Damon Albarn is already the frontman for mega-selling acts Blur and the Gorillaz, and basically just an all-round Renaissance man with his ever-growing list of musical projects. Now comes the news that he is moving into his next area of musical conquest – the premier of his first ever opera.

13 years after the release of Blur’s breakthrough album Parklife, the 39 year old has had been successful in getting his first opera commissioned by the Manchester International Festival, which kicks off in June this year. He will be composing the show, which will allegedly be based on the ancient Chinese legend of the Monkey King’s enlightenment.

But there’ll be a fair amount of rejigging involved: the classic story will be turned into a “dazzling spectacle” involving more than 40 Chinese circus acrobats, vocalists and performing martial artists. The festival is billing the show as a bold attempt to breathe new life into familiar classical music forms.

It may seem like a strange diversion for Albarn, but it makes sense if you look at some of his recent projects. While he’s gained the most attention for his work in Gorillaz, the world’s first ever virtual band, he’s recently also had a shot at producing world music, writing soundtracks, composing a musical for Britain’s National Theatre and bizarrely, partnering up with musical genius Brian Eno to stage a musical protest, compete with a 50-people gospel choir, against the British Government’s plans to update the Trident missile system. For serious.

What’s next? Albarn touring the world as part of a kiddie troupe in the vein of the Wiggles?