Damon Albarn and Dr Dee

Stuart Maconie talks in-depth to Damon Albarn about his eclectic musical output and presents an exclusive performance of his first opera Dr Dee.

As a musician Damon needs no introduction; the founder of Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & the Queen, he's widely regarded as one of the most innovative musicians of the past two decades.

First premiered at last year's Manchester International Festival, Dr Dee tells the story of John Dee; mathematician, astronomer, occultist and advisor to Elizabeth I. Recorded last year in Salford with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the opera sets Dee's story to a sonic backdrop of early English period instrumentation, African beats, and Renaissance flourishes, described by Albarn as "strange, pastoral folk".

Stuart talks in depth to Damon about the opera, his recent production work with Bobby Womack, his collaboration with Tony Allen and Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Rocket Juice & The Moon - and the future of Blur.