AN operatic society will place the spotlight on feuds, family and friendships during a summer concert at the weekend.

Opera Nova will perform a selection of operatic scenes at St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth, on Saturday at 7.30pm.

The society’s chair, Sue Grogan. said: “St Brandon’s is one of our favourite venues. It’s a wonderful performance space and the audience is so appreciative.”

Jealousy, infidelity, sibling rivalry and parental hostility all feature in this new, semi-staged production.

Using only a minimum of props and simple costumes, the company will recreate scenes as varied as Bernstein’s West Side Story to Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, from Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore to Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Famous film music such as Gabriel’s Oboe (from the film The Mission) will be presented alongside enduring opera favourites such as Bizet’s Pearl Fishers Duet, the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and many more. Sung mainly in English, this concert is the perfect choice both for seasoned opera lovers and for those who simply like a good tune.

Tickets cost just £12 for adults, with students and under 16s welcome for only £1. Tickets can be obtained on the night or in advance by contacting 01642 807033 or 07872 339167.