Thursday, Sep 15, 2011
Performing with Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Bryn Terfel, Tony Bennett and the New York Philharmonic in New York's Central Park.
by Anne Sears
The stars were out in Central Park – not necessarily in the sky, but definitely on the stage.
The occasion? The long-awaited Andrea Bocelli concert in New York. The star-studded event featured performances by the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joined by Bryn Terfel, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti, the New York Philharmonic and The Westminster Symphonic Choir… and more. They performed an exciting program that ranged from familiar opera arias and choruses to popular songs. There was even some humor as Bryn Terfel concluded singing an arrangement of Home on the Range with a flourish opening his jacket to reveal a flag from his homeland – Wales.
For the choir members it was a hectic 10 days. They began rehearsals shortly after school started, and they’ve made several trips to New York for rehearsals with the orchestra and Bocelli. A final dress rehearsal on a four-story high stage studded with small white lights in Central Park prepared everyone for the sold-out concert for 60,000 fans.
If you missed the concert – never fear. The concert was recorded and is airing nationally by PBS on Great Performances. Check your local listings for broadcast details. It's as a CD and a DVD, which will include a documentary about producing the concert. You can purchase both at Amazon.com.