The full programme for this year's Manchester International Festival has just been announced.

The programme already included Rufus Wainwright's debut opera: 'Prima Donna', which is in French and takes place at the Manchester Palace Theatre this July, as well as 'Everybody Loves a Winner' created by writer/ director Neil Bartlett, and described as an "affectionate exploration of this most British of pastimes". For the performances, the Manchester Royal Exchange will be converted into a working bingo hall and will track a group of twenty players through their night out.

Also previously announced is the special J S Bach / Zaha Hadid Architects performances, where a new chamber music hall designed by the multi award-winning "deconstructivist" architects Zaha Hadid, will feature the solo works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Music

German electro pioneers Kraftwerk will play Manchester's Velodrome on 2nd July, featuring special guest American minimalist composer Steve Reich. 2008 Mercury Music Prize winners Elbow play two special dates at the Bridgewater Hall alongside The Hallé symphony orchestra on 8th and 9th July. Also announced are Antony and the Johnsons, Mystery Jets/ Same Teens (15 - 19yr old performance), Amadou and Mariam/ The Beating Wing Orchestra, The Durutti Column and De La Soul.

Tickets on sale now - limited concession student/ OAP available for some shows.