BST Hyde Park 2024: Andrea Bocelli

BST Hyde Park :

BST Hyde Park has become essential viewing for music lovers of all genres, curating epic line-up of rock, pop and country favourites to create day-festivals like no other. However, on Friday night the festival welcomed another genre to the park, putting on the largest outdoor classical concert in Europe this century headlined by the legendary Andrea Bocelli. Andrea, the world's most famous living tenor, is in the midst of his 30th anniversary tour and there could have not been a more perfect location to celebrate. Despite the British weather trying it's best to dampen (or drench...) spirits, a huge audience persevered to witness some truly magical moments from Bocelli, and a whole host of special guests. As with all BST Hyde Park days, the headliner is supported by some of the best musicians around, and last night was no different with huge names like Katherine Jenkins and Matteo Bocelli completing the line-up. 

Andrea Bocelli:

Living legend doesn't even begin to describe Andrea Bocelli, a man whose powerful voice transcends genres and extracts every emotion
possible. The fact tens of thousands of people braved torrential downpours to witness this genius in person Friday night in Hyde Park says all you need to know. The most-famous, and most-beloved living Tenor, took to the stage with a rousing rendition of 'La Donna è Mobile', and the tone for the night was well and truly set. Bocelli's voice is a thing of beauty, tugging at the heartstrings of all those in attendance from the get-go. He is joined on stage by the incredibly talented Crouch End Festival Chorus and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, two groups filled with some of the world's most talented musicians, a fitting accompaniment for a great like Andrea Bocelli.

However, Bocelli was joined by far more musicians than just these, as throughout the night an elite line-up of special guests would join him on stage for spectacular duets, with many even getting their own chance to stand centre stage for a solo song too, Perhaps the most well-known of these special guests were legendary composer Hans Zimmer, and the iconic Seal. The masterful performance of Zimmer's 'Nelle Tue Mani' was a real site to behold, whilst the emotional duets of 'Amazing Grace' and 'My Way' with Seal brought audience members to tears. Seal was also given the chance to perform his huge hit 'Kiss from a Rose' with an orchestral backing, something he relished the chance to do, and the crowd responded with the night's loudest singalongs.

Two of the most touching performances came when Andrea Bocelli was joined by his long-time friend Zucchero and 12-year-old daughter Virginia, respectively. Zucchero joined Bocelli for a performance of 'Miserere' which was paired with visuals of the duo performing with the illustrious Pavarotti, whilst Virginia and Andrea performed an emotional rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

The night was brought to an by two truly magical performances. Bocelli's most famed track 'Con te Partirò' was followed by 'Nessun Dorma', ensuring the night finished as it started, in a flourish of operatic brilliance that will live on in memory for a lifetime

Katherine Jenkins:

The night's main special guest was the wonderful Welsh Mezzo-Soprano Katherine Jenkins, who delivered a headline worthy set that combined opera, musical theatre and pop music to make sure there was something for everyone. As much as Jenkins' voice will absolutely blow you away, with fewer songs showing this more than opener 'The Music of the Night'. it was her natural wit and fun-spirit on stage that really made this such a memorable performance. Whether it be dancing through the downpour performing 'Singin' in the Rain', or accessorising her flowing gown with wellies mid set, Jenkins made the best of what she was given weather-wise, putting on a show to remember. 

Jenkins brought out a number of special guests during her set, included sensational saxophonist Yolanda Brown for a beautiful rendition of 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square'. Final song 'We Are The Champions' provided one more chance for mass sing along before Katherine Jenkins left the stage a certified crowd favourite.

Matteo Bocelli: 

The privilege of opening the Great Oak Stage went to Matteo Bocelli, the extremely talented son of Andrea. Given the rapidly declining weather Matteo had a huge task on his shoulders to lift the mood of the crowd, but he did so with ease. Opening his set with tastings of his original music in the form of 'Solo' and 'Close", Matteo immediately had the tens of thousands in attendance watching in awe. His vocal prowess was sensational, and the way he commanded the stage as a solo artist performing classical music was extremely impressive.

He did of course have a multi-talented orchestrally backed band behind him to bring his music to a whole new level. Much of Matteo's musical brilliance comes from his ability to blend pop and classical music, which was showcased best during his covers of 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' and 'I Can't Help Falling In Love With You'. These timeless classics sparked mass singalongs, guided by Matteo's smooth vocals, creating even more memorable moments in a set that couldn't have been more stellar