged science with the occult, and was famed throughout England and beyond as a result. Leading an extraordinary life, Dee is widely credited with coining the phrase ‘The British Empire’.

Announced earlier this year, the first showing of ‘Doctor Dee’ will come as part of the Manchester International Festival. A city-wide event, the opera includes a guest appearance from Damon Albarn himself.

Set to premiere tonight (July 1st) ‘Doctor Dee’ is one of two astonishing highlights from the festival. Bjork performed last night, and this will be followed by a very special production of the new opera.

Fans are anxious to find out what the musical content will be like, with a handful of tracks emerging online. Taken from the new opera (via Gorillaz-Unofficial) the track ‘The Reigning Queen’ is available to stream below…

The Reigning Queen by b6226180

– – –

‘Doctor Dee’ runs at the Manchester International Festival between July 1st – 9th.

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.