ShareIl Divo performing their Greatest Hits – Honors Carlos Marin Tour 2022 at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Friday 9th December 2022.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Il Divo, the most successful classical crossover group ever were back in Nottingham on Friday night to resume their Greatest Hits Tour at the Royal Concert Hall. Originally scheduled for 2021 it was postponed when their stalwart band member, Spanish baritone Carlos Marin contracted Covid and lost his battle.
With the three remaining members, David Miller, Sebastien Izambard and Urs Buhler now touring to honour his memory and legacy, with not a seat to be had, that is exactly what they did.
When the three of them came on to the stage to deliver a very moving White Christmas, emotions were high. And when they were joined by Mexican American baritone, Steven LeBrie, whose huge baritone voice filled any gaps, Il Divo were back.
On stage there was an orchestra with lush strings and wind instruments, and electric guitars and percussion that added to the delight of their wonderful songs. And as their voices soared around the Hall on the likes of Come What May, Adagio and Rejoice, it was all a little raw and at times emotional.
The most moving moment saw the three of them sat on stools with a fourth one left empty whilst they sang with the recorded voice of Marin to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, whilst the crowd remained respectfully silent.
There were also secular choices such as Panis Angelicus, Schubert’s Ave Maria and even The Lord’s Prayer, but it was the hits such as Nella Fantasia, the awesome You Raise Me Up and a rousing rendition of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You that had the crowd on their feet in appreciation.
And with a stage resplendent with Christmas trees, there had to be the odd carol and they did not disappoint. With the crowd singing along to the likes of When A Child Is Born, Silent Night and set closer O Come All Ye Faithful that saw snow falling, the evening had indeed been a fitting tribute to their late friend.
