Scottish Opera Young Company is coming to Barrfields Theatre in Largs this summer with an immersive double bill of Henry McPherson’s Maud and Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley.

The Scottish Opera Production Studios in Glasgow takes place on July 29 at 6pm - and stars young talent aged 17-21.

The members of the company rehearse throughout the year with artistic director Chris Gray, who also conducts, to present this thought-provoking production, which moves between centuries.

The operas, directed by Flora Emily Thomson are connected by a single Hebridean-inspired set, designed by Finlay McLay, that transforms before the audience’s eyes.

Maud, by composer, improviser and teacher, Henry McPherson, is a modern retelling of a traditional folk tale.

Set in midsummer, it tells the story of a child who stumbles upon a tiny creature in the undergrowth while picking blackberries in an ancient wood. Taking her new-found treasure home, however, not everyone shares her love.

It is performed alongside composer Kurt Weill’s and librettist Arnold Sundgaard’s magical Down in the Valley, a bittersweet coming-of-age tale showing the light and darkness of one claustrophobic community. In another time, two young adults in an isolated religious village have fallen in love against their elder’s wishes – and the girl disobeys her mother to go dancing with the boy. When a horrible accident changes their lives forever, they have one night to reckon with their fates.

A spokesperson said: "Scottish Opera Young Company offers young singers a unique and practical introduction to the world of opera and the chance to develop their talent through a year-long programme, working with a range of music professionals.

"For many of the singers, it is the first step towards building a career in the arts, and gives them the opportunity to perform music written especially for young voices."

Jane Davidson MBE, Scottish Opera’s director of outreach and education, said: "We are delighted to be staging Henry McPherson’s Maud once again following its success as part of our Opera Sparks competition in 2018. It is complemented by Kurt Weill’s menacing folk-inspired opera, Down in the Valley, and promises to be an unmissable night. Scottish Opera Young Company stunned audiences with their moving performances of Rubble last summer, and have been working incredibly hard to bring these two stories to life."