New Sting Album, to be Released July 13, Includes Sting's Most Celebrated Songs Re-Imagined for Symphonic Arrangement
First Single, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" Currently Available At All Digital Retailers Including iTunes
Today, Deutsche Grammophon/Cherry Tree announces the release of Symphonicities, the companion CD to accompany Sting's highly-anticipated world tour, which begins June 2 in Vancouver, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Steven Mercurio (Bocelli, Pavarotti). The new studio album, comprised of Sting's most celebrated songs re-imagined for symphonic arrangement, serves as the ultimate commemoration of the live concert experience, with the first single, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," currently available at all digital retailers including iTunes.
Created exclusively for the tour and correlating album, Sting's greatest hits have been reinterpreted with brand new orchestrations arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, David Hartley, Michel Legrand, Rob Mathes, Vince Mendoza, Steven Mercurio, Bill Ross, Robert Sadin, and Nicola Tescari. In addition to "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," highlights include fan-favorites culled from The Police songbook such as "Roxanne" and "Next To You," as well as songs from Sting's enduring solo career including "Englishman in New York," "I Burn for You," "Why Should I Cry for You," and "She's Too Good For Me," among others. Symphonicities was produced by Rob Mathes and Sting, mixed by Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac) and Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol, Franz Ferdinand).
Sting's interest in collaborating with an orchestra began in 2008 following an invitation to perform with the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and was furthered by the opportunity to join the Philadelphia Orchestra for a celebration of the 153rd anniversary of the Academy of Music. Reworking selections from his expansive catalog, these performances left an indelible mark on Sting and provided the initial inspiration for his upcoming tour.
"Performing with both the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra was truly a highlight of my career. I am looking forward to the upcoming tour with undisguised glee, having a whole new palate of musical colors to work with and reinventing the songs that have been the staples of my live performances for over thirty years."
This summer, Sting, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio, will embark on a world tour. For the first time, Sting will perform two, sold-out concerts at the famed Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, in addition to sell-out performances at prestigious venues such as Red Rocks in Denver, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Chicago's renowned Ravinia Festival, with additional stops in Vancouver, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta and Washington D.C, among other cities. Performances throughout the UK and Europe will be announced soon.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra has previously performed with internationally renowned artists ranging from opera luminaries Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming, Kiri Te Kanawa, and the late Luciano Pavarotti to such popular cultural icons as Burt Bacharach, George Benson, Michel Legrand, Diana Krall, Tina Turner, and Randy Newman. The 45-piece orchestra will be featured on all North American concert dates of the tour.
Sting will also be joined by a quartet comprised of Dominic Miller (Sting's longtime guitarist), David Cossin (a multi-percussion specialist in new and experimental music and featured member of the Bang on a Can All-Stars), Jo Lawry (vocalist), and Ira Coleman (bassist).