Sir Paul McCartney writing ballet

Sir Paul McCartney has been commissioned to compose the music for a ballet. The former Beatle says he doesn't know much about the project yet but he has begun writing and is enthusiastic.

Sir Paul's first classical composition was the Liverpool Oratorio, written in collaboration with composer and conductor Carl Davis for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's 150th anniversary in 1991.

Friday 18 June is Sir Paul McCartney's birthday and Classic FM is celebrating by dedicating the Full Works Concert to him and his music. Join John Brunning at 9pm, when he'll begin with John Rutter's Beatles Concerto, which includes most of the band’s biggest hits, reworked for full orchestra and two pianos.

Earlier this month Sir Paul McCartney collected the Gershwin Prize for popular music from President Obama at the White House, and gave a concert. He was joined by leading musicians including Lang Lang. Read more and see the performance here...