Elton John plans orchestra shows

Elton John is to perform some of his biggest hits with a choir and 108-piece orchestra for a pair of arena shows next summer, it was announced today.

The flamboyant star will be joined by his regular band as well as the Royal Academy of Music’s orchestra and choir.

The shows at Birmingham’s NEC and Wembley Arena follow his charity performance with the young musicians at a charity gala in the Royal Opera House last December which was screened by BBC1.

Sir Elton, himself a former student of the Academy, will team up with composer James Newton Howard, who is to conduct. He will revive some of the string arrangements for early tracks such as Tiny Dancer.

Hits such as Your Song, Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and Circle of Life will be given an airing.

Tickets for the shows go on sale tomorrow at 9am.