Andrea Bocelli celebrated his 30-year career with a performance in London’s Hyde Park, where he was joined by a very special guest.
The famed Italian tenor shared the stage with his 12-year-old daughter, Virginia Bocelli, during his headlining act of the British Summer Time (BST) concert series.
“Next, I’m going to introduce a little girl. Her name is Virginia and she is my daughter,” he told the crowd on Friday night (Saturday morning AEST).
“Virginia, welcome, are you ready?” he asked his daughter.
“We will do the song that we both do at home, OK? But now it’s more important to sing well.”
The youngster, clad in a hot pink dress with ruffles along the bodice, stood sweetly beside her dad, who had a guitar in hand, as they performed Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Making the event – labelled “the largest classical concert to take place in Europe this century” – a truly family affair, Andrea’s son Matteo Bocelli also performed.
Matteo opened proceedings on the Great Oak Stage ahead of his famous father, telling the crowd he felt “very privileged” to be part of the massive concert, which also featured artists including Hans Zimmer, Katherine Jenkins, Jamie Duffy and Loren Allred.
While the annual concert series is called British Summer Time, there was more “British” than “summer” vibes to the weather.
The soggy London evening went down as one of the wettest in the annual event’s 11-year history, according to organisers.
But that didn’t dampen the spirits of those on stage or in the poncho-filled crowd.
Andrea and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stayed dry under temporary tarps covering the stage, but the singer showed his appreciation for the audience sitting among the elements.
“You are my heroes for listening to my voice under the rain,” the singer told the audience, according to Metro UK.
“Thank you very much.”
Welsh mezzo-soprano, Jenkins, who was one of the warm up acts performing ahead of Andrea Bocelli, leaned into the weather and sang a rendition of Singing In The Rain.
“I’m going to break with the program as I just thought of a song we should be singing,” she grinned to the crowd, before popping open a white umbrella.
“Sing along please, everybody. This is British summer weather, let’s embrace it.
“You guys are amazing, I love your attitude!”
Legendary British singer-songwriter, Seal, also took to the stage with Andrea Bocelli for a couple of special duets, performing Amazing Grace and My Way together.
Seal’s unexpected appearance came a day before he takes to the Great Oak Stage again to perform his own set.
The Kiss From A Rose singer is the opening act for Robbie Williams, who will headline BST on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).
