Andrea Bocelli’s music is clearly his pride. Each one of his magnificent performances seeming to be of the most importance for him to give his fans, earning Bocelli the title of “Worlds Most Beloved Tenor.”
The concert at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa, was a make up show from an earlier cancelled performance in December. One of only two shows Bocelli had to ever cancel in his legendary career. It was very clear this night though, Bocelli was going to give his fans a show to remember.
As the Philharmonic of New York took the stage, you could literally feel the excitement in the arena. Then Bocelli was led out by the conductor of the Philharmonic to an incredible roar from the crowd combined with a standing ovation.
As Andrea stood on the stage with a huge smile on his face, the masterful Tenor went straight into “La donna e mobile.” His powerful voice just dominating the arena with each note. Song after song, Become’s voice got more powerful, echoing the intense notes he gracefully sang. There by lighting a fuse of intensity you could see in his face and the deep breaths after each song.
After a few songs, Bocelli left the stage to a standing ovation and the absolutely unbelievable Larisa Martínez took the stage and elevated the performance to the next level. With a voice that is simply angelic, Martinez took command of the entire arena while she was performing.
As Bocelli came back out, he smiled and thanked the crowd. While performers like to talk to the audience as they perform, Bocelli comes to sing.
Over the next two hours, Bocelli ran through his catalog of operatic songs from Verdi, Puccini and Bizet; theatrical numbers from “West Side Story”; along with some of his best known pieces, including “Time to Say Goodbye” and the masterful closer, “Nessun dorma.” Bocelli clearly showed his vocal strength this night with long, powerful notes to masterfully finish the operatic numbers.
As the final three songs were played, it was extremely clear that the audience was not ready to leave. Bocelli promised in December that he would comeback and give a concert the fans truly deserved. He can be rest assured that he had done just that and much more. Leaving the people in attendance that night with a show they’re not likely to forget.
Andrea Bocelli Photo Gallery
All photos and review by Bob Watts