"Michael is looking at working with a number of singers like Ian McCulloch and the soprano singers at both cathedrals."
Sport will play a major part in the 2008 line-up with the Open Golf Championship returning once more to Royal Birkdale, in Southport.
The Tour of Britain cycling race will finish in the city and the European Seniors' Boxing Championship will be held at the new Arena.
The World Firefighters Games will attract competitors from more than 50 countries, and the International Youth Soccer Tournament will be staged in Knowsley.
