A flawlessly operatic Andrea Bocelli causes a full capacity Allstate Arena to “Believe”

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Not since Luciano Pavarotti has an Italian operatic tenor captured the hearts of the entire globe to the extent of the otherwise inimitable Andrea Bocelli, who has thus far spent over two decades thrilling sold out audiences and selling nearly 90 million records through his latest long player, “Believe.”

The Allstate Arena in Rosemont could count yet another one on the books for the pristine performer’s world tour, becoming one of just six American cities this spring to encounter an evening of inspirational selections, classic arias, classical crossover pieces, movie memories and traditional pop tunes.

Though Bocelli’s voice was all anyone would’ve needed throughout more two hours, split between just as many acts, he was joined by an enormous orchestra, choir and video wall to make even those in the distant corners feel connected.

The 64-year-old headliner probably wouldn’t have even needed a microphone to reach the nosebleeds given the sheer gusto of his primary instrument, but nonetheless sounded spectacular in the fully amplified environment, delivering spine-chilling renditions of “La Donna È Mobile” and “Brindisi,” to name but a few.

Bocelli continued to impress with the immaculate “Mamma” and reached even grander heights come the Latin-themed “Granada,” one of several instances where dancers and visuals enhanced the mood of each gorgeous composition.

He also incorporated the exceptional talents of special guest Amy Manford for a pair of “West Side Story” duets, “Maria” and “Tonight,” alongside other featured vocalists, who took turns collaborating on the likes of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” or wowing with their own talents.

Yet all eyes and ears were on the main man by the total knockouts “Con Te Partirò (Time To Say Goodbye)” and “Nessun Dorma,” which despite their complexity and inhumane ranges, were both gracefully mastered.

“‘O Sole Mio” wound up signaling the emotional end as album covers of the greats who previously tackled the timeless tune flashed above, yet Bocelli delivered it unlike any other and was met with an ovation fit for a king, exactly like a stylist of this stature deserves on his way towards interpretive immortality.

For additional information on Andrea Bocelli, visit AndreaBocelli.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Ricardo Arjona (May 26); Santa Fe Klan (Jun. 23); Chicago Salsa Festival (Jun. 24); Bryan Adams (Jul. 2); NF (Jul. 14); Carin Leon (Aug. 10); Pepe Aguilar (Aug. 18-19); Arcangel (Aug. 26); Christian Nodal (Sept. 2); Greta Van Fleet (Sept. 6); Maneskin (Sept. 29); El Fantasma (Sept. 30); Luis Miguel (Oct. 4-5); Marca MP (Oct. 6); Alejandro Fernandez (Oct. 8); Marco Antonio Solis (Oct. 15); Grupo Frontera and Luis R. Conriquez (Oct. 20); Pancho Barraza (Oct. 21); Romeo Santos (Oct. 24); Old Dominion (Nov. 17) and KISS (Nov. 27). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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A flawlessly operatic Andrea Bocelli causes a full capacity Allstate Arena to “Believe”

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