By Kevin Rademeyer.
The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated musical events in South African recent history. Andrea Bocelli, the legendary Italian tenor whose voice has touched millions across the globe, is set to grace local stages this April with a tour that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
On 12 and 13 April 2025, Bocelli will enchant audiences at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, followed by a breathtaking performance at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on 16 April. The Cape Town show is poised to be the largest outdoor classical concert ever held in the city, cementing Bocelli’s visit as a landmark cultural event.
Each performance on this tour will be elevated by the presence of a 69-piece orchestra and a 60-piece choir, forming a majestic sonic landscape fit for the Maestro’s voice. Johannesburg audiences will be treated to the artistry of the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra. In Cape Town, the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany Bocelli, ensuring each city enjoys its own distinct symphonic journey.
Joining Bocelli on stage is a constellation of globally renowned special guests:
Marcello Rota, celebrated Italian conductor and long-time collaborator of Bocelli, known for his dynamic and precise direction.
Mariam Battistelli, the Ethiopian-Italian soprano who is making waves in Europe’s opera circles with her powerful and emotive voice.
Amy Manford, an Australian-American classical crossover soprano praised for her work on London’s West End stages.
Rusanda Panfili, the Moldovan-Austrian violinist acclaimed for her high-energy performances with Hans Zimmer and other international projects.
Mzansi Ballet, founded by Dirk Badenhorst, will add visual elegance through a fusion of classical and contemporary dance. Dancers Angela Revie, Kiana Prinsloo, Mahlatse Sachane, and Ariel Mejica will embody the music with graceful storytelling in motion.
These guests, together with South Africa’s finest orchestras and choirs, will create a deeply immersive musical experience, blending global excellence with local artistry.
Andrea Bocelli’s career is the stuff of legend. With over 90 million albums sold, he has become the voice of Italian classical tradition in the modern era. Discovered after winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994, Bocelli honed his operatic skills under the mentorship of Franco Corelli. Since then, he has shared stages with the world’s top conductors – Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, and Zubin Mehta among them – and starred in definitive recordings of Turandot, Aida, and Manon Lescaut.
Beyond his vocal mastery, Bocelli is a cultural ambassador. His accolades include six Grammy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and performances for multiple U.S. Presidents, Popes, the British Royal Family, and Olympic ceremonies. His Easter 2020 “Music for Hope” solo performance at the Duomo in Milan, broadcast during the peak of the global pandemic, became one of the most-watched classical livestreams in history.
Presented by Big Concerts in association with KFM 94.5, CapeTalk, and 702, this tour promises not just music but a celebration of beauty, artistry, and shared human emotion. South Africa is about to witness one of the greatest voices of our time, surrounded by an unforgettable ensemble of musicians and performers.