A NEW opera has been composed to celebrate 800 years of Magna Carta.

The Great Charter, by composer Timothy Craig Harrison and librettist Paul Hodgson, will be performed at Durham Cathedral on Saturday, June 13, and Middlesbrough Cathedral on Saturday, June 20.

The opera is set in the 13th century and the future.

Mr Hodgson said: “Any tale of oppression and injustice remains relevant for all time and Timothy and I felt that a double narrative would increase the immediacy of the issues being put on stage.

“The Great Charter is not just about the Magna Carta and the conflict between King John and the barons, there is a parallel futuristic story told in alternate scenes about a totalitarian state run by the Protector.”

The opera will be performed by professional musicians, the Durham Singers, Durham Cathedral Young Singers, DCYS VOX and children from four schools.

The soloists will be tenor Deryck Webb and sopranos Clare Tunney and Harriet Beckham.

Both shows start at 7pm. Tickets for Durham are priced £8 to 15 for adults, £6 to 13 for concessions. For Middlesbrough, tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions. To book, call 03000-266-600 or visit galadurham.co.uk

Durham Cathedral’s unique 1216 version of Magna Carta will be the centrepiece of keenly anticipated three-month exhibition at Palace Green Library from June to August.