Andrea Bocelli's concert set to be largest outdoor classical music event staged in the City

CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson speaks to music guru Sean Brokensha about Italian opera superstar Andrea Bocelli performing in South Africa.

Listen below:

The world’s most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli is bringing his 30th Anniversary Tour to South Africa with a special guest artist, a soprano, a magnificent 60-piece choir, and a majestic 69-piece orchestra.

Bocelli comes to Cape Town tonight, 16 April 2025 at a sold-out DHL Stadium.

The event is set to be the largest outdoor classical music event staged in the City.

Brokensha says although Bocelli has a law degree and was a court-appointed prosecutor for a year, he's glad the singer chose this career.

Brokensha believes the secret to the Italian classical singer's global success is his "once in a lifetime" talent.

"Let's think of the two greatest voices of our generation - Pavarotti said there's no finer voice in music... Celine Dion said if God had a singing voice, it would sound like this... he is truly a once in a lifetime, possibly the greatest, and has shattered records for classical music and with crossover music."

- Sean Brokensha, Music Guru

"He comes across as a man who's incredibly humble and he has this loving humanity about him, and I think that makes the difference... he has a pure voice and that humanity just shines through... you can't help but fall in love with what he represents."

- Sean Brokensha, Music Guru

Brokensha says Bocelli also had "no easy ride" growing up.

Bocelli was born on a farm in Tuscany with congenital glaucoma, which impaired his vision from a young age.

At the age of 12, he became completely blind after suffering a brain haemorrhage as a result of a football accident.

Bocelli's parents sold agricultural equipment, and his aunt introduced him to classical music.

However, part of Bocelli's magic is that he makes audiences feel with his voice.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.