Radiant Arias Inspired By An Aura Of Light: Reflections From Andrea Bocelli, The Maestro Of Opera

Blind by the age of 12, Andrea Bocelli refused to let this condition define him. A lawyer first, Bocelli went on to take complete command of his musical career, a journey that over the past 25 years has seen him performing with musical greats, both young and old.

- Cece M. Scott

By definition, a maestro is an eminent distinguished musician, a master of his or her craft. The honorific title is bestowed, always, with great respect on the person worthy of such a moniker. Andrea Bocelli, Italian singer, songwriter and producer, is indeed such a person, a musician who has bridged the genres of classical and pop music with great passion, skill and talent. Becoming blind at the age of 12 neither deterred nor debilitated Bocelli, who studied law at the University of Pisa and went on to practise as a state-appointed lawyer for a year before concentrating on performing. As a young singer in the mid-1990s, Bocelli, on two occasions, won the new composer title at the Sanremo Festival, posting the highest marks ever recorded. He has performed with the operatic greats, including the world-renowned Pavarotti. Selling over 90 million records worldwide, some of Bocelli’s most widely known songs include: “Time to Say Goodbye,” “The Prayer” and “Perfect Symphony” with Ed Sheeran.

In early April, a team from Dolce Media flew from Toronto to Bocelli’s home in Tuscany, Italy, to be with the maestro as he reflected on some of his favourite childhood memories, his pre-singing career as a lawyer and his musical influences, which range from operatic greats such as Puccini and Verdi, to international pop icons such as Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett and Céline Dion.

As our team prepared for the photo shoot and interview, Bocelli’s voice, accompanied by his piano, flowed through the room, a celestial aura, light-filled and energy-fuelled. The sensation, smoother than molten chocolate under-lit by a sparkler flame, was both sensual and spiritual. It was a summer breeze aria, full of bright red poppies dusted with the soft fragrance of pale pink roses.