THE New York Metropolitan Opera will be performing in a tiny Exmoor village on Monday evening (July 17).

Villagers will be able to see a performance of Akhnaten, The Met’s critically acclaimed 2019 production of American composer Philip Glass’s ‘mesmerizing modern masterpiece’.

It stars countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as the revolutionary pharaoh who attempted to radically alter his empire.

The near three-hour opera will be screened in the village hall after Wootton Courtenay Theatre Club was able to obtain a special licence from The Met.

The theatre club’s Valerie Clapham said there had been a number of enthusiastic requests from villagers for the spectacular production of the modern opera.

Mrs Clapham said: “The opera is about the colourful and enigmatic life of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhnaten.

The New York Metropolitan Opera's Akhnaten.
The New York Metropolitan Opera's Akhnaten. (New York Metropolitan Opera)

“It is dramatically and colourfully staged with the highest quality music, singing, and choreography you would expect from one of the greatest opera houses in the world.

“The performance lasts 172 minutes.

“It is in three acts and there will be two short intervals to recharge glasses and relax.

“Come prepared for a spectacular and memorable evening.”

The evening will be free, with a retiring collection to cover licensing costs, and starts at 6.30 pm and the performance opening at 7 pm.

Akhnaten is one of four popular operas from The Met’s award-winning series of live cinema presentations which is returning to theatres this summer.