Andrea Bocelli Set to Sing at the Coronation Concert for King Charles III

Multi-platinum recording artist and legendary Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be the only Italian artist performing at the special Coronation Concert for King Charles III on Sunday, May 7th on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle. He is no stranger to performing in front of the royal family, having performed in November at Royal Albert Hall and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace last year. 

When asked to perform, Bocelli gave a definite yes. In a statement, he said, “Good music boosts the spirit and nurtures beauty. If I'm asked to come and sing at a ceremony that may be heard around the world, my answer is 'Of course'."

King Charles III specifically requested for Bocelli to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, a duet with Bryn Terfel. "It's a kind of declaration of love and collective solidarity, of togetherness through dark moments,” Bocelli said of the song. The pair had shared the stage at Central Park in New York City in 2012. 

For Bocelli, this is a grand privilege saying, "I believe that for a singer to be invited to contribute with their voice at an occasion like this is a privilege, an honor, and above all a token of esteem and affection." He continued by saying, "Music is a universal language: it can be therapeutic and it can foster trust in our fellow human beings and a precious inclination towards positivity. Above all, good music is a powerful instrument of peace.”

While Bocelli may be the only Italian singer to participate, English-Italian conductor and pianist, Sir Antonio Pappano, will conduct the orchestra for the coronation ceremony. The orchestra will perform 12 new pieces and there are plans for a range in musical style, blending contemporary with tradition. 

You can watch the special Coronation Concert live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.