GODFATHER of classical crossovers Russell Watson has announced a UK tour that includes Salisbury and Poole.

The UK’s best selling classical artist with four Classical Brits to his name, will perform at Salisbury City Hall on Wednesday, April 15 and Lighthouse, Poole on June 3.

This will be a rare chance to experience ‘The Voice’ up close and personal in relatively intimate surroundings.

Performing with only his musical director, the stunning Masquerade String Quartet and local community choir Rising Voices*, the show is part of a 75-date national tour as Russell says he is “getting back to his best” after beating two near-fatal brain tumours eight years ago.

“I feel so alive. I’m taking so much from it,” he told BBC Breakfast recently.

“As soon as I hit the stage now the light hits my face and it just kind of breathes life into me. I’m really enjoying life at the moment.”

Russell Watson’s first album The Voice held the number one berth simultaneously in both the US and the UK – a world first – and spent a record-breaking 52 weeks at top of the British charts.

Today the former bolt-cutter is one of the world’s most prominent tenors, having sold more than seven million albums worldwide.

He has performed for some of the world’s greatest figures, including HM The Queen, the late Pope John Paul II – who requested a private audience with Russell at the Vatican – and former US President Bill Clinton. His musical collaborations include Pavarotti, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, Cliff Richard, Lulu, Sarah Brightman, Meatloaf and Mel B.

* Rising Voices began as a successful rehabilitation bid from Dorset Cancer Network to aid recovery and support patients with cancer and their carers through singing to encourage confidence, social interaction, and promote well being. It meets on Tuesdays at St John’s Church, Parkstone and although it is for anyone living with or beyond cancer the physical, psychological and emotional benefits of singing can be felt by anyone. More information at www.risingvoices.org.uk.

Tickets & information 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk