Sting went back to his Geordie roots yesterday to launch a multi million pound music venue.

The Tyneside-born star was at the Baltic arts centre, Newcastle, to announce he will team up with Northern Sinfonia and a world-renowned high-wire artist for the opening of The Sage, in Gateshead, next year.

Sting and Northern Sinfonia will perform the traditional classic Waters of Tyne while high-wire artist Philippe Petit crosses the Tyne gorge to the upper faade of The Sage.

It will form part of the music centre's opening year of celebrations. "It's really exciting for me to know that this spectacular building, The Sage, Gateshead, will enable visiting musicians to experience this vibrant area," said Sting.

"I know how important music is to young people and I am delighted that many more of them will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and interest in all kinds of music.

"It will be really extraordinary to perform at this spectacular event to celebrate the opening of The Sage."

Composer David Lang has been commissioned by The Sage to arrange the traditional North East folk tune Waters of Tyne for orchestra for the event, which it is also hoped will officially open the NewcastleGateshead International River Festival.

Philippe Petit's technically demanding inclined walk will see him high wire from Newcastle Quayside to the upper faade of The Sage.

He said: "On the high wire, music is the muse that motivates me to move. I listen and let the music penetrate my being, and soon it happens; I start walking. Each of my steps, each of my heartbeats, is in concert with what I hear. For this event, in addition to Northern Sinfonia, to glorious music, I will have the pleasure of walking with the most splendid musical instrument, the human voice.

"For me, there is no better way to celebrate such a prestigious and promising home for music and musical discovery, The Sage Gateshead."