See Andrea Bocelli up close as he plays a small, intimate concert for one night in Dubai

Big star on a small stage

For the second time in less than a year, the world-famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will be performing in the UAE. But this time he’s swapped du Arena for a more intimate gala dinner at Billionaire Mansion Dubai. What’s On caught up with the classical pianist and singersongwriter star.

Will this intimate gig be very different to what we’re used to with your big shows?

We plan to have fun with the audience. This is an opportunity to celebrate music together in an intimate setting.

Which do you prefer: big arena concerts or smaller dinner performances?

They both have their charm. In many ways I prefer the in-between option: an opera house, because they have the best natural acoustics. I like great arenas, as I can always feel a very intense wave of positive energy from the audience, while concerts in smaller spaces remind me of when I started out, working in piano bars across Tuscany.

You’ve sold more than 70 million records and are a regular on the Grammy nomination list – how do you deal with the success and expectation?

Success follows inscrutable paths; it may be on your side today and leave tomorrow. I’m grateful to those who grant me so much attention worldwide, but it’s essential to also love one’s own work. Letting success go to your head is a mistake. The expectation that grows with every achievement is something I have to watch. I try to always be prepared, continue to practise and not give in to superficiality.

What do you like about performing in the UAE?

It is always a great pleasure to come back to this extraordinary land where you can breathe the future, where new ideas and the most dazzling feats of architecture are born.

What is your most memorable performance?

I have performed all over the world and in some spectacular scenery, such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Colosseum and the Statue Of Liberty. But for me – and I’m saying this without rhetoric – every concert is important. Every stage gives me emotions.

Which singers do you love?

I love opera passionately. I prefer the masterpieces of my fellow countryman Giacomo Puccini. It makes me very proud to be Tuscan, the Italian region where opera was born and the birthplace of composers like Puccini and Pietro Mascagni. January 7

Billionaire Mansion Dubai, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs5,000 per couple with canapes and soft drinks; Dhs5,500 for dinner package. Tel: (050) 8702674. Taxi: Taj Hotel. mpremiere.com