SAMLING Academy Opera, which trains young classical singers in the North-East, will present a new double-bill production at The Witham in Barnard Castle later this month.

John Blow’s Venus and Adonis, considered the first English-language opera, draws on themes of carefree pastoral love and grief and is based on the classical Roman myth, which also inspired Shakespeare’s poem of the same name as well as Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

Henry Purcell’s Come, ye Sons of Art, written in 1694 in honour of Queen Mary’s birthday, is an ode to the beauty of music and art.

Singers from Samling Academy – some of the most talented young musicians in the North-East – are cast in both leading roles and as chorus and will perform alongside the internationally acclaimed Dunedin Consort led by Baroque music specialist John Butt.

Counter tenor Tim Morgan takes on the role of Cupid in the production directed by Samling artist Miranda Wright, with choreography by Royal Opera House movement coach Mandy Demetriou and lighting design by Alex Edwards. It will also feature sumptuous period costumes.

The production aims to appeal to first-time opera novices as well as avid classical music fans.

The Samling Academy was founded in 2012 in partnership with Newcastle and Durham universities and Sage Gateshead, where there will also be a performance.

It sets to attract young singers in the region who might otherwise never have their potential recognised and nurtured.

Scotland’s Dunedin Consort has established itself as one of the country’s leading Baroque ensembles, performing at the nation’s major festivals and in Canada, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Israel and France.

It broadcasts frequently on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Scotland and has been nominated for and won numerous Gramophone awards.

Venus and Adonis and Come, ye Sons of Art will be staged at The Witham on Friday, July 20, and on July 26 and Friday 27 at Sage Gateshead. Tickets cost from £15, £10 for students and under-25s.