Stars line up for Queen's party

LONDON, England -- Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Golden Jubilee at two open-air concerts at the Buckingham Palace this June.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, veteran Sir Elton John, queen of soul Aretha Franklin, and Pop Idol Will Young will be among the star performing.

Up to 12,000 people will be invited to each show with champagne picnics in the palace gardens.

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Princes William and Harry are expected to attend the June 3 show, which will bring together acts from across the Queen's 50 year reign.

Another show, on June 1, will represent the opposite end of the music spectrum with a classical concert will be held in the palace's garden.

The queen and Prince Phillip are expected to attend both shows, the palace said.

The pop event will be directed by Beatles producer Sir George Martin and will offer performances by music veterans as well as newcomers.

The artists chosen for the jubilee concert represent the greatest composers and performers of their generation and come not only from this country but our sister nations in the English-speaking world, Martin told The Associated Press.

Also on stage will be Beach Boy Brian Wilson and members of the 1980s band Queen, as well as newcomer Will Young -- the winner of the UK TV programme Pop Idol which catapulted him to instant fame.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Andrew Davis, will headline the classical show.

Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, and operatic duo Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu are also scheduled to perform, organisers said.

The concerts will be broadcasted on large screens in nearby Green Park, and it will also be shown live by the BBC.