Glasgow Concert

[TheMadScot]

Hello to all - my name is Martin and I'm a photographer with the picture agency Camera Press. I was fortunate enough to be granted exclusive access last night to photograph Andrea at the start of his European tour in my home town of Glasgow.

What I didn't quite expect was for Andrea's management and production team to be so accommodating and as helpful as they were - allowing me to remain in the auditorium up until the intermission just so I could get photographs of Andrea on stage with Daniela Bruera and Gianfranco Montresor.

To put this priviledge into perspective: normally a photographer would be escorted out of the venue after the end of the first two or three songs, but Andrea's management knew that it was important to get pictures of him with the soprano and baritone onstage and thus granted this special permission.

As a fan of Andrea's works, I felt quite honoured to be allowed to stay to listen to eleven wonderful works of classical music - many of which made the hairs on my neck stand on end, and a few which found me almost singing along!

I sent 28 shots from the evening down to my agency but that still left a fair few unused. For anyone whom is interested, you can review the remaining shots at the following web address

http://www.vikingphotography.co.uk/andreabocelli

In closing, I would like to thank Andrea's management and production team for their kind consideration last night, thus allowing me to acheive a level of work not normally possible at live concerts. I'd also like to thank the people at the concert for their patience in putting up with my scurrying around the stage front area, and I apologise if I distracted anyone or obscured their view for even a moment.

I hope you all enjoy the photographs.

[kbarham]

Wow what a treat for us Bocelli fans. Thanks for the photographs. Can't wait to see Andrea at Birmingham on Saturday!

[janrdobbs]

Wow what a treat for us Bocelli fans. Thanks for the photographs. Can't wait to see Andrea at Birmingham on Saturday!

Couldn't agree more, thanks Martin, great shots! Wembley on Sunday for me!

-Jan

[Michelle]

Thanks a million Martin - we appreciate you sharing the photos with us.

I'll be at Wembley too Jan!

[DueBaci]

Thank you Martin !

[Baroque1685]

Oh, Martin, those photos are FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

[westsiderny]

Martin, many thanks for making your wonderful photos available to us!

I love your style!

[la Gioconda]

I had the great privilege to be in row 5 last night in Glasgow, and I saw the photographer discreetly taking shots. I was going to add my meagre effots to the site but now I have no need. Thanks!
The concert was amazing but over in a flash. There were two songs that I had not heard Andrea singing before; "Granada" and "Mamma". Anyone know where I can get recordings of these?
Andrea looked more relaxed in the second half of the concert. In the first half there were some problems with his microphone and an interruption from what sounded like a falling pipe. The acoustics were not ideal; the Concert Hall would have been a better venue acoustically but it is much smaller. However, the whole experience was amazing and was one I will never forget. "The Pearlfisher" and "The Prayer" were the highlights for me. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up and I could hardly hold back my tears, especially on the final note of "The Prayer". The supporting artists and orchestra were wonderful. Thanks to Andrea and to all the artists who played for us last night. I wish you every success with the rest of the tour.

[Maria79]

Martin, grazie per le tue foto!! Sono bellissime!

[scottishfan]

I am new to this forum, and I too was at the Glasgow concert last night.

It was absolutely amazing and was over too quickly. Thankyou Martin for sharing these pictures - I must admit I didn't notice you - too engrossed in watching Andrea
Thanks to everyone involved last night - it was a truly memorable occasion.

[Cami McNamee]

I certainly thank you for the photos Martin, but even more, I am grateful that you took the time to share with us your thoughtful insights about the evening and the process of your profession, and your enthusiasm for Andrea, something we are always delighted to hear! It was extraordinary for you to think to do this.

No wonder Andrea's management responded so positively to you. Your innate sensitivity must have been evident to them!

Cami

[Ivannia]

Thanks Martin, you are a excellent photographer, thanks you!!!!

[Brittany Bowman]

Thanks amillion Martin. Great pictures and also it was very generous of you to share this with us. God Bless.

[snoufferk]

Martin, quality work! Thank you for sharing with the fans!

Kaye

[LYN DELO]

brilliant photos martin. Thanks for sharing them. Can't wait for sunday, my first andrea bocelli concert:D

[TheMadScot]

Thanks to everyone for their kind words - I'm glad you liked the photographs

[anna62]

Could anyone give a copy of the program ? I've got tickets for Anvers and I can't wait no longer ...!! Thanks !!
Congratulations for the photos , Martin !!!

[la Gioconda]

Bonjour Anna,
J'ai assiste au concert a Glasgow. C'etait une merveille... Voici le programme;
Dvorak Danza Slave n.2
Mascagni Cavalleria Rusticana Brindisi
Bizet The Pearlfishers Au Fond Du Temple
Puccini Tosca E Lecevan le Stelle; La Boheme O Soave Fanciulla
Verdi Nabucco Va Pensiero
Bizet Carmen Votre Toast
Verdi Il Trovatore Di Quella Pira, Terzetto
Intermission
Rota Il Gattopardo
Aniello Vieni Sul Mar
Lara Granada
Rota Amarcord
Denza Funiculi Funicula
Bixio Mamma
Rota La Strada
Besame Mucho
Somos Novios
Because We Believe
Can't Help Falling In Love
Time To Say Goodbye (bien sure!)
Vous allez vous regaler!

[maruscatoscana]

I was fortunate enough to be granted exclusive access last night to photograph Andrea at the start of his European tour in my home town of Glasgow.

I'm glad for you for such honor and luck. I went to the concert in Manchester last night with some other ladies, we had good seats pratically in front of the stage, I was facing Andrea. One of the other ladies was asking permission for us to see Andrea after the concert, which we were denided. I think in my opinion that they didnt' even asked Andrea about it, I hope that if that is the case, somebody will let Andrea know about it, because I believe that usually Andrea doesn't mind meeting fans (so I was told) I was really sad that I couldn't see him after the concert, but I'm thankfull enough that I was pratically sitting in front of him thanks to the extra seat that my friend had, good luck for me, because my seat would have been way back.....

[anna62]

Merci pour le programme : c'est sensiblement le même qu'à Lajatico .... mais je vais quand même me régaler !!

[Maggieg]

[font=Tahoma] [/font]I flew to Glasgow from Gatwick on the 3rd really excited about getting the opportunity to see Andrea again. It was also a special treat for my Mum on her birthday as she has never seen him.

I got throught the day just passing the time until the evening when eventually we got to the SECC. Not the best venue to enjoy the timbre of Andrea's range but anywhere is acceptable when its Andrea! The concert had a bit of a false start because they forgot to turn on the microphones but Andrea professional as ever continued as though nothing were amiss. I could see the screens fairly well and Andrea looked gorgeous in black jacket and white shirt, he was visibly nervous and took time to relax, possibly overwhelmed by the applause when he walked onto the stage which took several minutes to subside before Andrea could commence. I wish I was more versed in the names of the songs but confess my ignorance in this respect. The first half was an operatic feast absolutely breath taking, Andrea was joined by Daniela Bruera and Gianfranco Montresor.

In the 2nd Half Andrea went off after two songs and came back on stage sporting a white Jacket. He commented that he hadn't changed because his jacket was dirty but because he was going to change the mood! He then sang songs from Amore. This was amazing he started with Besame Mucho and was joined for Somos Novious by a young girl who tried very hard but wasnt quiet up to scratch. Andrea was however his usual example of humility making his companion at ease. He then sang Can't help falling in love which was absolutely amazing. His voice seemed a lot stronger and clearer in these songs than in the operatic numbers but this may have had more to do with the acoustics of the building than with Andrea.

Leaving the stage after can't help falling in love, I think his first encore was 'because we believe' this was just amazing, the audience applauded and stamped until he returned with the young girl to sing 'the prayer.' Again the she had difficulty emulating the highs of Celine Dion but Andrea did not draw attention to this in anyway, ever humble, ever professional and gave her a warm smile as she left the stage. This was was followed with 'Time to say Goodbye,' to which a good Scottish roar went up and the audience was treated to this closing number.

This concert went from strength to strength, concentration apparent on Andrea's face in the first half gave way to a relaxed, smiling, Andrea in the 2nd half. A night to be remembered and my Mum loved it! I knew she would! Thank You Andrea for another memory to treasure.

Maggie

[kbarham]

Thanks for your concert report Maggie. So pleased you had a great time.

[Maggieg]

Hi Karen
Long time no speak! It was excellant Andrea looked gorgeous..

[Renate]

Maggie's report from Glasgow now also atthe Bocelli.de fan pages