MARIANNE Faithfull is set to unveil a world premire at the Salisbury International Arts Festival in June when she makes a unique bill-topping appearance alongside the Sarum Orchestra and the 60-voice Festival Chorus,

The specially commissioned Symphony Under The Spire concert on Saturday, June 11, will find musical director / composer Howard Moody providing new orchestral arrangements for several classics from Faithfull's 40-year career.

In addition to long-time favourites like The Ballad of Lucy Jordan and As Tears Go By, the evening will feature several songs that Faithfull has never performed in concert before.

These include the Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday and Elton John and Bernie Taupin's For Wanting You, which was first recorded by Faithfull on her Vagabond Ways album.

She will also perform a selection from her latest album, Before the Poison, which was written in collaboration with such luminaries as P J Harvey and Nick Cave,

Blur's Damon Albarn also contributed Last Song, a tune that Faithfull will be performing at Symphony Under the Spire.

The concert takes place in Salisbury's Cathedral Close and starts at 7.30pm.

The audience is invited to bring low-backed chairs, rugs and picnics to enjoy the concert as the sun goes down.

"I'm really excited about this event," says Faithfull.

"You never know quite what the result of new collaborations like this will be but I'm enormously confident that Symphony Under the Spire will turn out to be an amazing spectacle."

According to Howard Moody, rehearsals have already produced some thrilling results. He spoke of the thrill of "hearing how a chorus can transform itself from a choral group into a bunch of rockers".

Now he's looking forward to incorporating Marianne's band into the mix.

"This really will break down the barriers between so many types of music and musicians. What a privilege to have this opportunity to work with such a musical legend."

Symphony under the Spire, presented by PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Wilsons and Naim Audio, will be the climax of this year's Salisbury International Arts Festival's 17 days and nights of performance, literature and art.

Tickets from the festival box office on 01722 320333. For online information visit www. salisburyfestival.co.uk.