United Center celebrates 30 years of global opera great Andrea Bocelli’s renowned “Romanza”

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Maestro Andrea Bocelli is arguably the most elite vocalist alive today, who can effortlessly flow from opera to classical material, traditional pop or Latin flavors, while taking absolutely anything he interprets and making it a masterpiece.

In fact, that’s exactly how the Italian tenor broke through internationally with the “Romanza” album in 1997, which has since sold 20 million copies and became the best-selling predominantly non-English language album of all time.

It’s no wonder why its 30th anniversary celebration filled up the entire world-class United Center, where for two acts and hours, Bocelli was backed by a gigantic orchestra, glorious choir, guest vocalists mirroring a corresponding “Duets” album, interpretive dancers and an stage-stretching video wall to make sure every view was ideal.

Fresh off astounding at the opening ceremony for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina, the headliner, who’s been visually impaired since birth, entered to a standing ovation and was mesmerizing from the second his mouth opened.

It was a trend that would unfold frequently, such as during the front half favorites “O Fortuna,” “Au fond du temple saint” alongside ace baritone Edward Parks and “Caruso,” each unsurprisingly presented with note for note perfection.

In one of the even more personal segments wrapped around “Romanza” and “Il mare calmo della sera,” a piano playing Bocelli serenaded a couple who won a charity auction, then took a break for a stunningly choreographed “West Side Story” medley and featured Pia Toscano (“American Idol”) for a seismic solo of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself” in the style of Celine Dion.

Both she and Bocelli were truly boundless throughout “Vivo per lei,” “Vivere” and “Canto della terra,” as was all-star soprano Larisa Martínez’s joining the headliner’s come “Con te partirò (Time To Say Goodbye),” literally bringing tens of thousands to tears.

Thankfully, it wasn’t the actual end and there was still a “Nessun dorma” salute to the late Luciano Pavarotti, who may have popularized what many consider to be the definitive version of the iconic aria, but as the United Center could attest to, would’ve probably been just as proud of this next generation’s torchbearer.

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

For a list of upcoming AEG Presents concerts, visit AEGPresents.com.

Upcoming shows at the United Center include Konstantinos Argiros (Mar. 7); Cardi B (Mar. 21); Shane Gillis (Apr. 3-4); Twice (Apr. 6-7); B2K and Bow Wow (Apr. 23); Lewis Capaldi (Apr. 25); Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (Apr. 29); Demi Lovato (May 1); Katt Williams (May 2); Peso Pluma (May 7-8); A$AP Rocky (May 27); Summer Walker (May 29); Megan Moroney (Jun. 2-3); Don Toliver (Jun. 11); Rosalía (Jun. 20); Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (Jun. 26); “Weird Al” Yankovic (Jun. 27); Alex Warren (Jun. 29); Windy City Smokeout (Jul. 8-12); Meghan Trainor (Jul. 15); Rush (Jul. 16, 18, 20 and 22); Zayn (Jul. 27); Ariana Grande (Aug. 3, 5 and 6); J. Cole (Aug. 11-12); Robyn (Sept. 12); Doja Cat (Oct. 3) and Matt Rife (Oct. 25). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

Chicago Concert Reviews

We’ve got the Windy City covered.

United Center celebrates 30 years of global opera great Andrea Bocelli’s renowned “Romanza”

Related Articles