BocelliOnline

[HelenP]

Good evening all, (well, it is here). I have just returned from a weekend visit with friends in Cork, the focal point of the visit being Andrea's concert at the Collins Barracks in Cork. Needless to say, it was yet again another wonderful performance on a 4 acre parade ground, surrounded on all four sides by the military buildings. Before Andrea appeared on stage, there was the daily taking down of the flag ceremony, very touching with all there standing in silence turned towards the flag as it was lowered.

I have been fortunate to attend a number of Andrea's concerts and performances (about ten in all) throughout the UK and Friday night was the first time I had seen a standing ovation for him as he appered on stage - the Irish welcome to him was outstanding, as warm as the people themselves - once those around me found out I had travelled from Cambridgeshire to be there, they were just as welcoming to me. Although the content of the concert was similar to others, there were some new items included. Paola Sanguinetti was on her usual form and Marcello Rota was conducting the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, including a piece written by him - Amarcord - very nice.

Although the wind (how dare it) interferred with Andrea's voice a few times in the latter part of the second half (and which he himself mentioned) it did not detract from what was yet again a mesmerising performance - yes, he looked a little tired, but was obviously enjoying the welcome extended to him by the 10,000 people gathered there, on a military parade ground to hear the sweetest voice this side of heaven, his smile beaming out to us all.

The following day the papers and radio stations were full of his visit - all expounding on the success of the concert. May I just point out that the organisation of the concert, the venue and the travelling to and from the Barracks was a masterpiece, the barracks are on top of a hill, the police (Gardai (what a happy friendly and helpful group of people), the army and the city council worked wonders, there were no delays, no traffic jams and thousands of happy concert goers - take note, all other organisers - follow suite - free car parking and free shuttle buses to and from the barracks to those car parks both before and after the show - need I say more! Thank you, Cork, it was a concert to remember, not only for the incredible voice of Andrea, but for your welcome to all

[Melodie]

Thank you so much for sharing the evening with us, Helen! That concert sold out so quickly I'm surprised you got a ticket! The Irish definitely love Andrea...as do we all.

VERY nice to hear how well-organized it was, too. Were you able to take any pics?

Melodie

[Bocellifan4ever]

Oh,how very nice Helen.I know you must have had a most wonderful time at the Concert and you are so fortunate to have had the priveledge to attend alot more than one of his Concerts....

That is so nice too,that the Irish like Bocelli so much.
Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Friend,Claire.
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Claire B Berlendy

[KathyinCt]

Thank you, Helen. I love reading reports of Andrea's concerts. Lucky you!
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Where there's life, there's hope

[ljc]

Hello I'm new to this website and I am from Cork in Ireland. I was at the concert in Collins Barracks and thought that Andrea Bocelli was, as usual, out of this world. Anyone who was lucky enough to get a ticket was looking forward to it for months as it has practically been the first major musical event to occur in Cork. These concerts normally happen in Dublin. But since Cork is the European capital of culture this year, it was held in Cork. Cork is so underrated!!! Anyway, I can safely say it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to and yes, it was brilliantly organised. Our bus service, Bus éireann was on hand to transport us to and from the venue. Andrea sang his well-known songs and many favourites ranging from La Bohéme and La Traviata. Despite the cold weather, he sang brilliantly, as did Paola Sanguinetti. Irish people have always loved Andrea Bocelli and his concert will never be forgotten in Cork.

[Bocellifan4ever]

Ijc.
Hello,i hope you enjoy this forum,& post alot more.
And you are from Cork.
Bless your heart,& i wish i could say i've been to one of Andrea,Bocelli's concerts,but not fortunate enough to have done so.

I'll bet the concert in Collins Barracks was absolutely wonderful,& yes,Andrea,Bocelli is the best,& just sings so magnificently.
The first Major event in Cork Iriland,& all the Irish i hear just love Bocelli.
I know you must have had a very wonderful time,& like you said,his Concert in Cork,will never be forgotten. I hope you will be able to go to more of his concerts some where else.

Please enjoy this forum at home.

Friend,Claire. always.
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Claire B Berlendy

[Kenzu]

So Helen and ljc, you got to tast some of Andrea Bocelli magic.
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"Ex nihilo nihil fit"

[HelenP]

Good evening all. Yes, Kenzu, I have again tasted the "Bocelli Magic", but this time at the Faenol Festival held every August Bank Holiday in a beautiful corner of North Wales.

The Faenol Festival is the brainchild of Bryn Terfel who brings to the audience the big names in all musical arenas - this year he bought Andrea to share the stage with himself, Erin Wall, a Canadian soprano, and the Sinfonia Cymru on Sunday, 28 August. Friday night included Aled Jones, Kathrine Jenkins and Katrin Finch, Saturday Van Morrison and Allison Moyet.

The programme indicated that Andrea would sing five pieces, two solo, one with Erin, one with Bryan and one all three together, but he was called back for two encores and stayed on stage with Bryn and Erin for the singing of the Welsh National Anthem, even attempting to sing this (and if you have any knowledge of the beautiful Welsh language, you will know that is no mean feat).

I was fortunate enough to be in the audience at the Royal Albert Hall when Andrea and Bryn first sang the duet from The Pearl Fishers. It was one of those moments when you take a few seconds to realise that you really have heard perfection and then the roof lifts. Well, when he came on stage with Bryn and the first cords of the duet from The Pearl Fishers rang out, the audience were applauding wildly and then silence fell, as yet again, perfection craddled our ears and senses. There is no roof at Faenol, it is an open air concert, but I am sure the heavy grey clouds above us were buffeted by the turbulance caused by the ecstatic applause that followed.

The rendition by all three of "Time to say Goodbye" was equally as well received. I have seen a number of concerts (11 in total) and Andrea always shows his pleasure to the audience for being there for him, but it was obvious from the delight, glad handing and hugs (and may I even say giggling from Andrea and Bryn) on the stage that they had thoughly enjoyed the evening and I know that I, along with the 11,000 (and some say even more) audience, have had yet another night to remember and well worth the 500 mile round trip from Cambridgeshire to Faenol.

[Kenzu]

Thank you HelenP, you surely had something to remember. I have the Pearl Fishers duet on my PC and it sure is in my opinion one of the best duets I´ve heard.
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"Ex nihilo nihil fit"

[Joan]

Hello All,
I'm new here, although not new to Andrea - I've been a fan since 1997.
I've had the pleasure of seeing/hearing Andrea live twice - once in Dublin and more recently- July 15th - in my hometown of Cork. That was extra special for me as we almost, always have to travel to Dublin for the big concerts.
As you can tell from the kind words further up on this topic, Cork did a great job & proved that we can handle the 'Big Occassion' and deserve to get more of them - hopefully we will.
What a wonderful day & night it was - there was an air of a National Holiday around the city. The atmosphere before the concert was like a big, happy, friendly, family party. Everyone was smiling & excited and we all knew we were privileged to be there. Even the weather which you can never depend on, didn't let us down - it was a glorious sunny day (though it did get cooler and a little breezy later in the evening).
It was a night that will stay warm in my heart forever.

Kind Regards.
Joan. Cork.

[Bocellifan4ever]

Hello,Joan.
Welcome aboard to our family forum which you will love.
I'm glad you had a fabulous time at the Cork Concert and wonderful weather too....Friendly family happy atmosphere sounds wonderful.

I know it will be something you will never forget.
If all goes well,i am going to the Concert in New port News virginia at the Colledge Oct,20th. I am so excited and can hardly wait. It will be my very first Concert to see Andrea sing. If i do get to go i won't believe it until i see Andrea.

Good to have you here Joan.
Friend,Claire.
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Claire B Berlendy

[Joan]

Thanks Claire - It's lovely to get a warm welcome.

Do your very best to get to Andrea's concert - every fan should have that special pleasure - at least once.

Regards, Joan.

[Bocellifan4ever]

Thank you so much for your reply Joan.
I will do my best to make it to the concert.
Only time will tell in 1mth and 1/2

If i don't get to go there will be other times hopefully.Right? Yes,every Fan should at least once get to see Andrea in person at his concert.


Thanks again.
Friend,Claire.
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Claire B Berlendy