A NEW musical collaboration to commemorate the Somme will see a world film premiere staged in the region this weekend.

Asunder, telling a powerful story of the North-East’s involvement in one of the most traumatic battles through largely unknown personal experiences, will be presented at Sunderland Empire on Sunday, July 10 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, before touring at selected venues.

The film is narrated by Kate Adie with Alun Armstrong as the voice of the Sunderland Daily Echo & Shipping Gazette.

Mercury Prize nominated Field Music and electronic duo Warm Digits will perform the live score with Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Asunder brings together award-winning British artist and filmmaker Esther Johnson and respected music writer, film producer, curator and member of best-selling pop band Saint, Bob Stanley.

Field Music’s David Brewis said: “The chance to write something completely new and play it with an orchestra doesn’t come around very often.

“And as we heard about the plans for the film, the idea of telling a more complete story about our home town and how the war affected it was very appealing."

For tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/asunder/sunderland-empire or contact box office on 0844-871-3022.