March 19, 2009 18:25

Damon Albarn, Kraftwerk and Elbow set for Manchester Festival

Acts to premiere new work at bi-annual event

Damon Albarn, Kraftwerk, Elbow and Antony & The Johnsons are all set to take part in the 2009 Manchester International Festival.

The bi-annual event, which was responsible for the first staging of Albarn's opera 'Monkey: A Journey To The West' two years ago, announced their initial programme today (March 19) which included a host of new commissions.

De La Soul are also among acts taking part in the festival which is held in venues across Manchester between July 2 and 19.

Highlights of the festival programme so far include:

'It Felt Like a Kiss' - Immersive theatre created by Adam Curtis and Punchdrunk, music by Damon Albarn (not performing)
Kraftwerk and Steve Reich
Antony And The Johnsons with Manchester Camerata - UK premiere of full-length orchestral show
Elbow And The Halle Orchestra
De La Soul
Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed
Same Teens/Mystery Jets
Amadou And Mariam and The Beating Wing Orchestra
Durutti Colum – Paean to Wilson: tribute to Anthony H Wilson

For the full programme and ticket information go to mif.co.uk.