Andrea Bocelli at BST Hyde Park

Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli may not be a typical festival-headlining rockstar, but his gravitas, legendary status and ability to draw huge crowds certainly equates to, or even surpasses, one. The highly-anticipated headliner for Friday’s BST Hyde Park celebrates a record-breaking day, marking Europe’s biggest outdoor classical concert of this century. It’s a momentous occasion with a star-studded international lineup alongside a full orchestra and choir, a shift from the festival’s usual setup.  

Both a musical extravaganza and jam-packed affair, earlier sets feature the likes of Billy Lockett, Matteo Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins, who sparkles in a silver jumpsuit and performs equally dazzling songs, including a James Bond medley and spontaneous Singing in the Rain. The accompanying prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra elevates every rendition with flair throughout, alongside the dramatic vocals of the Crouch End Festival Chorus, all conducted by Michele Spotti. Unfortunately, one of most prominent support acts is the Great British Rain, often torrential, putting the infamous “British Summer Time” into BST Festival. It mostly didn’t dampen the spirits of the poncho-covered crowds, however, as the evening promised to whisk them away to an Italian opera house by bringing a deluge of talent to the stage. 

Celebrating 30 years of Andrea Bocelli’s music, the headline set is introduced by Classic FM’s Myleene Klass, explaining two acts: the first features classical favourites joined by sopranos such as Nadine Sierra. This opens with the spritely sound of La Donna è Mobile and there are other recognisable operatic canzones such as O Mio Babbino Caro. Throughout, this is not simply the Bocelli show, with shared spotlights to showcase spellbinding talents including rising stars and even Bocelli’s own 12-year-old daughter Virginia, shining with perfect harmonies in a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. 

The second act consists of contemporary collaborations spanning genres which feels more fitting – and engaging – for this audience as it tries to pack everything in before curfew. A highlight is Seal’s guest feature, duetting Amazing Grace and My Way before experiencing his own career milestone by performing Kiss From a Rose with the orchestra and choir. The other legendary name on the billing is award-winning film composer Hans Zimmer, teaming up with Bocelli for a rousing, cinematic Nelle Tue Mani from Gladiator to rapturous applause. This audibly contrasts with the standout moment of Inception’s Time, offering pure orchestral, spine-tingling delight and unbelievable near-silence across Hyde Park. There are also performances with renowned Italian singer Zucchero and duets with vocal powerhouse Loren Allred, delivering the same astonishing impact as Celine Dion in the original The Prayer. 

There is a simple but impressive use of screens, transporting the audience through cosy visuals so even the furthest corner of the park can experience a different atmosphere, from golden hour in Florence to magical snowfall in a small village. By the time it was Time to Say Goodbye, the renowned Italian tenor had provided no shortage of jaw-dropping vocals, with a powerful Nessun Dorma as a pinch-me moment and sublime finale. It’s as consistent as the British downpour, with the singer acknowledging that “you are my heroes tonight…to listen to me under the rain!” The world’s most successful classical artist will continue to celebrate his anniversary in July with guests such as Brian May and Ed Sheeran. In Hyde Park, it’s unfortunate weather, but how fortunate is every member of the crowd to be able to witness such a world-class act in full force?

Bev Lung
Photos: Dave Hogan

For further information and future events visit Andrea Bocelli’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Time to Say Goodbye here: