Around the holiday season we tend to hear the same songs by the same people everywhere we go. For this reason, it can be so refreshing to hear covers of these classic songs. Even better if they’re covers done by amazing artists who aren’t afraid to put their own stamp on the songs!
Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most renowned and respected opera singers has covered the quintessential you-tide-tune, “Sant Claus is Coming to Town” and mama mia, it is incredible!
Andre Bocelli is an internationally beloved Italian Opera super-star, known the world over for his warm and heavenly tone. According to AAC Centre, Céline Dion herself has said of Andrea:
I don’t know about you but I’m not about to argue with Céline Dion regarding singing!
As we see in this performance however, Andrea has a little trick up his sleeve which he shows off right at the end!
David Walter Foster who hosts the performance and plays piano front and centre throughout, presents Bocelli and the choir of children with him on stage. A Canadian himself, David explains that he grew up with Victorian influenced Christmas traditions, but asks about what Andrea’s Christmases involve:
David- “I wanna know a little bit about your Christmas traditions Andrea. When you were a child, what were they like?”
Andrea– “I think it was not different to your Christmas. A beautiful Christmas tree, with my family all together and many songs ”
David– “Well Christmas time is really a special time for kids, and Andrea you have a special song right?”
Without much more ado, David takes his seat behind his piano and they begin the song.
What those who have only heard Andrea’s albums or heard him on the radio may not realize, is that he is blind.
At age 12 he succumbed to traumatic glaucoma after a football accident and lost his sight. This has obviously not impeded in his ability to sing, and he has risen to the highest echelons of opera greatness despite this permanent disability. Many singers such as Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles have made a name for themselves despite being completely blind, and each seems to fave flourished in their respective genres. Andrea however is unique in the world of opera.
The children look up to Andrea both literally and figuratively as we can see during this performance.
As Andrea begins to sing with his outstanding voice we can hear that Céline was right! The children’s choir listen intently and smile up at this golden-voiced music legend.
Turns out the children themselves are pretty talented!
The children join Andrea in singing, and as a whole elevate the entire song! The song becomes such a warm and Christmassy performance with Andrea at the helm and the kids all singing along with him.
And just when you thought you’d seen everything there was to come…
Andrea breaks out the melodica!
For those uninitiated to this breed of obscure musical instrument, a melodica is a small breath-powered keyboard instrument which sounds a little bit like a clarinet.
Watch the full video below to enjoy Andrea and his friends re-imagining this Christmas classic!
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