Andrea Bocelli's concert in Medjugorje

date: 10.08.2008.

Andrea Bocelli, one of the most famous tenors of our times, gave a concert in Medjugorje at the outside altar of St. James’ parish church on Thursday, August 7, 2008, at 9 pm. With Bocelli also sung Paola Sanguinetti, soprano. They were accompanied by the National Czech Symphonic Orchestra and the Choir of the Croatian National Theatre Split, under direction of maestro Marcello Rotta. The concert was transmitted live by the FTV Bosnia and Herzegovina, and attended by several dozens of thousands of visitors.

Bocelli arrived in Medjugorje in the afternoon, on Thursday, August 7. Upon his arrival, he went to the church and prayed a moment in front of Our Lady’s statue. This moment of recollection did not last, because he was very soon disturbed by photo reporters… At the outside altar, he joined then the other musicians for the general rehearsal. After this, he met the Franciscans serving in Medjugorje, and he also encountered the Medjugorje visionaries.

The concert opened the Choir of the Croatian National Theatre Split with the song “Herzegovina in the heart”. Bocelli sung the classical spiritual repertoire (Haendel, Schubert, Franck, Vivaldi, Mozart, Mascagni, Verdi, Rossini, Gounod, Ortolani, Lecot). At the end of the concert, he thanked the musicians and expressed his joy for the possibilità to sing in this place of peace and grace.

After the concert, Bocelli wet to Dubrovnik.