Andrea Bocelli marks 30 years of music with new album

It's one of the most immediately recognisable voices on the planet: Andrea Bocelli's tenor is beloved across generations, cultures and borders, known to induce tears in as few as three simple words: "Con Te Partiro," or in its English performance, Time to Say Goodbye.

This year, he's celebrating the 30th anniversary of his career with a new compilation album, Duets, featuring both previously released and brand-new collaborations of his best-known work and the release of a new concert film, Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, which will arrive in cinemas on Friday.

So, why duets?

"I've loved voices since when I was a child, and I like very much to share the stage with the best artists and voices. So, this album, there are the best duets that I did in my life," he told The Associated Press.

"From the first, The Prayer with Celine Dion, until the last, like Perfect with Ed Sheeran and many, many others. And the album has been remastered and remixed. So, I hope the sound can be better."

He says: "The most important thing in voices... is to be recognisable, to give emotion."

When asked if there is anyone he would've loved to add to the Duets collection, Bocelli says of course — but "they passed away before I began to sing. For example, I would like very much to sing with Maria Callas or (Renata) Tebaldi or Magda Olivero. Many great, incredible singers. They are not anymore with us, unfortunately."

Three decades into his career, Bocelli has performed for presidents, popes, and sold-out stadiums across the globe - in addition to having sold nearly 90 million records worldwide, according to a press release.

"Reality exceeded my wildest dreams," he says.

How he reflects on that time should come as no surprise.

"I like to sing to the future. Honestly, I don't like to think with nostalgia to the past," he says. "My first time on stage, for me it is like yesterday. The time is gone so quickly, so fast. And, yeah, now I like to think to the future."

So, what, then, does he hope becomes his legacy in the next 30 years, 300 years?

"In Italy, we have a very famous expression: The people that come after us will judge us," he says with a translator.

"So I can't force the (judgment) of the people. But I feel that my audience has a big affection for me, and this is my goal. When somebody in the street comes to me and says (to) me, 'Thank you for your voice, for your music,' I think mission is accomplished."

Across Duets, Bocelli sings in Italian, English, French and Spanish.

"There are many languages, but it's so difficult. I remember the day I tried to sing in Chinese, only few lines, but it has been so hard for me," he laughs.

He also performs across genres, working with everyone from Latin superstars like Karol G and Jennifer Lopez to country musicians like Chris Stapleton and Shania Twain.

"I would like to try to sing jazz," he says. "But it's too difficult for me because you must live in an atmosphere, to learn step by step, day by day. I like jazz but it's too far from the experience of my life."

On December 4, Bocelli's US tour kicks off in San Diego and runs through the month, before commencing again in February and June 2025. The final dates will be held in Napa Valley, California, on June 21 and 22.