Before speaking with reporters, the best-selling artist was welcomed by Universal Music Korea with a couple of gifts, framed platinum and gold discs and a janggu, or double-sided Korean traditional drum.
"Wow, beautiful,'' the smiling singer said receiving his presents. ``You have to teach me, I never saw this,'' he said about the drum, and gave a try at playing the instrument. ``Nice, very, very nice,'' he said.
He then spoke in his native Italian tongue to thank everyone for the attention and to say how happy he was to return after almost 10 years. Having lost his eyesight at the age of 12, Bocelli had pursued a career as a lawyer before finally realizing his dream of becoming a singer.
What enabled him to persevere despite the odds? ``It's very simple ― passion,'' said the 49-year-old. ``Music for me is passion, love, and something I cannot live without. I never imagined doing something other than music,'' he said.
In Seoul, the tenor will sing a dozen operatic arias by Verdi and Puccini as well as classic songs from Naples such as Tosti's "La Serenata'' and Di Capua's "O Sole Mio.''
"As an Italian tenor it's natural that I sing Italy's representative arias and folk songs. I felt I must introduce them to Korea, a country that is geographically distant from Italy yet so close, culturally,'' he said.
Joining him onstage are pop singer Heather Headley, soprano Maria Luigia Borsi and baritone Gianfranco Montresor. Marcello Rota will conduct the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra and the Yun Hakwon Choral.
"Music exists in order to meet and harmonize with others. Some of the best moments are being onstage with an 80-member orchestra,'' he said. "I really love performing with those who sing their heart out, and those who study life in order to add depth to their music,'' he said.
Bocelli noted Korea's maestro conductor Chung Myung-whun as one of the most important artists he has collaborated with, as well as soprano Sumi Jo, with whom he sang here in 2000.
"I said I wanted to work with Chung Myun-whun on an album of arias, but people told me it was a bad idea. But maestro Chung gave me his trust and support, and (the 1998 album) `Sacred Arias' sold over 5 million copies,'' he said.
In 1999 he was placed in the Guinness Book of World Records for simultaneously holding the top three slots in the American classical album chart. He is best known in Korea for crossover tunes such as "Time to Say Goodbye.''
"Great singers from around the 9th and 10th centuries sang pop music of their time, and I wish to continue that tradition,'' he said, further explaining that pop music enables the younger generation to warm up to operas. Bocelli has released pop albums featuring stars like Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera. In 1999, he became the first classical artist to be nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy award in 38 years.
Part of Bocelli's superstardom can be attributed to his link with the great Luciano Pavarotti. "We became very close from the beginning,'' he said. ``He has, among contemporary musicians, reached the pinnacle of technical artistry. He sang till the last moment, until right before he passed away. It was very special for me to sing at his (2003) wedding,'' he said.
The singer has toured extensively, performing in front of the Egyptian Pyramids and o the Statue of Liberty in New York. When asked how he stays in shape, he laughed, "There are times when I'm in a bad condition and I sing poorly but also when I'm in a good condition and I sing poorly.
"A musician is similar to a sports athlete because the vocal chords are also a muscle. In addition to paying heed in everyday life, such as avoiding drinking and smoking, silence is key. Before concerts, one must honor silence and protect the voice,'' he said.
"Please come to the concert and taste happiness, and leave with a joyful and beautiful memory of the night,'' he said.
Tickets for tonight's concert at the Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park cost 80,000-280,000 won. Call (02) 3444-9969. Make sure to cheer loudly, because you might be able to hear "Time to Say Goodbye'' or ``The Prayer'' as encores.
Bocelli will return the Italy and the United States for performances, including the opera "Carmen.'' He will also be releasing a new album later on this year.
Source: Korea Times.
