George Michael plans orchestral tour

LONDON, May 12 (UPI) -- George Michael will return to the stage this year with "Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour," the British pop star's Web site has announced.

Michael is to perform in more than 15 countries across Europe from August through December.

Venues already lined up include the O2 World arena in Berlin, Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, Palau San Jordi in Barcelona and London's Royal Albert Hall.

"He will perform not only a carefully chosen selection of his songs, spanning all his remarkable, near 30-year career, but he will cover some of his favorite songs from other artists," said a message posted on his Web site Wednesday. "The music will be re-worked and re-arranged for the orchestra which will accompany George at each location. This new classical setting will give each song added layers and new nuances. It's unmistakeably George Michael, but not as we've ever known him."