HOMELESS people are to perform a brand new opera in Middlesbrough.

Streetwise Opera, an award-winning charity, will first perform the opera called The River Keeper in Gateshead on Wednesday, December 10 before going on to Middlesbrough Town Hall on Tuesday, December 16.

Well known folk band Bridie Jackson and The Arbour, based in Newcastle, have helped compose the opera and will also take part in the performance.

All of Streetwise’s opera productions feature performers who have experienced homelessness working with leading professionals and many of their productions have been national acclaim. Streetwise has worked with over 3,000 homeless people since its foundation in 2002 and runs regular programmes in Middlesbrough, based at the Mima art gallery as well as Gateshead and Newcastle

Bridie Jackson said: "I have admired the work Streetwise Opera do for a long time, so it’s a real honor to be asked to compose a new piece for this incredible group, whose fearless and committed working style is nothing short of inspirational. Musically, it’s been an exciting opportunity to work outside of my comfort zone, and I’m looking forward to being involved in performing the new piece in December."

Matt Peacock MBE, Founder and CEO of Streetwise Opera said: "Ever since our North-East groups sang Bridie’s Final Lullaby for the Holocaust Memorial Day, I have wanted us to work with her again. Her music is sensational and she is one of the most exciting artists working in the North East."

Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10 (£7 concessions). Find out more at www.streetwiseopera.org