Opera legend Andrea Bocelli amazes PPG Paints Arena audience

PITTSBURGH ― Operatic power and beauty blended with the sensuality and grace of ballet Thursday, as Andrea Bocelli and company commanded a PPG Paints Arena stage.

Though a moment of familial pride stole the show, as Bocelli, seated at a stool, strummed an acoustic guitar accompanied by his 11-year-old daughter, Virginia Bocelli, on the mighty "Hallelujah."

The legendary tenor and his vastly capable daughter let loose with incredible, towering vocals, reaching emotional crescendos with a bilingual version that made some spectators misty-eyed. We've all witnessed stirring covers of the Leonard Cohen-penned, Jeff Buckley-popularized "Hallelujah," but the Bocellis took it to unparalleled heights, and the proud smile on the face of papa Bocelli at the song's conclusion was heartwarming.

The seated Pittsburgh audience, including those on the red carpeted floor, barely caught their breath before the 65-year-old Bocelli reached an epic vocal climb again, his warm, mountainous voice filling the arena once more on "Amazing Grace." The moment wasn't lost on audience members as Bocelli majestically delivered the "Was blind, but now I see" line.

Concertgoers conveniently were informed by a public address announcer shortly after 8 p.m. that the show would start in 10 minutes and be divided into two segments with a 20-minute intermission, as a video ensued showing 30 years of Bocelli concert highlights reminding what an inspiration he's been.

The Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh were introduced as accompaniment before Bocelli, in a black tuxedo with matching black bowtie, was led to center stage.

Bocelli immediately induced smiles, as his nuanced, operatic voice filled the air with the familiar, jaunty vocals from countryman Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto."

Cadie Bryan, a fellow opera singer, took lead vocals on the third selection, "O Mio Babbino Caro," adding to the night's vocal luster after Bocelli was escorted off stage for a breather.

Ballet dancer Brittany O'Connor took the stage and performed alluring, precise and physically accomplished moves. She'd return a few more times to dazzle, including a sensual dance duet with a bare-chested male partner, and some ballet-by-Broadway flourishes on a second set medley of "West Side Story" tunes.

Baritone Edward Parks sang mightily and brought humor with his over-the-top comedic facial expressions on "Largo al factotum" from "The Barber of Seville." Holding one note at massive length while playfully tapping a make-believe wristwatch, he surpassed even the iconic Bugs Bunny version.

Parks, Bryan and Bocelli back out on stage stood shoulder-to-shoulder-to-shoulder and sang one selection with an irresistible operatic force.

Once Bocelli regained center stage alone, all eyes and ears were transfixed by his generational vocal talents, though any quick peeks at conductor Steven Mercurio would have revealed a maestro in control and looking like he was having a blast.

After the 20-minute intermission, Bocelli arrived back on stage in a gold-colored suit matching his black slacks. Hey, Pittsburgh colors, and he addressed the audience for the first time, remarking it felt good to be back in Pittsburgh, for which he harbors fond memories. He last performed there in 2018, at the same arena.

"I hope you remember this one" he said before soaring high and strong on his 1994 breakout "Il Mare Calmo Della Sera."

A medley of Italian composer Ennio Morricone set up a long flute performance that got interesting in a hurry when it reached the theme from "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly," with male voices from The Mendelssohn Choir nailing the ambient ah-ah-ahah vocal bits.

Some pretty Latin guitar from the orchestra seasoned "The Power of Love."

Hitting the homestretch, Bocelli continued to delight and amaze, his voice both authoritative and accessible. He radiated grandeur on "The Prayer," joined by pop singer/"American Idol" Top-10 finalist Pia Toscano handling the Celine Dion part. Bocelli enthralled once more on "Canto Della Terra," capping off a remarkable night by a legend still on top of his game.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@timesonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Andrea Bocelli enthralls fans at PPG Paints Arena