Posts with the label hyde park
Showing posts with label hyde park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hyde park. Show all posts

Saturday 6 July 2024

Andrea Bocelli Hyde Park Concert: Rain Can't Dampen Stunning Performances


Andrea Bocelli
BST Hyde Park

Andrea Bocelli's performance at Hyde Park was a night of unforgettable music, incredible talent, and, unfortunately, a lot of rain. But let's dive into the highlights that made the evening truly special, despite the less-than-ideal weather.

First off, the support acts were fantastic! His son, Matteo Bocelli, opened with some of his own compositions, including a gorgeous piece he wrote for the Netflix show From Scratch. Matteo wooed the crowd with his suave performance and stunning vocals, setting the tone for the evening. Another highlight included some moments with Grammy award-winning singer Joaquina who's voice is absolutely glorious. Katherine Jenkins followed with a delightful set, including an impromptu rendition of 'Singing in the Rain', complete with a brolly! She later swapped her Manolos for Hunter wellies, embracing the weather with style. Her sparkly outfit matched her personality and shone brilliantly against the grey skies. A highlight of her performance was her duet with John Owen-Jones on Barcelona- truly a magical moment.

Now, let's talk about the weather. There's a reason the festival is called BST- British summers are notoriously unpredictable, and yesterday was no exception. The rain did put a bit of a dampener on the evening, both literally and figuratively. The performances were impeccable, but it was hard to fully enjoy while getting drenched. That said, the shared experience of braving the downpour added a unique camaraderie among the audience. Andrea himself called us heroes for sticking it out and rewarded us with a performance that was worth every soggy moment.

Act One began with a bang as Andrea performed 'La Donna รจ Mobile', supported by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The first half of the concert featured a selection of opera pieces, with standout guests like soprano Nadine Sierra, mezzo Isabel Leonard, baritone Luca Micheletti, soprano Henna Munn, flautist Andrea Griminelli, violinist Rusanda Panfili, and the Crouch End Festival Chorus. Each piece was delivered with emotion, humour, and a touch of flirtation—perfect for both opera aficionados and newcomers. However, it would have been helpful to have subtitles like at Opera House performances, allowing everyone to engage more deeply with the lyrics, or perhaps just more introductions to the pieces giving a general theme.

Act Two shifted the mood with a mix of more recent songs and Andrea's beloved classics. Highlights included a stunning rendition of 'The Prayer' with Loren Allred and a powerful performance of 'Nessun Dorma' to close the night. The set list was further enriched by appearances from German film composer Hans Zimmer, legendary British singer-songwriter Seal, and Italian gospel and blues artist Zucchero. A heartwarming moment was Andrea's duet with his daughter Virginia on Hallelujah, showcasing the immense talent within the Bocelli family.

So, while the rain did affect the enjoyment a bit, the stellar performances and the communal spirit of the audience made it a memorable evening, especially as the largest outdoor classical concert in Europe in this century. Andrea Bocelli, with his incredible voice, delivered a concert that resonated deeply, despite the weather.

★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 5th July 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Dave Hogan

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

Andrea Bocelli Hyde Park Concert: Rain Can't Dampen Stunning Performances

Saturday 6 July 2024

Monday 26 June 2023

Pink at BST Hyde Park review: An Electrifying Performance Which Soars to New Heights

truly showcased Pink's versatility and fearlessness as an artist, cementing her as one of the best in the business"

P!nk: Summer Carnival
BST Hyde Park
★★★★

In a stunning showcase of talent and entertainment, last night Pink took to the Great Oak Stage at Hyde Park, to perform a captivating show which closed her weekend at the BST festival. An awe-inspiring experience, her limitless energy, exceptional connection with the crowd, astonishing circus abilities, and unwavering vocals took the spotlight and created a really really entertaining evening. Although there were a few moments of slight lulls, the other exhilarating moments more than made up for them, resulting in a truly unforgettable evening of pure enjoyment.

Pink's natural ability to engage with her audience was truly extraordinary. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, she effortlessly commanded everyone's attention with her charming presence. She skilfully interacted with the crowd throughout the concert, making each person feel like an integral part of the performance. From taking various teddy bears, to celebrating first concert experiences and showcasing a fan's artwork, her interactions were authentic and heartfelt, creating a really welcoming atmosphere and some truly memorable audience experiences.

It's not a Pink show without some gravity defying circus acts and even at the vast open air venue she did not disappoint. Whether she was soaring high above the stage showing aerial silks or executing some beautiful choreography whilst suspended in the air, her talent left spectators in awe. These mesmerising moments added a dynamic element to the show, that truly showcased Pink's versatility and fearlessness as an artist, cementing her as one of the best in the business.

Pink's vocals remained flawless throughout the entire evening, delivering powerful performances filled with precision and emotion. Her voice effortlessly spanned a wide range of genres, captivating the audience with its raw power and vulnerability. Whether performing a song she'd written or one by someone else, each note was infused with passion and authenticity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to witness her remarkable talent firsthand.

As the sun began to set, the lighting design flawlessly complemented the changing atmosphere, creating a visual spectacle that enhanced the overall experience. The lighting design effectively worked alongside the sun and shadows of nature, and the golden hue which accompanied the sunset was especially magical as it bathed the stage in a captivating glow.

Adding another layer of depth to the performance, the well-incorporated video elements were super effective. During the poignant song Irrelevant, large screens displayed videos highlighting female empowerment and the Black Lives Matter movement, creating a really significant and moving moment. These thoughtful additions not only showcased Pink's commitment to social justice but also deeply resonated with the audience, reminding everyone of the transformative power of music.

Pink's concert at Hyde Park was a remarkable demonstration of talent that left an enduring impression on all attendees. Her exceptional audience interaction, mind-blowing circus skills, and flawless vocals were the pillars of an evening that will be cherished. While there were fleeting moments of respite, they were quickly overshadowed by the sheer energy and excitement that filled the show. An undeniable triumph and a testament to her artistry, Pink and her team created a multi-sensory experience that was a treat for all in attendance.

Reviewed on Sunday 25th June by Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

Pink at BST Hyde Park review: An Electrifying Performance Which Soars to New Heights

Monday 26 June 2023