Costello hires a new band to back him: an orchestra

Elvis Costello has found a new touring partner: a symphony orchestra.

The 51-year-old singer-songwriter, whose backing bands in the past have included The Attractions and The Imposters, will team up with symphonies around the U.S. for a tour this spring.

He'll perform his orchestral work, "Il Sogno," or "The Dream," during the first part of each concert, according to his Web site. After intermission, he plans to play his eclectic rock and pop hits.

Costello marked his composing debut recently with "Il Sogno," in which he blends classical and jazz styles. An Italian dance company commissioned the music in 2000 for a ballet staging of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."