An innovative interpretation of a rarely-performed opera is coming to the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on Saturday 16 August.

Working with the museum’s Learning Manager Chris Waddell, Irvine-based tenor David Douglas has translated the French baroque opera Actéon into Scots.

The opera tells the story of the young hunter who, caught peeking at the goddess Diana bathing, is turned into a stag by the furious deity, and then devoured by his own hounds.

This production also looks at the links between this nightmarish tale and Burns’ most well-known work.

David said: "I noticed that there where huge similarities between the story of Actéon and Tam o'Shanter and I wanted to explore this further."

The performance features some of opera’s rising stars including Aimee Toshney and Colleen Nicol.

However, some of the singers will never have performed in opera before – they are taking part in a Baroque Opera Course run by Ayrshire Opera Experience which runs from 10 until 16 August and culminates in this world premiere performance.

Thirty-five participants will learn all about opera and touch up their singing techniques. There are still a few spots left on the course – to get involved, contact: daviddouglastenor@gmail.com.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Learning Manager Chris Waddell said: “Burns was a man well versed in the classics, even from an early age – we know that a formative influence on him was the story of Hannibal, a story which he was enthralled by as a child. We are also aware of his love of music; contributing as he did some 400 or so pieces to the broader canon of Scots song through collecting and composing. These elements alone make this a highly appropriate project for the Birthplace Museum of our bard.” The course runs from 10am until 5.30pm from 10 – 16 August and costs £25.

The premiere performance takes place on Saturday 16 August at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 http://ayrshireoperaexperience.ticketsource.co.uk/ Members of the public can also observe preparations for the performance at a special masterclass event on Wednesday 13 August at 2pm. Watch and listen as the course participants work on vocal technique, interpretation and musical style with the creative team Siobhan Mcauley (Soprano), David Douglas (Tenor) and Stephen Cowan (Conductor). This is a free event.