THE CRADLE OF OPERA

The very existence of Palazzo Tornabuoni, a monumental emblem of enlightened patronage, holds immense significance in my life and in how I’ve been able to nurture the talent that the Good Lord has entrusted to me,” shares Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most celebrated voices and an honorary member of Palazzo Tornabuoni. “The name of the ancient Florentine family, the Tornabuoni, and their splendid residence, impervious to the passage of time,” Bocelli continues, reflecting on his illustrious career that has connected him with some of the greatest figures of our age, “are synonymous with the creative ferment that, between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, shaped a pivotal moment in Western music history. It was here that melodrama – today universally known as opera – was born.
This is why, every time I enter these walls, I feel a sense of reverence.
This place is a tangible expression of the inventive, imaginative, and emotional strength of our country – a strength that, when innovative, bright, and positive, as in this case, has the power to inspire the world and make it a better place.” Andrea Bocelli, whose global success has never dimmed his deep passion for opera, has performed in the beautiful halls of Palazzo Tornabuoni on several extraordinary occasions.
“The emotion is profound,” he reveals, “because I see it as both a rare privilege and an almost magical experience. I read in this opportunity – so thrilling and moving – a further twist of fate: the chance to make my voice resonate in a place where the first spark of this synesthetic art form ignited Opera is what I love to call ‘the paradise of music’: a popular art form capable of elevating the spirit and expressing the inexpressible, offering feelings so deep they remain in the heart for a lifetime.” Florence also serves as the home of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF), the charitable organisation he created with his wife Veronica in 2011 to bring ambitious empowerment projects to life. “Florence is a city brimming with dreams translated into tangible forms.
It is a place without equal, the ‘global capital’ of art, the cradle of the Renaissance, the mother of the Italian language, and – of course – the birthplace of opera.

It holds a staggering density of architectural, artistic, sculptural, and natural wonders. It is the ideal home for anyone who loves beauty – beauty that has, over the centuries, uniquely stimulated human ingenuity, leading to extraordinary achievements.” For these reasons, Andrea and Veronica were proud to choose Florence, and the magnificent Baroque complex of San Firenze in particular, as the headquarters of the foundation that bears his name.

‘MY WIFE VERONICA AND I ARE PROUD TO HAVE ESTABLISHED THE ANDREA BOCELLI FOUNDATION IN FLORENCE’

Their bond with Florence, both personal and professional, has deep roots, but ABF’s official connection began in 2014 with a philanthropic event hosted in the city. The gathering brought together hundreds of major American donors and distinguished guests, including Queen Rania of Jordan and George Clooney.
If Bocelli were to imagine a soundtrack for Palazzo Tornabuoni, what would it be?
“A collection spanning four centuries of opera, because every operatic masterpiece owes something to this ancient and ever-renewed building, where History with a capital ‘H’ is palpable.
I would focus the selection on Italian composers, celebrating the melodic genius of Claudio Monteverdi, Giulio Caccini, Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Umberto Giordano, Pietro Mascagni, and many others.”

And if he were given the honour of performing a segment of this superb soundtrack? “Considering my vocal range and personal temperament, I would choose my beloved Puccini, a Tuscan genius adored worldwide.
Two arias come to mind: first, the ultimate hymn of triumph, Nessun dorma from Turandot, and then a powerful, supremely lyrical declaration of love, Recondita armonia from Tosca.”

FOR ME, OPERA IS THE PARADISE OF MUSIC… A POPULAR ART FORM CAPABLE OF ELEVATING THE SPIRIT AND EXPRESSING THE INEXPRESSIBLE’