Bocelli marks 30 years of performance with a stop in Montreal

This year marks three decades since Andrea Bocelli, one of the most recognizable voices in the world, began his iconic career. To celebrate, the 65-year-old Tuscan-born maestro delivered a transcendent 130-minute set that showcased his versatility and exemplified why he continues to endure among audiences across the globe.

On May 11th, Bocelli transformed Montreal’s Bell Centre into the region’s largest opera house for his highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Tour stop.

Not unlike a fine wine, Bocelli’s voice seems to only get better with age. This particular evening was no exception. Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, and accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and choir, Bocelli captivated the crowd from the start.

The evening's program was conceived in two parts: the first half consisted of famous opera arias and choruses interwoven with duets by soprano Cadie J. Bryan, baritone Edward Parks III, flutist Andrea Griminelli, and ballerina Brittany O’Connor.

Bocelli and Parks were joined by world-renowned performance painter David Garibaldi who composed an upside-down portrait of Bocelli during ‘Au fond du temple Saint.' The painting was later auctioned off in support of The Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

The second part of the concert followed a more contemporary repertoire of popular scores, featuring selections from Bocelli's beloved solo album Believe, as well as crossover hits and love songs.

Among the many highlights of the evening were hauntingly beautiful performances from dancers Angelica Gismondo and Francesco Daniele Costa, plus phenomenal guest vocalist Pia Toscano. Bocelli’s 12-year old daughter Virginia also joined him on stage for a duet. She stole the show with a solo rendition of ‘You raise me up’. 

The evening’s lengthy journey across Bocelli’s musical catalog came to a close with a double-encore.  Returning to the stage in a Montreal Canadians hockey jacket, Bocelli began with his trademark ‘Con te partirò’ ('Time to Say Goodbye').

He then closed with an inspired performance of famous aria ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s Turandot, receiving a thunderous standing ovation.

Special thanks to Christine Montreuil, and all the Evenko staff for welcoming NCPR for another magical evening at the Bell Centre.

Dan Nawrocki | NCPR

April 20, 2024