‘I feel surrounded by love in the UAE’ says Andrea Bocelli ahead of his concert

THIS PERFORMER NEEDS absolutely no introduction. The 60-year-old Italian is synonymous with powerful, melodious, almost ethereal singing both on stage and in his recordings. Tenor Andrea Bocelli’s appeal was once explained by Celine Dion thus: "If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea." He is often labelled the world’s greatest musical artist and you have a chance to witness the magic live at the du Arena, Yas Island, where he will be making his third appearance at the venue, this Friday evening. A mixture of material from the classics to tracks off his new album, Si, Bocelli spoke exclusively to City Times about his upcoming show. How does it feel when people label you the world’s best and most beloved tenor? Did you always believe you would reach this level of notoriety when you began singing? I don’t think that reflects reality: there are many extraordinarily talented singers in the world. Being appreciated is undeniably a reason for satisfaction, yet popularity in and of itself does not lead to anything, it is not a trait and it is always temporary: nothing is forever. Today you are famous, tomorrow you may not be. I think that God has lent me a tool that allows me to express what I feel. My only credit, if you can define it as such, lies in the fact that I have tried to honour this talent with discipline and perseverance. I am proud that I am able to offer my voice to anyone who seeks emotion in music and a relief from the struggles of everyday life. Reality has exceeded all my dreams, even my most daring one. Success arrived after many doors were closed in my face, sometimes in an ungracious manner. The opportunities to make it […]

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