Andrea Bocelli wows Hyde Park under sodden skies - Review

Never let the challenge of an English summer get in the way of belting out a good aria.

That was the motto of arguably the world’s best – and most popular tenor Andrea Bocelli when he appeared at BST Hyde Park.

Under grey skies and with the occasional brisk shower, the celebrated Italian singer decided the show must go on, singing at his very best under a black gazebo to the delight of the poncho-clad crowd.

Not only that but Bocelli, 65, would give some duets an even longer final note leaving the audience rapt.

The first half began with the evocative La Donna e Mobile, before he was joined by soprano Nadine Sierra, mezzo Isabel Leonard, baritone Luca Micheletti and soprano Henna Munn for a series of opera classics including Carmen.

So you say opera is not your bag? Don’t be put off.

Bocelli brought a popular touch to whatever he sang, backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Even though his own team had gone out of the Euros, he indulged us in the second half with Nessun Dorma, the best football song Puccini ever wrote.

Not only did he sing the song made famous by the Three Tenors including Pavarotti for Italia ‘90, but he was accompanied by movie composer Hans Zimmer.

Together with their new collaboration Time to Say Goodbye, there wasn’t a dry eye – or dry seat – in the house.

BST Hyde Park continues until Sun 14 July. Details at www.bst-hydepark.com