His music has the ability to move the coldest heart, wrapping them in a vortex of emotions that nourishes and leaves listeners wanting more. Through his voice millions are able to identify with his music to unlock and interpret their deepest needs.
The great Celine Dion once said about the great tenor, "If God had a singing voice, he would sound like Bocelli."
At the age of 12, Bocelli lost his eyesight, but was able to transform this loss into one of his greatest gifts& an infinite source of sensitivity and love. It's a modern-day miracle.
Born in the Tuscan countryside, Bocelli developed a passion for music at an early age. His mother says that music was a way to comfort him from his very first days. As he grew up he was often asked to sing for his relatives. As Bocelli says, "You don't decide to be a singer; others decide it for you by their reactions."
At the age of six he started piano lessons before learning to play other instruments such as the flute and the saxophone. At 12, after being diagnosed with glaucoma, Bocelli lost his sight completely. But that was just the beginning of his journey. Bocelli continued his life, pursuing a degree in law at the University of Pisa.
He then studied with famed tenor Franco Corelli, supporting himself by performing in piano bars at night. His international breakthrough hit was the beguiling Con Te Partirò and the memorable duet arrangement with Sarah Brightman Time to Say Goodbye, the English version of Con Te Partirò. The solo version was a worldwide smash and the duet became Germany's best-selling single of all time. "I have wonderful memories of singing with Andrea," says Brightman.
In 1996 and 1997, Andrea Bocelli exploded on album charts across the world with his international debut album Romanza, which was a collection of passionate popular songs. Conquering Europe, and then charts around the world, the album amassed a multitude of both platinum and multi-platinum awards.
The album also contained Vivere, Il Mare Calmo Della Sera, and the title track Romanza.
In 2007 it was time for the release of a "Best Of" album titled Vivere marking the 10th anniversary of Bocelli's international career which combines collaborations with famous artists such as Laura Pausini, Lang Lang and Kenny G.
But his definitive dream came true with the release of Incanto in 2008 in which he paid tribute to the greatest tenors by recording songs previously performed by his childhood singing heroes.
Today Bocelli has emerged as one of the most exciting voices of contemporary opera and has been called "the fourth tenor", having been compared more than once to the great maestro Pavarotti .
"The more I immerse myself in singing, the less I understand," says Bocelli. "I only know that God has given me a voice that allows me to express myself." Bocelli will be performing for the first time in the Abu Dhabi Art and Music Festival accompanied by the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra and will perform songs from his new album Incanto
When: March 27
Where: On the lawns of the Emirates Palace
How: Tickets are on sale at www.timeouttickets.com, Box Office Me and Virgin Megastores. For more info contact 800 4669.
