This is Mozart's tenth opera and something very different from what we are used to.

Here no masters get their comeuppance from the servants and no sex-obsessed nobleman strides the stage.

Here Neptune tries to persuade Idomeneo to kill his son and causes all kinds of mayhem by bringing storms, earthquakes and a monster.

This is very definitely opera seria but this new production is given an airing by controversial American director Peter Sellars, the man whose Magic Flute caused the first boos to be heard at the Sussex opera house.

It has been given an international cast and will be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, taking time off from his new orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic.

Louis Langree, a distinguished Mozartian, will conduct some of the July performances.

Tickets £140 to £10 with returns from the box office on 01273 813813. 4.30pm.