An opera written by the singer Rufus Wainwright will debut at the Manchester International Festival next summer, it's been confirmed.

Prima Dona, which tells the story of an Opera singer, will be staged on July 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th and 19th.

Wainwright told the Guardian that he hoped the production would “capture an audience through beautiful music”

“I want it to be pertinent and challenging - but it is not Wozzeck or Ewartung," he added.

The Manchester Intentional Festival, which runs from July 2nd-19th, last year staged Damon Albarn's Monkey: Journey to the West.

(by Jason Gregory)