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An evening of true talent romanced the Metro Centre on Thursday night. It began with songstress Nikki Yanofsky. Though just 18 years old, she
belted out blues standards from the great Aretha Franklin with the maturity of a seasoned veteran.
After a brief set, a full orchestra quickly filled the stage and the nearly packed house felt the operatic pulse of the quartet Il Divo. Not since 2009 has this world-renowned group been in front of a Halifax crowd and both sides were thankful for their return.
“We are very happy too have you host us in your great city,” Il Divo member Sébastien Izambard warmly addressed the crowd. “It has been a long time and we are like caged tigers filled with energy ready to release it tonight,” said baritone Carlos Marin playfully, growling like an animal, which delighted the mostly-female audience.
The concert commenced with Come What May (Te Amare) from their latest album, Wicked Game. Their original ballad, Dov’è L’Amore, followed. Though labeled an operatic ensemble, their eclectic mix of both opera and pop music sets them apart.
“Eight years ago we started and were told there was pop music, opera, then Il Divo in the middle,” American tenor David Miller said to adoring fans.
“But we soon found another style of music that fit our talents — musical theatre.”
An inspiring rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina brought the audience to their feet, earning the group their first standing ovation of the night.
Frank Sinatra’s My Way, the Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody, and Il Divo’s first original hit Every Time I Look At You followed as the group continued to combine music with casual conversation for their audience.
“This city makes me feel so romantic,” Izambard said.