Andrea Bocelli, Lena Maria Coming to Korea
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Two of classical music's most inspirational singers ― Andrea Bocelli and Lena Maria ― will thrill Korean fans in April.
Andrea Bocelli in Seoul
Andrea Bocelli, the world's favorite classical crossover singer, is visiting Korea for the first time in eight years. He will give a live concert at the Olympic Park Stadium (Gymnastics Stadium), 8:30 p.m., April 22.
Loved for hit songs like ``Time to Say Goodbye,'' the Italian tenor has sold over 60 million albums worldwide. In 1999 he became the first classical musician to be nominated for the Grammy Awards.
For Seoul, the 49-year-old will sing a dozen operatic arias by Verdi (Nabucco, Il Trovatore, La Traviata) and Puccini (Gianni Schicchi, Manon Lescaut, Tosca, La Boheme). Also part of the program are classics from Naples: Tosti's ``La Serenata,'' Sartori's ``Canta Della Terra,'' Bixio's ``Mamma'' and Di Capua's ``O Sole Mio'' among others.
Joining him onstage are pop singer Heather Headley, soprano Maria Luigia Borsi and baritone Gianfranco Montresor. Domestic troupes, the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra and Yun Hakwon Choral, which took part in Ennio Moriconne's Seoul concert last year, will appear. Conductor Marcello Rota will take the baton.
Make sure to cheer, because you might be able to hear ``Time to Say Goodbye'' or ``The Prayer'' as encores.
While growing up in Tuscany, Bocelli lost his eyesight after an accident at age 12. He studied and practiced law for a while before finally realizing his musical passions. In no time Bocelli was receiving lessons from Frank Corelli and praise from Luciano Pavarotti.
He has performed in opera productions despite his disability, and swept music charts worldwide with the hit album ``Romanza.'' Recently, ``The Prayer'' (theme song for animation ``The Quest for Camelot''), a duet with Celine Dion, who recently wowed audiences in Seoul, won Best Original Song at the Golden Globes and a nomination at the Academy.
Tickets cost 80,000-280,000 won. Call (02) 3444-9969.
Lena Maria Tour
Ten years ago, Lena Maria was in Seoul as a competitive swimmer, marking the highlight of her sports career at the 1988 Paralympic Games.
She's now back as a singer to share her ``heavenly voice,'' as praised by the international press. The tour will begin April 15 in Seoul's Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Lena Maria will be singing everything from the classics to gospels and from jazz to pop songs.
Born with uneven legs and without arms, Lena Maria has never thought of her condition as a disability. It certainly didn't stop her from becoming a four-time gold medallist swimmer and singer/songwriter with nine albums under her belt. She's also a well-loved painter in Sweden and an international best-selling author with her book ``Footnotes'' published in 14 countries including Korea.
After Seoul, she will continue to perform April 17 in Jeonju (Sori Cultural Arts Center); 19th in Jeju Island (Halla Art Hall); 22nd in Busan (KBS Hall); 24th in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province (Mokpo Citizen Culture & Sports Center); and 25th in Gwangju (Saesoon Community Church). Tickets cost 20,000-70,000 won. Call (02) 733-8370.