ONE of the great operas comes to King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Sunday night when an international array of talent will perform Puccini's Tosca.

Renowned opera diva Manami Hama takes the title role for the production staged by the Compagnia D'Opera Italiana Di Milano.

The opera, which will be sung in its original Italian, also features leading tenor Orfeo Zanetti and Victor Mityuskia as Baron Scarpia.

The Orchestra of Budapest Opera provide the mucial accompaniment under the baton of Tamas Bolberitz.

Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, Tosca is a passionate love story between the singer Tosca and the painter Cavaradossi, which is doomed to failure.

The Compagnia d'Opera Italiana di Milano is the oldest continually touring musical company in Europe, having given over 2,500 performances in all the major cities across the continent.

The last time the company performed in Blackburn they won acclaim for their production of Madam Butterfly, again with Manami Hama in the title role.

Sunday's performance starts at 7.30pm with tickets ranging from £8 to £15. Further details are available from the box office on 01254 582582.

DOOMED LOVE: Tosca (Manami Hama) with her lover Cavaradossi