Bee Gees star Robin Gibb is to make his classical debut with a concept album which marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

It has been an incredible experience working with my son RJ

The singer, who has been battling cancer for many months, is also due to perform at the premiere of The Titanic Requiem which will be launched with a concert in London in April.

Mr Gibb, 62, said recording the album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has helped him on the road to recovery.

The chart legend, who has collaborated with his son RJ on the new composition, is understood to have received chemotherapy in recent months after he was diagnosed with colon cancer which spread to his liver.

He has also been in hospital repeatedly after suffering a twisted bowel – a condition which led to the death of his twin Maurice.

The announcement of the release of his Titanic album coincides with the centenary of the sinking of the unsinkable luxury liner.

It is also just days after at least 11 people died as the cruise ship Costa Concordia capsized off the coast of Tuscany.

The symphonic album, recorded over the past year in London’s Air Studios and features vocals from Mr Gibb himself as well as tenor Mario Frangoulis and teenage choirgirl Isabel Suckling.

Mr Gibb, who performs the track Don’t Cry Alone, said: “It has been an incredible experience working with my son RJ. There is a creative freedom and uninhibited state that comes from working with a family member.

“Working on this album and with RJ has been a driving force, and one that has helped me on the road to recovery.”

The singer’s ill health late last year led to him missing some promotional appearances for his charity single with The Soldiers, as well as a visit to Downing Street.

The premiere concert will take place at the Central Hall in Westminster, London, on April 10, with the album due for release on March 19.

Tickets for the concert go on sale on Sunday.