Still need a little romance
in your life before Valentine’s Day? Italian romantic tenor Andrea Bocelli will present a concert of arias, movie music and the world’s most famous love songs on Saturday in Orlando.
Italian romantic tenor Andrea Bocelli, who has sold more than 80 million albums, will present a Valentine’s concert of arias, movie music and the world’s most famous love songs on Saturday in Orlando. He’ll be joined by Tony-winning actress Heather Headley (“The Lion King,” “Aida”), soprano Elisa Balbo and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert is at 8 p.m. at the Amway Center, 400 W. Church St. Tickets start at $75; go to amwaycenter.com.
Bocelli answered five questions for us via email.
1. What sorts of joys or challenges come with singing duets?
To mix the sound of two voices, to weave their vibrations, mixing their colors, is like a challenge that brings great emotions. The duet in itself is the metaphor of intimacy… This is why, after more than 20 years at my career, singing together is something that continues to enthrall me.
2. How would you describe working with Heather Headley and Elisa Balbo?
Elisa Balbo is a talented singer, a rising star who reaps success wherever she performs. She’s as good as she is beautiful. As for Heather Headley, her extraordinary and multifaceted qualities are wellknown. I am happy when our commitments allow us to duet once again.
3. When you’re interpreting the great music of the past, what’s in your mind?
The interpretation of the musical thoughts of the most creative minds that preceded us on Earth is a privilege. It offers a time of healthy excitement, but also a certain tension — motivated by the great responsibility that we assume when we are on stage. … We must give emotions without getting too moved because our throat threatens to close — and we run the risk of not being able to sing anymore!
4. With all the discord in the world, how do you get people to focus on love instead of hate?
Wherever there is a human being, the eternal struggle between good and evil will appear … I strongly believe that evil is opposed to God. I think that love is what drives the world, and therefore love and romanticism are the essential ingredients of every season of our life.
5. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?
The evening I met Veronica, the woman of my life, we met at a party, and I dedicated to her “Occhi di fata [a romantic song].” A few hours later, in the heart of the night, we strolled for a long time along the sea in Forte dei Marmi [a northern Italian town]. Since then, we have always been together.