QUADROPHENIA will be getting a classical reimagining as Pete Townshend gives the iconic rock opera an orchestral makeover.

The film and album are synonymous with Brighton, part of the city’s pop culture and the new symphonised version coincides with The Who’s 50th anniversary.

The 1973 record and 1979 movie starring Phil Daniels immortalises the famous clashes between the Mods and Rockers on Brighton seafront in 1964.

Mr Townshend’s latest retelling of Quadrophenia will see the 17-track album performed by a symphony orchestra, an opera singer and a choir.

He said: “A lot of major symphony orchestras are in trouble because their audience is getting old and the younger audiences prefer softer stuff, such as film soundtrack music.

“I think that Quadrophenia would reinvigorate their audiences and bring in people who might not otherwise go to see a symphony orchestra perform without lights and fireworks and a movie screen.”

The rock legend, who turned 70 this year, began work on the project as part of a plan to leave his entire musical repertoire arranged for an orchestra as sheet music.

Popular tenor Alfie Boe, known for his performance as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, will be taking over the parts of the record sung by Who vocalist Roger Daltrey.

Mr Townshend said: “Alfie is a true star, who gives every performance his all. He reminds me of Roger Daltrey in that – he’s also a real pleasure to work with.

“I never thought I’d hear a classical tenor singing my songs, and for them to work so well – but Alfie makes it happen.

“He’s a funny man too, and good looking. The girls like him. I can’t wait to be on stage with him. I’m going to push him into the orchestra pit.”

The premiere performance will feature the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Oriana Choir, Mr Boe on vocals and Mr Townshend himself on electric guitar.

Mr Boe said: “It’s in my blood. I’ve always thought the classical voice can lend itself to this type of repertoire. It’s harder than opera, but thrilling to sing.

“The music is so full of excitement, positivity and strength – I wouldn’t separate it from a symphony by Beethoven or Mozart.”

The new album will be released on June 8 and the premiere performance will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on July 5.

BACKGROUND

Quadrophenia is based on the clashes between the two warring subcultures of the 1960s – the Mods and Rockers.

The Mods wore designer suits, Parkas and rode scooters while the Rockers wore leathers and rode motorbikes.

Their antics reached infamy over the Whitsun weekend in 1964 when they violently and famously clashed on Brighton Seafront.

More than 1,000 teenagers were involved in the seaside skirmishes on the beach and promenade.

Deckchairs were thrown and broken up to make bonfires, fights broke out, gangs shouted obscenities at one another and residents and holidaymakers were left terrified.