Often referred to as the “Fourth Tenor,”
Andrea Bocelli has a deep, rich voice that has won the
hearts of opera fans the world over. But, Andrea Bocelli
is more than an opera singer; indeed, he is arguably
the voice of a new generation of opera – one that
is gaining a wider, more mainstream audience.
Born in a tiny village outside of Tuscany, Italy, Bocelli’s
love of music developed early in his boyhood. When he
was only six, Bocelli took his first piano lesson. He
would soon learn to also play the saxophone and the
flute.
Tragedy struck when he lost his eyesight when he was
only 12. While he’d struggled with poor eyesight
throughout his young life, Bocelli became legally blind
following an accident on the soccer field. Not one to
let obstacles stop him, Bocelli continued forward with
one success after another, even earning a law degree
from the University of Pisa.
After he finished his formal education at university,
Bocelli turned his focus to his one true love: music.
While he appeared in piano bars to pay the bills, Bocelli
spent his days studying under his mentor Franco Corelli.
But, it wouldn’t be until Bocelli auditioned for
Zucchero Fornaciari that he would get his big break.
The result was an offer for Bocelli to sing a duet with
opera legend Luciano Pavarotti in 1992.
The following year Bocelli hit the road, touring with
Fornaciari, an invaluable experience that exposed Bocelli
to the best in opera. In 1994, Bocelli received the
distinct honor of appearing at the Pavarotti International
Festival where he thrilled audiences with his rich voice.
In addition to his solo performances, he appeared alongside
such artists as Canadian superstar Bryan Adams. It was
also in 1994 that Bocelli released his first album “Andrea
Bocelli,” and overnight Andrea Bocelli concert
tickets were the hottest commodity in Europe and beyond.
The following year also proved to be successful for
Bocelli as he joined the Night of Proms – with
a lineup that featured such prominent names as Al Jarreau
and John Miles – for a tour throughout Europe.
Bocelli followed the tour with the 1996 album “Bocelli.”
Bocelli was on fire. But, he wouldn’t focus only
on opera. Instead, he dabbled successfully in pop music,
releasing the album “Sogno” in 1999. Bocelli’s
duet “The Prayer” with Canadian superstar,
Celine Dion, would catapult Bocelli to international
fame. “Sogno” sold a stunning ten million
copies, and that year Bocelli received a nomination
for the “Best New Artist” Grammy.
To date, Bocelli has released more than a dozen albums,
proving he’s a bona fide star that’s here
to stay.
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