Purists who insist he always wear a Police uniform are bound to quibble, but Sting's decision to front the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra instead of a rock band is an inspired one.

His Symphonicity Australia Tour, hitting the Myer Music Bowl this Friday, sees the singer-songwriter re-imagining his music with new orchestral settings.

If the opening concert at Sandalford Estate Winery in the Swan Valley in Perth at the weekend is any guide, we are in for a thrilling time.

Who would have thought 'Roxanne' could be re-set as a slow ballad floating on cellos? Or that 'Next to You', a full-throttle rocker, could benefit from massed violins?

The MSO shone under the baton of Steven Mercurio in a true union with Sting.

© The Herald Sun by Simon Plant