Elton John and David Furnish to star in classical drama?

11 August 2014, 16:41

Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish are rumoured to be joining forces with True Blood creator Alan Ball for a new show on American channel HBO.

British piano star Sir Elton John might be returning to his classical roots in a new TV show inspired by life in Vienna during the 1790s. The new pilot show, titled 'Virtuoso', shines a light on life at an academy run by Mozart's nemesis, Antonio Salieri.

According to entertainment website Showbiz411, the show is likely to be set in an ornate world, home to musicians, teachers and wealthy Viennese patrons.

Amadeus: Mozart and Salieri on film

"There’s lots of music, ruffled shirts and sex of all kinds," they said. "There are probably a lot of candelabras set on ornate pianos, too."

Despite finding fame as a pop star, Sir Elton seems an appropriate choice for a classical drama: before embarking on his hugely successful career, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the tender age of 11.

Casting calls are said to have already been made for young men and women who play the piano and other instruments.