Ep 45. Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park

Andrea Bocelli, one of the world's most beloved and popular tenors, performs his first-ever free concert in Central Park, New York City. The concert was held in front of a crowd of over 60,000 enthusiastic fans that braved the weather to witness the iconic artist perform on a warm September evening in 2011.

Backed by a 70-piece orchestra, Bocelli's performance included a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, including "La Donna è Mobile" from Verdi's Rigoletto, "Canto della Terra," "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, and "The Prayer," his duet with Celine Dion, which was a chart-topping hit in 1999.

During the concert, Bocelli shared stories about his upbringing in Italy and how he came to discover his love of music. He also spoke about the importance of sharing and spreading love, especially through music, which he says knows no boundaries and can touch the soul in any language.

Throughout the concert, Bocelli was joined by several special guests, including American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee, who sang a moving duet of "The Phantom of the Opera" from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. Another highlight of the concert was a touching rendition of "Because We Believe," a song written by famous Italian songwriter Andrea Bocelli and his friend David Foster.

Great Performances: Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park captures the magic of this historic concert, showcasing Bocelli's range and power as a singer, as well as his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. The concert is a testament to the universal appeal of music and a reminder of the power it has to bring people together from all walks of life.

Overall, this episode of Great Performances is a must-see for fans of Andrea Bocelli, as well as anyone who appreciates the beauty and emotion that music can evoke. The concert is a true celebration of life, love, and the power of music to touch the heart and soul.