Elton John performs with a 90-piece orchestra (2002)

December 1, 2002 – Elton John performs along with a 90-piece orchestra, a five-piece electric band and a choir at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London

The concert was part of the “One Night Only” series, celebrating the works of Bernie Taupin and Elton John. It was the first time Elton John performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, a renowned venue for opera and ballet, and one of the world’s most prestigious theaters.

Tickets for the black-tie charity event reached up to £1000. The funds raised went to the new Elton John Scholarship Fund at the Royal Academy of Music, where Elton began his journey as a young prodigy.

In preparation for the concert, renowned composer and arranger James Newton Howard, known for his film industry work, arranged fifteen of John’s standards for a 90-piece orchestra.

The show opened with Elton John alone at the piano, performing “Skyline Pigeon.” He was then joined by his band members—Davey Johnstone (guitar), Nigel Olsson (drums), Bob Birch (bass), Guy Babylon (keyboards), and John Mahon (percussion, backing vocals)—for a first half covering his 30-year career, with “Original Sin” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” as highlights.

In the second half, Elton John was joined by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, seated on terraces behind the stage and conducted by long-time collaborator Paul Buckmaster. The London Community Gospel Choir also joined the ensemble.

The setlist for the second half included classics like “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” which was the concert’s pinnacle. Less frequently performed songs like “The King Must Die” and “Carla/Etude” were also featured.

The concert was filmed by the BBC and aired on BBC1 on December 14 of the same year. It is available as a DVD titled “Elton John – Live in London,” which includes interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, providing insight into the preparation of this unique show.