Harry Styles said he’s in ‘the middle of his career highlight’ as he headlined Meltdown festival with an orchestral show

Harry Styles described feeling like he’s “in the middle of” his “career highlight” as headlined the Meltdown festival with an orchestral performance with the Jules Buckley Orchestra.

The 32-year-old pop star is currently completing a 12-night residency as part of his Together, Together tour at London’s Wembley Stadium, but on Tuesday night (16.06.26) he had a change of pace from his high-energy stadium production for a slower, orchestral set that saw him move between guitar and piano.

Speaking to the audience at the charity concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre, Harry said: “Thank you so much for being here tonight.

“Feels both present and incredibly not present to be so aware that you’re in the middle of your career highlight for me.”

Harry said of his tour: “For anyone who has been to the tour, it’s a little bit different in case you can’t tell.”

He later made a joke about there being “no nipples” on the jaunt as he has often performed topless.

Harry set the tone early with a delicate, reworked take on Boyfriends, before moving through a run of highlights that included Matilda, Two Ghosts and Fine Line.

The former One Direction star also spotlighted tracks from his latest album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally – including Paint by Numbers, The Waiting Game, Carla’s Song and Coming Up Roses – presenting them with fresh arrangements. 

The big finale was a soaring cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water, which prompted an immediate and extended standing ovation from the entire hall.

Harry confessed that it felt “quite intimidating” to front an orchestral concert as someone who cannot read music.

He said: “I’ve always been a lover of orchestral music, classical music, and it’s quite an intimidating field to step into as someone who doesn’t, cannot, read music.”

Composer Jules is playing a key role in Harry’s Together, Together tour as he’s in charge of the string arrangements and the Meltdown collaboration comes after he worked with Harry on the track Coming Up Roses from Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Harry resumes his Wembley stint on Wednesday night (17.06.26).