Shanghai music lovers to savor two of world's great tenors

Jose Carreras will give concerts in Shanghai. [Photo/China Daily]

Daning Theater where Carreras will perform has about 1,100 seats, while the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Bocelli's concert hall, can host up to 10,000 people.

The management of Daning says the medium-sized theater will present the best sound quality from the artist while also giving the audience a view of the stage. The new theater will celebrate its second birthday with Carreras' concert. A big-name performer such as Carreras will hopefully introduce the theater to a broader audience, according to the Daning management.

While Carreras declined to reveal the program for the Shanghai concert, Bocelli says songs from his new album Passione will be a highlight of his show, as well as songs from operas by Giuseppe Verdi, such as Rigoletto and La Traviata.

Passione consists of pop songs, folk ballads and modern classics that "accompanied my youth", says Bocelli.

"I do not reject pop, but I prefer opera: My life is entirely permeated with this form of art, that I love calling 'the paradise of music' which was invented more than four centuries ago in my Tuscany, the Italian region where I was born and raised," Bocelli says.

Bocelli was born with eye problems. He had 26 surgeries as a child, but still lost all sight at the age of 12. In the hospital he fell in love with music, which relieved his distress at being in hospital.

Bocelli shared his insight with young people aspiring to a singing career. "You need skill, will, spirit of sacrifice, perseverance and also a bit of narcissism but also a lot of luck," he says.

"Besides, a suggestion I would feel like giving is, that in order to sing well you must have many passions, you must learn how to develop a passion for life. If you want to sing and give emotions to those who are listening, you must have something to tell through your singing."