ContactMusic — Damon Albarn wrote his opera 'Doctor Dee' because of a "strong emotional connection" to the character. The former Blur frontman has prepared the re-enactment of the life of 16th century scientist John Dee, because he feels his contribution to society... more info

ContactMusic — Damon Albarn is to step out from behind the scenes to make an appearance in his new opera. The Blur and Gorillaz star put his music career on hold this year (11) to focus on writing a new stage show about 16th century English scientist John Dee The p... more info

NME — Gorillaz mainman set to take to the stage next month in Manchester more info

Guardian Music — Amadou & Mariam will perform their MIF show in the dark for a richer sensory experienceAt this year's festival, you'll be able to hear the music of Mali's finest the way it was conceived, in darkness – Amadou & Mariam are both blind. "If you cannot... more info

Guardian Music — Damon Albarn's new show explores the Elizabethan thinker and magician John DeeJohn Dee was born in 1527 to one of Henry VIII's courtiers. Growing up with a voracious intellect, he collected a huge library of rare and esoteric material over his lifeti... more info

Guardian Music — The evergreen soul and gospel singer reflects on her unique career, and how she became an accidental rave divaWhat are your memories of the disco era?The fondest memory I have is hanging out at Studio 54 with friends, coming home at 4am, sleeping all... more info

Guardian Music — When music and theatre gel, as Terry Gilliam did with ENO, the result can be unmissable artWhen a critic describes a production as getting "a riotous reception", as one recently wrote of ENO's reinterpretation of Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night'... more info

Guardian Music — Guardian releases list of the 100 most influential people in the music industry• Interactive: The Music Power 100• Blog: Find out the logic behind the list and have your say• The full list, at a glanceThey influence the song you wake up to and ... more info

Guardian Music — Damon Albarn has revealed himself to be one of British music's most ­invigorating renaissance menArtist: Blur; Gorillaz; the Good, the Bad and the QueenLabel executive: co-founder, Honest Jon'sFar from the knowing, ambitious rock frontman he was in ... more info

Guardian Music — The Death of Klinghoffer focuses on murder of disabled Jewish passenger at hands of Palestinian paramilitariesOne of the most argued about operas of recent decades, based on the hijacking in 1985 of the cruise ship Achille Lauro by the Palestine Libe... more info