The worlds of classical and modern art are to unite as Glyndebourne have announced a new partnership with White Cube.

The grounds of the Sussex country house, already home to the annual opera festival, will this year host a pop-up gallery space containing new work by German artist Georg Baselitz.

White Cube is one of the best known contemporary art galleries in the world, representing major artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Gilbert & George.

The announcement marks the start of a three year partnership which will see one of White Cube's artists exhibit new work at the Glyndebourne Festival.

A custom-designed gallery has been created by the award-winning Carmody Groarke, the London-based architectural studio behind Frieze London.

Baselitz has created a series of new paintings depicting whirling legs, a recurring theme throughout his 50-year career.

Jay Jopling, owner of White Cube, said: "White Cube are delighted to be collaborating with Glyndebourne on White Cube at Glyndebourne. This is a unique opportunity to present the work of acclaimed international artists to new audiences, as part of Glyndebourne's world renowned programme. One of the most celebrated artists of his generation, Georg Baselitz, will inaugurate the collaboration with a series of new paintings."

Gus Christie, executive chairman of Glyndebourne, said: "The Glyndebourne Festival has always offered more than opera - with the beautiful surroundings and gardens, it is an experience which unites music, performance, design and art, to stimulate and entertain all those who come here.

"This year, we are taking our visual art programme to another level and putting up, for the first time, a custom-built pop-up gallery within the grounds and are delighted to announce the start of a collaboration with White Cube."

The pop-up gallery will be situated in the Glyndebourne gardens, when the 2015 festival opens on Thursday May 21.

Public booking for the festival opens on Monday March 9, with this year's calendar including Carmen, Mozart's Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail and Benjamin Britten's The Rape of Lucretia.