LONDON MONDAY 22 JULY 2024 – Andrea Bocelli is celebrating 30 years in music with Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, a three-day event in the Italian tenor’s hometown of Lajatico, Italy. The event, which is set to take place from 15 – 19 July in Tuscany’s Teatro del Silenzio, will feature appearances and performances from artists including Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Jon Batiste, Sofia Vergara, David Foster, Christian Nodal, Sofia Carson, Matteo Bocelli, Brian May and more. In collaboration with creative director Francisco Negrin, STUFISH designed the stage architecture for the landmark event and debuted its largest kinetic art sculpture, encapsulating the themes of time, place, and Bocelli’s personal and musical journey.

STUFISH’s set design for Andrea Bocelli’s celebration concert presents a unique opportunity to create a bespoke environment within a location of outstanding natural beauty. This design leverages the natural landscape as a core element, framing and highlighting the terrain rather than overshadowing it. The event will feature a prominent art sculpture designed by STUFISH, placed in the centre of a reflection pool.

The centrepiece of the design is a revolving art sculpture inspired by a sundial, symbolising the passing of time. This sculpture serves dual purposes: it acts as an art piece and a scenic element within the event’s set design. As the sundial rotates, it functions as a canvas for projections, telling stories of both the past and present, as well as a multilayered staircase for up to 20 performers. The sculpture’s use of natural metallic finishes adds a dynamic and reflective quality, with its appearance evolving through natural weathering and oxidation. A soundwave graphic emanates from the sculpture’s centre, symbolising Bocelli’s music and impact. This motif is integrated into the existing marble wall surrounding the pool, creating a visual representation of sound waves radiating from the theatre into the landscape, the birthplace of Bocelli’s art. Ten milestones are positioned to radiate around the site, each marked with soundwave graphics and keywords derived from Bocelli’s quotes and core values. These milestones serve as touchpoints, symbolising different times of day and aspects of Bocelli’s life and career.

The stage is designed to embrace the natural site, wrapping around the natural mound with the reflection pool in the centre. The custom additional staging elements are clad in stone-coloured materials resembling the local environment, creating a seamless integration with the landscape. The multiple stage levels accommodate the orchestra, dancers, and other performers, forming a 360-degree embrace of the pool and the central sculpture.

STUFISH designed the staging using materials that complement the venue’s natural colours and textures. Silvery finishes on certain elements allow the structure to reflect the surroundings, creating a sense of disappearance and harmony with the sky and land. The selection of stone textures for the stage cladding is inspired by the original Teatro Del Silenzio marble block wall, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic that respects the site’s heritage.

STUFISH’s design not only serves the immediate needs of the event but also aims to leave a lasting legacy. Incorporating Bocelli’s personal history, family connections, and musical journey into the set design creates a deeply meaningful experience for the audience. The narratives told through the rotating sundial and the engraved milestones ensure that Bocelli’s story resonates with visitors long after the event.

World leaders in permanent and semi-permanent architecture, STUFISH’s work has created unforgettable memories for audiences across the globe. Throughout the past year, STUFISH has created some of the most innovative stage designs, including Beyonce’s Renaissance tour, Madonna’s Celebration World Tour, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere – Las Vegas, The Rolling Stones ‘Hackney Diamonds’ US tour, and Adele’s smash-hit Las Vegas residency.

Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, the concert film, will be released in cinemas this autumn. The live show and concert directed by esteemed Opera and large ceremony Stage Director, Francisco Negrin. The film will be produced by Mercury Studios, Maverick, Impact Productions, and CITYSOUND & Events. It will be directed by Grammy-nominee and Emmy Award-winner Director Sam Wrench, who recently directed Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour, the highest-grossing concert film of all time.