Andrea Bocelli at Manchester’s Co-op Live: Celebrating 30 Years of Classical Stardom

With a heartfelt setlist spanning opera classics and contemporary favourites, the world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli launched the European leg of his tour with a memorable performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live.

Recognised as one of the most iconic voices of the last three decades and revered by fans worldwide, Bocelli delivered a performance that was both a testament to his once-in-a-generation talent and a celebration of his 30-year anniversary.

In addition to his sold-out arena shows and record-breaking livestreams, Bocelli has performed at the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Buckingham Palace. As the best-selling artist in the classical world, he has sung for four US Presidents, three Popes, the British Royal Family, many Prime Ministers, and on that night, to a 23,500-strong crowd in Manchester.

The 23-song spectacle commenced with a moving montage of highlights from Bocelli’s incredible career. Walking out onto the stage in a glittering gold jacket, the classical superstar was backed by the emphatic Manchester Chamber Choir.

Opening with Verdi’s La Donna è Mobile, Bocelli was soon joined by his first guest, Mariam Battistelli, an award-winning, Ethiopian-born Italian soprano, whose radiant tone continued to shine in later duets with Bocelli. Also performing throughout the night, flautist Andrea Griminelli wove dancing ribbons of music through the air, and violinist Rusanda Panfili commanded the audience with her passionate string work. Elsewhere, two ethereal dancers, Angelica Gismondo and Francesco Costa, added spellbinding movement to the show.

In tribute to the late, great Luciano Pavarotti, who championed Bocelli early in his career, a virtual duet of Notte ‘e Piscatore ensued, with video clips of Pavarotti shining down on the audience, as the time-defying sound of both tenors echoed across the arena together.

Later, American pop-style singer Pia Toscano stunned the crowd with a powerful solo rendition of All By Myself, before joining Bocelli for a tender performance of The Prayer.

Treating fans to a trio of encores, crowd-pleasers such as Time To Say Goodbye brought the arena to its feet in a standing ovation, before the night ended on Nessun Dorma, with its soaring melody, iconic high notes, and triumphant finale — famed for its life-affirming sense of awe. And tonight, Bocelli did not disappoint, as crowds met the music with rapture and applause. A bucket-list moment and unforgettable night to be cherished forever.

Bocelli will continue his tour into the summer, with performances in Poland, Portugal, America, and Italy — including a special run of shows in his hometown of Lajatico.

Featured image credit: Luca Rossetti