Recently in Classical Category

Superstar Andrea Bocelli will embark on a U.S. tour this June, in support of his acclaimed Decca/Sugar disc, Incanto. Incanto is a romantic tour-de-force, featuring Bocelli's glorious sound in perfect complement to the rich and sonorous tradition of classic Italian love songs. The tour kicks off on June 5th in San Jose, California and continues a limited engagement across major venues in the U.S., including the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In keeping with the emotional sentiment that the Incanto album and tour represent, Shutterfly, Inc. recently hosted an Andrea Bocelli photo contest that highlighted fans' unique stories. Participants were able to upload their pictures to the contest site that portrayed the romance Andrea's music inspires to compete for a variety of prizes. The recently announced Grand Prize winner will be flown to the Bocelli concert in New York City, and David's Bridal, the nation's most trusted bridal and special occasion retailer, and Men's Wearhouse are the brand partners who will be providing the lucky winners with their attire for the evening. Additional winners will receive Bocelli CDs and the opportunity to create their own custom, leather bound, Shutterfly photo books. To view the winning submissions, visit http://andreabocelli.shutterfly.com/winners.

The forthcoming Bocelli tour will showcase new repertoire from the album and older favorites - a golden opportunity to experience the singer performing timeless Neapolitan classics in a spectacular concert setting. Now at the height of an incredible career that unfolded a decade ago, the Incanto tour is a personal tribute to the great musical traditions of his homeland and an homage to the great tenors he admires. "These songs have been part of my life since I was a child," says Bocelli, "pop singers as well as operatic tenors have measured themselves against this repertoire." Highlights of the tour will include, "Because", "Mamma", "Granada" and "Funiculi Funicula" among many others.

An iconic figure in music who has sold over 60 million albums to date, Bocelli continues to defy categorization, age barriers and labels of all kinds. In concert or on the opera stage, he has worked with everyone from Christina Aguilera and Bono to the great Luciano Pavarotti. His memorable television appearances including his duet with Josh Groban at The Grammy Awards, mentoring contestants on American Idol, and the Official Ceremonies of past Olympic Games on NBC to nave a few, have propelled Andrea Bocelli to a global household name. The complete tour itinerary is as follows:

    June 6      HP Pavilion                   San Jose, CA
    June 7      Hollywood Bowl                Los Angeles, CA
    June 12     AllState Arena                Chicago, IL
    June 13     American Airlines Center      Dallas, TX
    June 18     Madison Square Garden         New York, NY
    June 20     Wachovia Center               Philadelphia, PA

For more information, go to www.andreabocelli.com

"Festival of the Arts BOCA", welcomes a spectacular duo of notable Latinas who are taking the Classical Music World by Storm

As is the case with the renowned "Tuscan Sun Festival" in Italy and the "Festival del Sole" in Napa, California, the Festival of the Arts BOCA serves as the stage for some of the world's top classical music talent, while also highlighting exceptional Latino talent. Now in its third year, the Festival of the Arts BOCA once again prepares to offer South Florida audiences a magnificent eleven day program with the finest in classical music and literature. This year the Festival will treat music lovers to two extraordinarily gifted Latinas that are capturing the classical scene, one a master at the piano the other at the baton. The Festival will take place at the Count de Hoernle Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida from March 5th to the 15th.

Conductor Alondra de la Parra has gained widespread attention for her spellbinding performances whether leading the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, or orchestras in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, and the United States. One of the most compelling conductors of her generation, she holds the distinction of being the first woman from Mexico to conduct in New York City. Most recently, The New York Times said, "With incisive gestures, Ms. de la Parra elicited a vibrantly nuanced performance whose bristling conclusion had the audience on their feet."

The Venezuelan-born pianist, Ana Karina Alamo has been acknowledged by critics and audiences for her ability to project a rare vulnerability on stage, while drawing upon her virtuosic abilities. Performing her first recital at the age of six, Ms. Alamo has gone on to appear at some of the world's most prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall (New York), and Ehrbar Hall (Vienna). A highly regarded soloist, Ms. Alamo has also performed at the White House at a private reception for former President Bush.

In addition to these two accomplished musical marvels, the 2009 Festival will also serve as the epicenter to an epic celebration of the 50th anniversary of Itzhak Perlman's debut in the U.S., a milestone in a career that spans thousands of performances and numerous prestigious awards, with four unique and distinct performances. The Festival will also welcome a number of other exceptional classical music and literary talent, including: The Russian National Orchestra, famed conductor Mikhail Pletnev, celebrated cellist Nina Kotova, Grammy Award Winning vocalist Kelley O'Connor, renowned author Salman Rushdie, master pianist Jeremy Denk and so many more.

For additional information, artist bios, photos or ticket information log onto www.FestivalOfTheArtsBoca.org

 
 
SOURCE Festival of the Arts BOCA