‘You are my heroes for listening to my voice under the rain. Thank you very much,’ an emotional Andrea Bocelli told the crowd to applause.
The classical singer was performing at BST Hyde Park in London, and the weather decided to show just what summertime can look like in this country – an organiser informed Metro.co.uk that this was the heaviest rainfall they’d experienced at the annual event since it began in 2013.
Armed with plastic coverings – some women were using bin bags sourced from the dedicated litter pickers – and the ‘small respectable umbrellas’ permitted by the festival, those wanting to see the music star didn’t let a bit of torrential rain stop them. If I ignored the fact my hair was so wet it was like I’d done 20 lengths at my local leisure centre, it was actually quite cosy to listen to classical music in the rain – very main character moment some may say.
There was a reward for those of us watching, as well as getting to experience the legendary vocals of Bocelli live, we’d now be part of history – attending the largest outdoor classical concert in Europe in this century.
The evening was particularly special as Bocelli is celebrating 30 years in music and selling over 75 million records worldwide, and the 65-year-old put together an impressive set list that honoured the incredible achievement.
The Italian tenor, dressed in a classic black tuxedo paired with a golden jacket, began the evening with La Donna è Mobile while being supported by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who elevated each song. Special guest Seal described singing with them as ‘like lying on the most comfortable bed you could ever imagine’, to help those of us who weren’t international stars grasp what it feels like to have string instruments playing alongside vocals.
Together, Seal and Bocelli dueted on Hayley Westenra hymn Amazing Grace and My Way, popularised by Frank Sinatra, with their voices intertwining in the choruses to make a delicious combination.
It may have been Bocelli’s night, but he gave Seal his chance to shine with his hit Kiss from the Rose. He has been performing it since 1994, but he’s still able to bring a sense of joy to each run-through, which is appreciated by all listening.
Showcasing other talent was a theme of the evening, with artists including gospel and blues artist Zucchero Fornaciari, Grammy award-winning singer Joaquina, and Crouch End Festival Chorus choir, all taking their turns on stage.
Perhaps most special for Bocelli was the chance to sing with his 12-year-old daughter Virginia.
‘We will do the song that we both do at home, okay? But now it’s more important to sing well,’ he joked. She needed no instruction as they made their way through a hauntingly mesmerising performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
You don’t have to be a regular at the opera to understand the beauty of the heavenly tones that escape Bocelli’s mouth with every note. I may not have known what he was singing as he performed Nelle Tue Mani from the Gladiator soundtrack with composer Hans Zimmer, quickly followed by Chevalier de Sangreal and Time from Da Vinci Code and Inception, respectively, but I was captivated.
Bocelli has always been a voice for those who may not be the stereotypical classical music listener; therefore, perhaps some introductions on what the songs were about could have made the event more inclusive for those new to the scene.
If you have a song called Time To Say Goodbye or Con Te Partirò, you won’t spend too much time fretting about what song could be good for near the end of the set.
As he performed the worldwide hit, it was a battle between singing in a way that is usually reserved for the shower, and listening intently to what Bocelli was producing. With the festival choosing to put seats in front of the stage for the first time, it welcomed a different vibe that is not usually synonymous with festivals but was perfect for this particular occasion.
The audience was stunned into silence for the finale, Nessun Dorma, proving just why he’s still thriving after three decades in the industry.
American Express presents BST Hyde Park is taking place until July 14 with performances from the likes of Robbie Williams, Shania Twain and Kylie Minogue.
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