Live performances are to return to the Royal Opera House stage next week – albeit for broadcast on YouTube on Facebook as lockdown restrictions still prevent audiences attending.

But music returning to one of the symbolic hearts of international artistic life, for the first time in almost three months since it closed on March 17, will be a source of great joy to many. The series is being called 'Live from Covent Garden' and will offer both opera and ballet.

The first concert, on June 13, will be hosted by ROH Director of Music, Antonio Pappano and BBC presenter Anita Rani. Music will include works by Britten and Handel, George Butterworth and Mark-Anthony Turnage, and performers will include soprano Louise Alder, tenor Toby Spence and baritone Gerald Finley. There will also be what’s described as an ‘intimate world premiere’ by Wayne McGregor, Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet.

The first concert will be free, though subsequent performances on June 20 and 27 – details of which are yet to be announced – will cost £4.99.