THE tickets don't come cheap at £85 top whack, but then Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will be singing atop a 72-piece orchestra in the one Yorkshire concert of his 2005 tour next week.

Once proclaimed as "The Voice of God" by singing gymnast Celine Dion, Bocelli will perform operatic arias, traditional Neapolitan and Italian popular songs and one or two of his best-loved repertoire hits at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena on Thursday evening. Doors open at 6.45pm and everyone - including the musicians, no doubt - must be in their seat by 7.45pm for the 8pm start.

The orchestra will be conducted by Italian conductor Marcello Rota, and Bocelli will be joined by Italian soprano Paola Sanguinetti for "some of the most romantic duets in Italian opera".

Bocelli has sold more than 50 million albums, and since 1997 he has achieved more platinum discs than any classical soloist in recording industry history.

Tickets cost £85, £50 or £30 on 0114 256 5656 or online at www.hallamfmarena.co.uk, and a booking fee may apply.

Updated: 15:19 Thursday, February 03, 2005