(Photo credit: Marc Brenner)

“Giant,” a new opera by composer Sarah Angliss, poet Ross Sutherland and director Sarah Fahie will open at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre in spring 2024.

The opera tells the tale of surgeon John Hunter and his obsession with Charles Byrne – a man he would ultimately betray in one of the most disturbing acts in the era of the grave robbers. The work is written for five voices, 18th-century instruments, live electronics, and bespoke music machines.

“Giant” was originally commissioned in 2018 by Britten Pears Arts, and received much recognition at its premiere at the 2023 Aldeburgh Festival. It will replace scheduled performances of “Woman & Machine” which has been postponed. Full details are to be confirmed.