Streisand sings for Bill

Barbra Streisand

Six years after declaring she was giving up live performances, Barbra Streisand is returning to the stage this week to launch her first proper concert tour in well over a decade.

It will be only the second national tour by Streisand in 40 years.

Streisand, 64, says her comeback tour was sparked mostly by her desire to raise money for her favourite charities.

Last month, she announced Bill Clinton's Climate Change Initiative would be the first recipient, pledging US$1 million ($1.5 million).