Andrea Bocelli Brings a Wondrous Evening to the Golden 1 Center

The iconic award-winning Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, set the Golden 1 Center stage aglow last Friday evening in Sacramento, California. Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera (Sacramento Philharmonic), he performed a variety of beloved favorites and new selections from his impressive repertoire.

Conducted by the internationally acclaimed Maestro, Steven Mercurio, the Sacramento Philharmonic opened the evening with the classic song “O Fortuna: Camina Burana” by Carl Orff. Performed with magnificent grandeur and brilliance, the highly skilled members of the orchestra and opera choir demanded the attention of the audience. The digital graphics displayed on the background jumbo screens painted a vibrantly fierce story. As the synchronized blazing amber and yellow lighting commenced until the echo of the final note, the enormous response from the crowd reverberated through the venue. In perfect tempo, the Sacramento Philharmonic performed an array of beloved compositions, including “Prologue” and “Harry’s Wondrous World” from John Williams’ 2001 album, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A true Felix Felicis moment, gilded in magical splendor.

As Andrea took centerstage, the venue was filled with the most overwhelmingly warm energy, a unique energy invoked by his emotive vocals. Awakening the souls of many through each crescendo and his astounding operatic range, he effortlessly performed his rendition of the famous 1851 “Rigoletta, Act III: La donna e mobile” by Giuseppe Verdi. Throughout the memorable evening, he welcomed various special guests and supporting artists to accompany him on stage, as well as perform their own personally curated selections. One artist being Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano, Isabel Leonard. She dazzled beneath the moody lighting in an emerald sequin gown, jading concert goers with her fiercely dynamic vocalization. Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic, the venue was filled with enchantment.

Proving to be one of the most exceptional artists of our generation, Andrea astounded the audience with his popular song “Con te partiro” from his 1995 album Fly. An incredibly refined performance of considerable virtuosity, he sent a frisson like wave showering over all in attendance. In complete awe of the wondrous evening, classical music and opera lovers were left in utter amazement.