Phenomenal is really the only word to describe Andrea Bocelli. The world’s most beloved tenor was in Abu Dhabi on 26 April for a sold out show of his 2019 World Tour. And what a show it was.
I have been hearing it advertised on the radio for weeks. Every morning on the way to work I promise myself I’ll book today. Then, the next morning the same thing. The day before I hope I’m not too late and I must get 2 of the last tickets as, by the morning of the concert, they are sold out. Lucky!
I have asked my friend Candida to come along with me and didn’t have much trouble convincing her. I would have gone by myself but it’s nicer to share these things with someone and my husband isn’t too interested.
We leave home around 5pm. Du Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dharbi is a good hours’ drive away and there are mixed messages as to the timing and I’m not one to cut these things too fine. Although we are one of the first to arrive at the gate at 6:30pm, an hour before the venue opens, I’m happy to be here. There is already a steady stream of people and by 7:30pm (on the dot) when the gates open, there is a large crowd gathered.
Nevertheless the ticketing and security process is reasonably well organized and we are in quickly. We stop in at the washroom and then proceed to get something to eat and a drink before taking out seats. The process for the food is much less well organized than the entrance and we wait a good 10mins for service and at least another 10mins for our order. I look at the growing line and wonder how many will lose patience.
After our meal, standing up on the grass, we make our way to our seats and wait, as it grows dark. It’s a chance for us to chat and catch up and the time passes relatively quickly (although the seats are already becoming rather uncomfortable). At 9pm there is an announcement that the concert will begin in 10 minutes and the expectation of the crowd grows as the orchestra and choir come on stage and remaining people take their seats.
The show begins and the first notes from the Arabian Orchestra, conducted by Marcello Rota, soar through the still night. Then Andrea Bocelli arrives on stage and the crowd is captivated from the first moment the famous tenor opens his voice to the audience.
The performance includes O Sole Mio, Overture, Nessun Dorma, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Time To Say Goodbye along with Maria Aleyda Rodriguez as the final encore.
Each of the supporting acts deserve a concert in their own right. Maria Ada, the soprano, is superb in her solos. Next is a performance by flutist Andrea Giminelli. My jaw drops. I dabbled in the flute when I was younger, taking lessons for a few years and performing in the school band when we put on musicals. I know how hard the pieces that he is playing are, just to hit the right notes let alone the trills and finger work that unfolds before us. It’s unsurprising to hear that his 34 year career includes collaborations with the likes of Pavarotti and Elton John and that he has worked with some of the most famous orchestras of the world including the Royal Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony, Munchner Rundfunkorchester, London Philharmonic, l’Orchestre de Paris, New York Philharmonic, Orchestra Nazionale della RAI, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
There are a couple of dances who perform whilst Bocelli is singing. Johana Henao performs solo followed by a tango with Alexander Norena Velasquez interpreting the music and lyrics into dance.
Another guest performer sings What a Wonderful World and then Bocelli returns to the stage for some final songs, culminating in the final encore of Time to Say Goodbye.
The crowd, myself included, are left breathless with nothing to offer but a standing ovation.
Good To Know
Du Arena is an outdoor concert and entertainment venue on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Parking is available next to the venue in a large dirt and sand carpark. There are also a number of hotels and accommodation options nearby. The adjoining complex also includes Ferrari World and the huge Yas Mall with shopping and dining options.
Food and beverage is not allowed into the venue but there are plenty of options inside (also be prepared to wait).
Exiting the carpark can be time consuming. Be prepared to wait and be patient.
Would I Return?
Yes. I would return to Du Arena and if by some miracle I can align my timetable with another concert, I would jump at the chance to attend again.
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