This famous Italian singer is coming to Sacramento. Here’s what he wants you to know

On Easter Sunday in 2020, in the early days of COVID-19 lockdowns, renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli provided the world with a moment of hope and unity when he sang solo at the Duomo in Milan. His performance included renditions of “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace” — and it broke YouTube records.

More than a year later, Sacramentans are singing “Hallelujah,” because live, in-person concerts are back.

And Bocelli is singing “Hallelujah,” too — literally. On Saturday, the Italian tenor will take the stage at Golden 1 Center in a show featuring songs from his latest album “Believe,” as well as the beloved rendition of “Hallelujah” by the late songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Ahead of the concert, Bocelli told The Bee via email about what it means to be back performing in person on what will be his largest North American tour to date. Here’s what he wants Sacramentans to know ahead of the show:

This interview has been edited for clarity and condensed.

What does this tour mean to you, given that it’s your largest North American trek and it’s coming after more than a year of online performances?

Andrea Bocelli: It means a lot: I am happy, excited and a bit apprehensive. What I do is not much different from what an athlete does, and this tour is like returning to competitions at the highest level, following a long hiatus from the stadium. The joy, however, is truly immense, because this series of concerts finally gives me a sense of restarting, of a return to normalcy, which I wholeheartedly wish can be extended to the entire world. My online performances enable me to keep contact, albeit virtual, with the people that affectionately follow me in many parts of the world. As an artist and a man, however, I must say that I missed that direct contact very much — that exchange of positive energy that you can establish only at a live concert.

How did the reaction to your performance at the Duomo in 2020 make you feel? Were you surprised by the reaction?

AB: It was an important affirmation — not so much in the musical as in the spiritual sense, because it wasn’t actually a concert, rather a moment to pray together, in this unprecedented, painful and complex time; to reaffirm the power of the Christian message on the very day of Easter Sunday. I simply lent my voice (which I consider a gift I can’t take any credit for) to pray for my loved ones and the world over through song.

What about this album do you think makes it uplifting? Why is that theme important to you right now?

AB: After various recordings where the fil rouge was sensuality, I opted for a project dedicated to the soul, with the intention of offering a moment of serenity and optimism to my listeners. At the heart of “Believe” are the three theological virtues: faith, hope and charity, which are the fundamentals of action for a good Christian, as well as three universal ethical principles. These are three closely interlinked words, because, without hope — we remain trapped in despair, without faith — life is a foretold tragedy, and without charity — there can be no faith or hope.

“Believe” is a collection of songs tied to spirituality, in its broadest sense: I think of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the beautiful meaning underlying the text; of the song inspired by St. Francis, “Fratello Sole Sorella Luna” (meaning: brother sun, sister moon) and of the unorthodox, but intensely religious “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen... And, again, I think of the wonderful anthem for giving thanks — “Amazing Grace”; of the “Inno Sussurrato”(a whispered hymn) composed by the great Ennio Morricone a month before his passing away; and of the unpublished excerpt of Giacomo Puccini that became a vibrant prayer. This anthology that makes up the album also includes two of my own compositions. Let’s not forget, finally, the contribution of great artists, such as Alison Krauss and Cecilia Bartoli, who have graced this album with their voices.

What is one thing you would want Sacramentans to know about you before they come to your performance?

AB: I would like to tell them that I thank them for the affection and trust they continue to show me; that I am sending a spiritual hug to each and every one of them; and that I can’t wait for the joyous moment when I get to be with them again. It will be a great pleasure to be together and share positive emotions. I want to say to them that I am truly honored by the faith they have renewed in me, and that I will do my best to live up to their expectations. At my side on stage, there will be an alternation of a few of my artist friends, enriching the concert. The evening will feature some of the most famous excerpts from the operatic repertory, melodic songs, songs from my new album, as well as pieces that are an integral part of my artistic journey and that the audience wants to hear. Together we will celebrate — after such a difficult time — music, beauty and life that overcomes all.

How to buy tickets

You can get tickets for the Saturday, Oct. 23, concert online. Prices start at $79 and the concert begins at 8:30 p.m. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 48 hours to gain entry.

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