Bocelli stunned the world when his eight-year-old daughter joined him on the worldwide stream of his concert from the Teatro Regio di Parma on December 12. The pair performed a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah during the Believe in Christmas concert. The 62-year-old has two older sons, Amos and Matteo, from his first marriage to Enrica Cenzatti, while Virginia is from his second marriage to Veronica Berti, who is also his manager. The tenor spoke to us from his Tuscan home, Villa Alpemare, about making music with his family.
What has the response been like to the streamed concert and the second one from the Frassasi caves?
“The response was overwhelming, exceeding all our expectations. At the live concert from Teatro Regio in Parma, over 70 thousand fans accessed the live stream, from more than 100 countries.
“This was further confirmation that the people’s values and thirst for beauty and spirituality, is stronger than ever before and for their need to reflect and re-connect with their souls.”
Can you describe the feeling of singing such a beautiful song as Halleluyah to the world with your daughter?
“It was a true Christmas present that Virginia gifted to me. It was very emotional but there was no apprehension: I focused on the beauty and intimacy and I tried to convey the serenity, encouragement and reassurance to Virginia.
“We sat on stage with only a guitar, the silence and her voice intertwining with mine. It was beautiful and simple.
“It was a very special moment, one to savour and remember always.”
SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH ANDREA AND VIRGINIA PERFORM AT HOME
Whose idea was the duet? Has Virginia asked to sing with you before?
“The initial idea was born from a bit of fun, and then it came to the concert and the song itself with Virginia was featured in the setlist. Franco Dragone, the director of the live stream, insisted that it be included in the show and judging by the results he was right in entrusting her with such an important part.
“Although Virginia, was practically born and raised on stage and behind the scenes, this was her official debut.”
Was Virginia nervous?
“No, she wasn’t nervous, she is a very determined child, and certainly her piano and dance studies have helped her understand when you need to give your all. In Parma, everything went smoothly and with the greatest of ease. It’s a father and daughter duo singing a song together. Virginia has mastered how to forget the cameras and stay focussed. She maintains the right spontaneity – on a song that I’d recently recorded that she has heard so many times.
Does Virginia have singing lessons at home with you?
She didn’t take any singing lessons, no. Although, she grew up on diet of bread and music. She has been studying the piano for three years and has been absorbing the art and sounds since she was born. Indeed, from her mother’s womb, Virginia was able to experience daily studio sessions, plays at the theatre and the recording of Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette at the opera.
Does Matteo also join in when you sing at home?
“It happens a lot, yes. Matteo hasn’t been with us lately, as he has spent a few weeks working in Australia. He is just back and we’re definitely planning to make up for lost time.”
Would you like to do a family album one day?
“It’s not a consideration at the moment. But.. never say never.”
ANDREA BOCELLI’S NEW ALBUM BELIEVE IS OUT NOW
