Last night, Andrea Bocelli performed in Chicago,
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and last night, I witnessed the best “concert” I have ever seen. I put the word “concert” in quotes as I am actually unaware of a word that captures the breadth of the performances.
Andrea Bocelli returns to the U.S. for seven concerts only of repertoire from his Grammy-nominated album Cinema, special selections from his groundbreaking release Romanza, and a selection of beloved arias, love songs, and crossover hits. The concerts will be led by Maestro Eugene Kohn and will also feature soprano Larisa Martinez and Broadway sensation and Chicago native, Heather Headley. Our own Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus will join him for his concert at Chicago’s United Center. (2017 © Lyric Opera of Chicago)
Maestro Eugene Kohn conducting Chicago Lyric Orchestra and Chorus
Our daughter Benita had surprised us with these tickets for our anniversary. In 1999, we took her to see Luciano Pavarotti in Austin, and now she was taking us to see Andrea Bocelli in Chicago. How fortunate we are to have seen both!
Each artist was exceptional – captivating the audience with finely-tuned skills. Although there were thousands in attendance, one could hear a pin drop. Stupendous was the word that kept coming to mind.
In addition to the incredible pitch-perfect performances, the large multi-dimensional projection screens behind the chorus provided a visual extravaganza. The audience was transported, as if we were at times sitting inside a grand European cathedral; attending an opera at La Scala in Milan; walking through falling snow at the Eiffel Tower; strolling ancient streets of an Italian town; enjoying a gondola ride through canals in Venice; or taking in any number of breathtaking vistas.
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Andrea Bocelli was born with poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of 12, following a soccer accident. Yet nothing was going to stop his great passion for music, developed as a young child. Today, his musical accomplishments include fifteen solo albums, of both pop and classical music, three greatest hits albums, and nine complete operas, selling over 80 million records worldwide. In addition, over the years, he has performed in many charity benefits, and in 2011, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation was launched, focusing on medical research and fighting poverty.
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About two months ago, Len and I were in Portofino, a now very famous, picturesque and tourist-filled Italian fishing village where Bocelli performed under the stars in 2013. We had seen the performance on PBS, and as we lunched along the water, we talked about how fun it would be to attend a Bocelli concert. Little did we know that just a few weeks later, Benita would surprise us with tickets. And since our concert was in December, we were happy to be inside where it was warm.
Kudos to the sound team at the United Center, a space more often used for sports enthusiasts than tenors and sopranos. Even with a packed house, acoustics were perfect. And if you are a Bocelli fan, check his website as the tour has a few more east coast US dates this year and then returns next year to the west coast.
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We are so very grateful to Benita, not only for the tickets but that we were able to see this magnificent performance together.
Bravo, Andrea, Bravissimo! Thank you for coming to Chicago!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
I’ve seen Andrea Bocelli. He is wonderful.
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He is indeed!
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I am green – and not Christmas green – with envy. That has been a dream for at least a decade. So thrilled for the two of you.
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Thanks, Ann. Check his schedule and perhaps you can find a location. Perche no?
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We will see/hear him tomorrow in Philadelphia!
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Lucky you! Enjoy!
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Hey he is coming to LA! I think maybe the Hollywood Bowl. I will check.
When we were in Milan we were wandering around the old section looking for a restaurant that was reputed to be the original home of Osso Bucco (found it – it was wonderful!)
We passed a small square and realized it was La Scala. Being used to American scale we weren’t expecting how small it is but we would love to go to an opera there.
Perhaps another year. So many places, so little time.
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Hope you get to see him in LA!
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June 20 under the stars in the Hollywood Bowl for anyone near LA
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You have heightened my awareness
Thank you
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Aloha Judy,
Thank you for sharing.
The last time we were at the United Center we saw and heard the “Three Tenors” another night to remember.
Merry Christmas
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I bet it was amazing! And Merry Christmas to you!
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Beautiful!
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It really was!!!
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So sorry to have missed this concert! I know many Italian-Americans who went, as I live in Chicagoland. If you are in Chicago again, let me know and maybe we can get together and I can give you a Conversational Italian for Travelers Just the Important Phrases pocket travel book to look at. Love to know what you think!
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Hi Stella, I’d love to get together. Sending you an email. Judy
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