A semi-staged production of David and Goliath is being performed by St Albans Chamber Opera (SACO) in two local churches.

It can be seen at St Saviour’s Church in St Albans next Saturday, June 4, and again at St John’s Church, Harpenden, on Saturday, June 11. Both performances start at 8pm.

SACO has been commissioned by the trustees of Alan Detweiler, who died unexpectedly in 2012, to put on a performance of his opera David and Goliath.

First performed in Southwark Cathedral in the 1970s, it is both a dramatic and lyrical piece, lasting about an hour with a strong involvement from the SACO chorus along with a small brass, wind and percussion band and three soloists.

Taking the role of Saul, King of the Israelites, is Paul Sheehan while Goliath, champion of the Philistines, is sung by Jonathan Saunders.

Instead of a boy treble as David, SACO has the role sung by soprano Amy Spruce. The narrator is Stephen De Silva.

The musical director is David Ireson, and the semi-staging is by Peter Kestner.

Tickets are £15, available from 01727 869069 or on the door.