MIF 2011 line up revealed

Manchester International Festival has announced the first three commissions for 2011.

The Life and Death of Marina Abramović isa biography of the godmother of performance art reimagined by visionary director Robert Wilson, featuring music written and performed by Antony (Antony & The Johnsons). Starring Abramović, Willem Dafoe and an international cast of actors and performance artists.

Victoria Wood's That Day We Sang tells the story of Manchester Children’s Choir in the 1920s, from the perspective of the singers brought together again in their middle-age for a TV documentary.

Die Walküre with the Hallé Orchestra will be a concert performance over two evenings, featuring The Madness of an Extraordinary Plan, a new context for Wagner's work: Gerard McBurney's staged examination of the Ring Cycle, directed by Neil Bartlett. Sir Mark Elder conducts.

The 2011 event has also pulled in £2.2m from commercial sponsors, as well as ‘substantial public funding from Manchester City Council, Arts Council England and Salford City Council. Private sector sponsors include PZ Cussons, Manchester Airport Group, NCP Ltd, Bruntwood and The Co-operative.

The next festival takes place from 30 June 2011 and 17 July 2011.

"We remain dedicated to supporting great artists to realise their most ambitious work,” said Alex Poots, festival director.

“We are working with artists from all over the world and right across the spectrum of art and culture, beginning new relationships with some and deepening existing partnerships with others. We are very grateful to our partners in the city of Manchester and beyond, our supporters, sponsors and audiences from near and far, who make MIF possible.

"It's hugely heartening to have secured this level of sponsorship from such a diverse range of companies, particularly at such a challenging time for business and the cultural industries. We have formed strong relationships across the region and beyond and we are very grateful for the support of these forward-thinking companies, both new and returning.

The 2011 event also sees the launch of the MIF Pioneer scheme, allowing individuals to support the work of the festival for the first time with gifts of £1000 or £2000.

Tickets for all three shows go on sale today, Friday 1 October at 10am, via www.mif.co.uk or 0161 876 2198