Doctor Dee, Damon Albarn’s new opera, will premiere in July at the Manchester International Festival. Here how Albarn described it to Vulture: “It’s based on the life of John Dee, who was a very influential force in Elizabethan Europe, especially England. He was responsible for creating the concept of the British Empire. So he affects all our lives in one way or another. He was an alchemist … It’s about his life.†According to festival director Alex Poots, “It will be a big, spectacular show. I know that Damon’s passionate about it and he’s already written some incredibly beautiful songs, some anthemic songs.†Alan Moore is still no longer involved, but the good news is that Albarn will actually be performing in the opera. And Vulture, for one, cannot freakin’ wait to hear Damon Albarn sing opera. [BBC via Pitchfork]