Il Divo Westpac Stadium Christchurch 5th October 2009There was almost a full house at the stadium. I was in the raised seating which was in a u shape. But I was in the front row so I was only just above the floor seats. I was to the right of the stage but I could see everything.There were two big TV screens either side of the stage and behind the stage was a giant screen which during the show showed videos and the live action. While waiting for the show to start the giant screen had a Il Divo sign on it with models in LRD (little red dresses) sitting on the letters. I thought it was a still shot but occasionally you see the models change their pose. I had bought a programme which was very glossy but not a lot of information in it and didn't have a set list in it.
The stage consisted of a raised stage with 3 staircases leading down to the front stage and was gold in colour. The central stairs were much wider than the side stairs. In between the stairs is where the orchestra sat. The orchestra consisted of a small string and wind ensemble plus keyboard, guitars and drums.
The concert was to have started at 8pm but it was more like 8:15pm before the lights dimmed and the orchestra played a long introduction before Il Divo came on in their fancy Armani suits from behind, over the raised stage and down the central stairs to the front stage.
They opened with
Somewhere. You could tell that Carlos was the crowd favourite. Both Carlos and David had very powerful voices but they all were very good especially when they were all singing together and with them plus the orchestra and drums in full cry it was very loud but I loved it.
They then played two songs from the Promise album,
La Promessa and
Angelina. They also played some of their earlier songs but I cannot remember the names. In between these songs each member would introduce himself and say wonderful things about Christchurch. Carlos mentioned the beautiful ladies in the audience which the ladies loved lol.
But the best bit was when Urs said that although Il Divo hadn't been to Christchurch before they have worked with someone from here on their 2006 tour and said it was a pleasure to work with the lovely Hayley Westenra i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif which got a cheer from the audience.
After a costume change ( more Armani) they played a new song which they haven't recorded yet which was the famous
Bridge Over Troubled Waters. They did some other songs before the interval.
I got my usual ice-cream plus the Promise CD and munched away on some lollies before the second half started.
The orchestra started playing a long intro before the guys came back on and sang ABBA's
The Winner Takes All (in Italian of course).
Other songs were:-
Without YouMamaHellelujahThe Power Of Loveplus other songs before they finished with
My Way and they got a standing ovation.
After a long wait while they changed into tuxes they did 2 encores
Amazing Grace with a piper on the big screen (loved this version) and another new song
The Impossible Dream.
So I am glad I went to this concert. The guys are very good singers but they are excellent when they sing together and with the videos on the big screen it was a very good show too.
