Under the starry skies of the historic Pula Arena, Andrea Bocelli, the iconic Italian tenor, celebrated 30 years of his illustrious career with two unforgettable performances on the 30th and 31st of August 2024. It was a homecoming of sorts, marking Bocelli’s return to the ancient Roman amphitheatre after two decades. The occasion, marked with grandeur, emotion, and stunning artistry, was a fitting tribute to a career that has captivated audiences around the globe.

Twenty years since his last performance in Pula, the maestro’s voice echoed across the arena’s ancient walls, leaving the audience spellbound from the very first note. Bocelli, accompanied by the prestigious Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, filled the amphitheatre with the timeless beauty of Italian arias and popular classics, creating an atmosphere of pure musical enchantment.
A Journey Through Italian Opera: The First Half
The first half of the concert was dedicated to the treasures of Italian opera. Bocelli, with his signature elegance and precision, delivered flawless renditions of iconic arias such as La donna è mobile from Verdi’s Rigoletto and Ah, lève-toi, soleil! from Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. His performance of Tace il labbro and La mia letizia infondere demonstrated not only his vocal prowess but also the emotional depth he brings to every note. Each aria was met with rapturous applause, as the audience was transported into the heart of Italian opera.

Yet, the true highlight of this first half came with his duets alongside the internationally acclaimed Italian-Ethiopian soprano Mariam Battistelli. Their rendition of O soave fanciulla, from La Bohème, was nothing short of breathtaking, the chemistry between the two vocalists bringing Puccini’s beloved duet to life with grace and passion. The pair followed up with the jubilant Brindisi from La Traviata, a celebratory toast to life, love, and music, perfectly suited to the celebratory nature of the evening.
A Shift to Modern Classics: The Second Half
After a short intermission, the second half of the concert saw Bocelli shift from classical arias to more contemporary and popular compositions, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

His stirring performance of Granada was met with particular enthusiasm, accompanied by vibrant dancers Francesco Daniele Costa and Angelica Gismondo who added energy and flair to the performance, transforming the Roman arena into a dynamic stage for this Spanish classic.

Joining him on stage was the talented Slovenian singer Monika Avsenik, whose duet with Bocelli on popular compositions added a new dimension to the evening’s performance. The night was further elevated by the brilliant Italian flutist Andrea Griminelli, whose delicate and expressive playing on the flute provided a rich contrast to Bocelli’s powerful tenor. Griminelli, a frequent collaborator of Bocelli, added a touch of intimacy and elegance to the second half of the show.

The Backbone of the Evening: The Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Marcello Rota
At the heart of this musical extravaganza was the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Marcello Rota, one of Bocelli’s long-time collaborators. Under Rota’s expert baton, the orchestra was impeccable, moving seamlessly from classical arias to modern classics, and providing a lush, dynamic soundscape that perfectly complemented Bocelli’s voice.

The precision of the orchestra, coupled with Rota’s delicate and nuanced conducting, ensured that every piece was delivered with the highest level of artistry. Their interpretation of the music highlighted both the drama and beauty of the compositions, making the orchestra an essential element of the evening’s success.
A Triumph Under the Stars
As the final notes of the night echoed through the arena, the audience was left in awe of the sheer magic that had unfolded. The ancient Pula Arena, bathed in the glow of stage lights and the warmth of a late summer evening, had once again proven to be one of the most breathtaking concert venues in the world. Its historical gravitas combined with the timeless music of Bocelli created a night that was both nostalgic and forward-looking, a celebration of a 30-year career that has touched millions.

For Andrea Bocelli, these two nights in Pula were not only a celebration of his musical achievements but also a reminder of his deep connection with his audience. The Pula Arena, with its 2,000-year-old stone walls, stood as a witness to this extraordinary event, a true testament to the enduring power of music and the shared human experience.
In his own words, Bocelli said: “To return to Pula, to such a historic and beautiful venue, and to share this milestone with my Croatian audience has been nothing short of an honour. Music, after all, is a celebration of life, and tonight, we truly celebrated.”

A Fitting Finale to a Night of Musical Mastery in Pula Arena
With his two-night performance at the Pula Arena, Andrea Bocelli once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most beloved tenors in the world. It was a night where the past met the present, where classical music blended with modern sounds, and where the timeless beauty of music shone under the Croatian sky. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a true celebration of a musical journey that continues to inspire and move people across the globe.
As Bocelli’s voice faded into the night, the audience knew they had witnessed something extraordinary, a moment in history at a venue that has seen countless stories unfold through the ages. This concert, however, will be remembered as one of the finest to grace the Pula Arena.



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