Great Performances: Vivere: Andrea Bocelli Live in Tuscany

Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 8:00 pm (NJN1)

NJN has once again reserved some of the best seats for you to experience Andrea Bocelli live when you make your contribution for tickets. Andrea Bocelli in concert at IZOD Center at the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ on Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 pm. Support NJN and get premium seats.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli grew up in Lajatico, a rural village in Tuscany, where his family still farms nearby. Last July, on the slopes of his ancient hill town, a special theater was constructed for a one-night-only concert of his greatest popular hits, along with new songs performed to honor the occasion. Some famous musical friends dropped by, and the magical result is Vivere: Andrea Bocelli Live in Tuscany.

Joining him for the new songs are “grandissimo sassofonista” Kenny G, trumpeter Chris Botti, piano virtuoso Lang Lang, Italian pop star Eliza and legendary musician, songwriter and producer David Foster. Helping with the hits: favorite divas Sarah Brightman, Heather Headley and Laura Pausini. Vivere: Andrea Bocelli Live in Tuscany was recorded July 5, 2007.

“Andrea is a unique artist who manages a dual career in the world of both classical and popular music,” says Emmy Award-winning director David Horn, who oversaw the singer’s breakthrough telecast, “Romanza in Concert,” in 1997, and the tour that followed. “What a delight to hear him finally perform all the pop songs so loved by millions in one program.”

Surveying the breathtaking landscape that provides the backdrop for the festivities, Bocelli introduces the telecast with the passion of a true Toscano. “It’s my land,” he says, “a land that loves silence as much as I do. If I break this silence with my voice, it’s because I want to pay tribute. Music penetrates this land; it flows across it and flies off far away. It’s a message of love.”

Musical highlights include “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera,” the song that launched Bocelli’s career; the song that brought him international stardom, “Time to Say Goodbye,” in duet with Sarah Brightman; Laura Pausini joining him for “Dare to Live” (“Vivere”); Bocelli and Heather Headley reprising the popular “Vivo Per Lei”; and several new selections from the just-released The Best of Andrea Bocelli – Vivere album (Sugar Music/Decca). Also featured is a meltingly romantic medley of songs from his 2006 collection, Amore: “Bésame Mucho,” “Somos Novios” (“It’s Impossible”) and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.”

Referring to the medley’s final selection, an amused David Foster quips to the singer, “It’s so strange to be in your home, where you grew up, and you’re singing an Elvis Presley song!”