The world’s most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, is delighted to announce that Beverley Knight and Sumi Jo will join him on his highly anticipated upcoming headline tour. The queen of British Soul and world class coloratura soprano will appear at Bocelli’s shows at 3Arena, Dublin on 30th and 31st October and The O2 Arena, London on 2nd and 3rd November respectively.
Fans of the Italian tenor can expect the live show to feature arias from the most famous operas and the popular repertoire from his outstanding career, spanning fifteen studio albums. With a career covering over two decades, including selling over a million albums in the UK alone, Knight will be adding her spectacular vocal talent to the shows, following her successful runs in London’s West End (The Bodyguard, Memphis, Cats) and 2017’s silver certified 'Leading Ladies' album.
Bocelli says: “I was aware of and appreciated the expressiveness, versatility and fire – that burns and lights up – of her voice and personality. When I heard Beverley Knight live on stage in 2015 in my hometown, Lajatico, I promised myself that I would find the opportunity to perform with her as soon as possible and to have her as a special guest for one of my concerts. I am honoured to say that this opportunity has finally arrived.”
Additionally, Sumi Jo joins the line up having previously joined Bocelli on an Asian tour of gala concerts and, more recently, was Jury and Masterclass mentor of BBC Cardiff Singer of the world 2017 Competition. One of her generation’s most sought-after sopranos, she will be showcasing her stunning voice with remarkable agility and warmth at the shows.
On his choice of soprano, Bocelli says: “Not only is she the most famous and loved voice of South Korea but a true heroine of the “Land of Morning Calm”; Sumi Jo is an extraordinary artist who has contributed to the history of interpretation. She is a wonderful Lady of opera who continues to amaze and portray beauty. A superb woman on stage and in life; she is sensitive, kind, cultured, sophisticated yet genuine.
I have been a fan of hers since the start and after having had the honour of performing a duet with her again last year at the wonderful Colosseum in Rome, I am proud to perform with her again during my concert. Because Sumi inevitably gets into the heart of anyone who is lucky enough to listen to her voice.”
One of the biggest selling solo classical artist of all time with over 80 million worldwide album sales, Bocelli has performed for four US Presidents, two Popes and many Royal families across the world, as well as at high-profile ceremonies for the Olympic Games and the World Cup. The Maestro has countless music awards to his name over past 25 years in music and even boasts a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he received in 2010 for his contribution to live theatre.
Andrea Bocelli last toured in the UK in 2016 in support of his album release ‘Cinema’, which featured songs from movies – the record included stunning duets with Ariana Grande and Nicole Scherzinger, and reached number three in the UK charts.
More exciting news to be revealed soon!
2018 Tour Dates:
Tuesday 30th October Dublin, 3Arena
Wednesday 31st October Dublin, 3Arena
Friday 2nd November London, The O2 Arena
Saturday 3rd November London, The O2 Arena
