Suffolk’s Aldeburgh Festival has announced that a new production of Dame Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert will open its 2024 Festival on 7 June. The production, by Britten Pears Arts and English Touring Opera will be conducted by Gerry Cornelius and directed by Robin Norton Hale.

Weir celebrates her 70th birthday in 2024 and will appear as a featured musician at the festival alongside composer Unsuk Chin. Weir’s mini opera for solo voice King Harald’s Saga will also feature in the festival performed by soprano Claire Booth.

The Festival also sees works for voice including Britten’s work Curlew River - A Parable for Church Performance which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Based on the Japanese Noh play Sumidagawa, the story will be brought to life by director Claire van Kampen and sung by Ian Bostridge, Willard White and Peter Brathwaite.

Singer Gweneth Ann Rand, who performed in Aldeburgh’s 2023 opera Giant, will also feature in the festival in three concerts, performing all of Messiaen's major song cycles enhanced by projections featuring the artwork of British visual artist Rachel Jones.