Ncuti Gatwa<\/a> the day after King Charles is officially crowned, the Italian singer is taking to the palace stage for a duet with Sir Bryn Terfel, having previously performed at the late Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s Platinum Jubilee.<\/p>\nAhead of the big concert, Bocelli spoke to Radio Times magazine<\/strong> in an exclusive interview on how gave an \u201cimmediate\u201d yes to performing at the coronation, how King Charles III requested his particular song, and what the event means to him.<\/p> 1. You\u2019re performing at the Coronation Concert \u2013 was it an immediate yes to the invite?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cYes, it was an immediate and definite \u2018Yes!\u2019 Good music boosts the spirit and nurtures beauty. If I\u2019m asked to come and sing at a ceremony that may be heard around the world, my answer is \u2018Of course\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. You\u2019ve teased a duet of You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone \u2013 why that choice of song?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cKing Charles III specifically requested that particular piece and in my humble opinion, it\u2019s a piece with a remarkable evocative power that can warm the heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a kind of declaration of love and collective solidarity, of togetherness through dark moments. It\u2019s no coincidence that I chose to include that on my album Believe in 2020. For the coronation, I\u2019m going to be singing it in a duet with a dear friend and amazing colleague, Bryn Terfel, who I shared the stage with at Central Park in 2012.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. You called this opportunity an \u201cinestimable privilege\u201d\u2013 what does the coronation mean to you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cI believe that for a singer to be invited to contribute with their voice at an occasion like this is a privilege, an honour, and above all a token of esteem and affection.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. Have you met the King? Do you have any reflections to share?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cThe last time I sang in his presence was in November, at the Royal Albert Hall. I have met him several times, along with the Queen Consort, although only briefly and at formal occasions. He has always been friendly and affable towards me, as well as being genuinely interested in music.<\/p>\n
As for becoming King, I think he has had all the time he needs to make it a really good experience, having been at the side of a great and particularly long-lived sovereign.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrea Bocelli performs during the Platinum Party at the Palace at Buckingham Palace in 2022.<\/span><\/figcaption> Photo by Alastair Grant – WPA Pool\/Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n5. You performed for Queen Elizabeth II several times \u2013 did you meet her? Any recollections?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cIt has always evoked great emotion in me, over the years, when I have had the chance to perform in front of someone so crucial to the 20th century and to the new millennium. She was a queen of great moderation and charismatic energy. I was really struck, at her Platinum Jubilee, to see how deeply she was loved by her people.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also remember a song and piano recital that I gave at Buckingham Palace, with Queen Elizabeth II sitting listening to me, just two or three metres away. As I have often said, when I shook hands with her, my main worry, perhaps a childish one but genuine nevertheless, was not to do so too vigorously, not to grip her hand too forcefully!\u201d<\/p>\n
6. What do you hope your music conveys as Charles ascends the throne?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cMusic is a universal language: it can be therapeutic and it can foster trust in our fellow human beings and a precious inclination towards positivity. Above all, good music is a powerful instrument of peace. I hope that that is how my voice will be heard and felt. As I never tire of repeating, art is art if it leads to good, and every conflict is always the opposite of art.\u201d<\/p>\n
7. You blew everyone away with your rendition of Nessun Dorma at the Queen\u2019s Platinum Jubilee \u2013 how different does the coronation event feel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u201cFrom my point of view, as regards my feelings about the event, I will be able to answer that better after 7th May. It\u2019s true that the Jubilee consecrated and celebrated a target that had already been achieved: there was a palpable festive atmosphere and you could feel the reverberations of it backstage at the concert, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow we\u2019re celebrating a new page of history and a new beginning.\u201d<\/p>
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