Search

Placeholder Content Image

Classics Direct is bringing classical music back to life!

<p>Are you passionate about music? Looking for an easy way to update your classical collection, replace some of those old scratched-up records, or even find a new favourite you never knew existed? Classics Direct can help your music collection soar to new heights and get a discount on your first purchase simply by <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/pages/newsletter?utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signing up to the Classics Direct mailing list!</a></p> <p>Offering an expertly curated selection from the world’s most prominent classical music labels including Deutsche Grammophon, Decca Records, Blue Note, Verve, ECM, Eloquence and many more, Classics Direct is your one-stop shop for everything classical.</p> <p>Whether you’re in the market for classic Christmas collections to add that extra touch of charm to the up-coming festive season, or perhaps you want to splash out on a box set for yourself (or that special someone in your life), Classics Direct can bring the joy of music direct to you.</p> <p><strong>Christmas Albums</strong><br />Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on the year gone by, giving thanks for all the special elements of your life and taking time to relax and rejoice. What could be a more fitting accompaniment for a perfect Christmas than a stunning variety of classical music to score those moments?</p> <p><a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/collections/christmas?utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignnone wp-image-64159 size-full" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/ChristmasCDs_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Jump right into the festive spirit with the blockbuster Christmas title “A Family Christmas” by internationally renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo and daughter Virginia. Their first ever album together, “A Family Christmas” showcases their multi-generational musical talent in a range of festive favourites. Featuring new renditions of traditional carols arranged for all three voices, including “Away in a Manger” and “Joy to the World” plus popular Christmas tunes from around the world such as “Feliz Navidad” and “Il Giorno Piu Speciale”.</p> <p>Or be transported by the ethereal sounds and angelic classics of “Christmas Music for Harp”, featuring favourite carols in sublime arrangements by harp master Carlos Salzedo, performed with grace and charm by Australian harp virtuosa Alice Giles.</p> <p>“I Dream of Christmas” by Norah Jones; “Paul Kelly’s Christmas Trains”; “The Three Tenors at Christmas” – these titles and many more are available right now and can be with you in time to enjoy the festive season to the full. Explore the entire range of wonderfully festive <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/collections/christmas?utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christmas options here</a>.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fJJaeCHi-tU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><strong>Box Sets</strong><br />Is there a music fan in your life – or perhaps it’s even YOU! – who absolutely must have every CD in an artist’s back catalogue? These completists are a rare and wonderful breed and when it comes to buying gifts for them, a CD Box Set is a hands down winner every time. The value for money is almost second to none, with some exceptional box sets containing upwards of 20, 30, 50 – even 90 CDs! That equates to hours and hours of listening enjoyment in one easy package. What’s not to love?</p> <p><a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/collections/box-set?sort_by=best-selling&utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignnone wp-image-64160 size-full" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/BoxCDs_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="313" /></a></p> <p>Relax and enjoy the stirring sounds of the 16-disc box set of “Sir Adrian Boult – The Decca Legacy, Vol 1”, the first in a limited-edition three-volume set of the complete Decca recordings of Boult, including previously unpublished recordings of Holst and a pioneering cycle of Vaughan Williams.</p> <p>Sit back and immerse yourself in the ultimate box set “The New Complete Beethoven, Essential Edition”. Featuring more than 115 hours of sublime music across an epic 95 CDs! Representing Beethoven's entire oeuvre in legendary interpretations from Deutsche Grammophon’s unrivalled Beethoven catalogue, together with reference recordings and musical treasures from Decca and many other labels, this is a must-have for any true fan of classical music.</p> <p>From Strauss to Stravinsky, Beethoven to Bach, all your musical tastes are covered at Classics Direct – even if you fancy something a little more whimsical like “Classic 100: Music for the Screen”, “The Complete Classics Kids” collection, or favourite love songs throughout the decades. Dive into the <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/collections/box-set?sort_by=best-selling&utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best-selling Box Sets for the ultimate CD Collectors here</a>.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hkJdSBsflnY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>So, why not visit the <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/?utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Classics Direct</a> website now for a leisurely browse through old favourites and new discoveries galore? Don’t forget to <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/pages/newsletter?utm_source=over-sixty&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sign up to the mailing list</a> for a discount off your first purchase!</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://classicsdirect.com.au/?utm_source=over-sxity&utm_medium=native-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Classics Direct</a>.</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Bocelli family land in Australia for epic tour

<p>Andrea Bocelli has been joined by his family on his latest Australian tour, as his son and daughter get the chance to show off their talents on stage. </p> <p>The Italian musician was joined by his son Matteo in a chat with <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/andrea-bocelli-brings-family-down-under-for-australian-tour/2c207065-359f-4593-b69a-f8445f03a224" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a> just hours after hey landed in Australia. </p> <p>Before beginning to speak about his highly anticipated national tour, Andrea apologised for his broken English. </p> <p>"I'm sorry, my English is horrible. I'm the only one in my family who doesn't speak English," Bocelli politely apologised.</p> <p>"For me it's difficult, because at school I studied French and I learnt my first word in English when I was 35 years old."</p> <p>Whether he spoke English or Italian, the musician was thrilled to be embarking on a tour with his kids in tow. </p> <p>"The thing that I love the most is the opportunity to travel the world with them," Bocelli said about his family.</p> <p>"For many years I went around the world alone and every time it was the moment to say goodbye, it was very sad."</p> <p>"Finally we are all together."</p> <p>The Bocelli's are in Australia for their sold out concert and to promote their new Christmas album, <em>A Family Christmas</em>.</p> <p>Andrea's daughter Virginia, 10, is also in Australia for the tour, but fell asleep moments before the interview. </p> <p>"She is exhausted. She's a very sweet little girl, she's good at school and then she comes with us to work on this beautiful project," Bocelli said.</p> <p>Despite being a living musical legend, Bocelli's most important and favourite role is being a dad.</p> <p>"I really admire the love, the passion he has for music and for life," Matteo said about his dad.</p> <p>"For example, (if) he has the passion for chess, he will give 110 per cent of his energy to study and learn more about it.</p> <p>"He's a great example."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

Incredible moment as Andrea Bocelli steps up as a last-minute understudy

<p>An eager Italian audience who were expecting to enjoy a performance from beloved Italian singer Matteo Bocelli were left speechless when he was unable to take the stage – and his even more famous father suddenly walked onto the stage.</p> <p>Acting as a last-minute understudy, Matteo’s beloved and talented dad accepted a last-minute invitation after Matteo became stranded in Germany while trying to return home. He was expected to sing at a concert in the Tuscan town of Marina di Pietrasanta.</p> <p>“Normally in life it’s the sons who replace the fathers," Andrea Bocelli said to the gob-smacked audience. "In this case it’s up to me, I have to replace my son.”</p> <p>Reportedly Andrea continued: “I’m sorry for all those of the fair sex who were expecting Matteo, who is young and handsome, but I will have to sing what he was due to sing, and which I have been practising in the car on the way over here!”</p> <p>The iconic Italian singer then performed two songs while also playing the piano – ‘Ci vorrebbe il mare’ ('We Need the Sea') and his signature song 'Con te partirò' (Time to Say Goodbye). As is common for an Andrea Bocelli performance, he was met with a standing ovation.</p> <p>Matteo Bocelli’s career began in earnest in 2018, after appearing on his father’s album Sì in the best-selling duet “Fall On Me”. Then father-son duo then went on to perform for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Royal Variety Performance later that same year.</p> <p>Comparing his son’s voice with his own, the senior Bocelli said: “Technically they are very different, but there is one thing that makes them most similar: the attitude. That characteristic way of expressing yourself through your voice."</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

A life in pictures: 5 facts about Andrea Bocelli

<p><span>Andrea Bocelli is one of the world’s most well known and beloved tenors in the world. </span></p> <p><span>The Italian singer, songwriter and record producer turned 61 on Sunday. </span></p> <p><span>Here are five facts about the legendary Italian celebrity. </span></p> <p><span>1. It is well known Bocelli is blind. He was diagnosed with glaucoma in his early childhood which was the result of a sad football accident when he was 12-years-old. </span></p> <p><span>2. Bocelli’s became a name to remember when Luciano Pavarotti was handed a demo tape of him singing by Zucchero, an Italian rock star. The two opera singers were then invited to perform together on Zucchero’s tour and together they performed a beautiful rendition of </span><span>Miserere</span><span>.</span></p> <p><span>3. He married his wife, Veronica Berti in 2014. They live together with their children in a former hotel in Forte dei Marmi.</span></p> <p><span>4. In 1994, Bocelli performed for the pope for the first time.</span></p> <p><span>5. Also in 1998, Bocelli made his opera debut in Puccini’s </span><span>La Bohemeat Teatro Comunale</span><span> in Cagliari. He beautifully played the role of Rodolfo.</span></p> <p><span>Scroll through the gallery above to see Andrea Bocelli’s life in pictures. </span></p>

Art

Placeholder Content Image

Sophia Loren sparkles in dazzling gown for cruise event

<p>Renowned for her beauty, effortless charm and glamour on and off the screen, the Italian actress has had a successful career in Hollywood that has spanned several decades.</p> <p>And it was on March 2 where the glamorous screen siren waved to eager supporters hoping to get a look at the heavily embellished ivory gown that glittered under lights as she led the celebrities at the naming ceremony of the MSC Belissima cruise liner.</p> <p>The 84-year-old stole the show with her long-sleeved, floor-length number which accentuated Sophia’s shape and added a glow with her simple yet sleek eye makeup and signature coiffed hairstyle.</p> <p>She added sparkling jewellery, including a silver cross necklace and gold and silver choker to complete her look.</p> <p>The actress was on board to ‘christen’ the ship, also completing the traditional duty of cutting the red ribbon to set assail.</p> <p>The MSC Belissima is the largest ship to ever be named in Southampton and means ‘beautiful’ in Italian.</p> <p>The Oscar-winning actress was also joined by <em>The Morning </em>host Holly Wiloughby, who hosted the impressive event.</p> <p>Also performing on the ship was Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo, who both belted it out on stage in an unmissable performance.</p> <p>Swipe through the gallery above to see Sophia Loren’s glamourous gown.</p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Opera-loving dog loves to sing along to Andrea Bocelli

<p>Meet Oscar, the Golden Retriever. He loves opera and he loves to sing. But only to one particular song – Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer."</p> <p>YouTube user Michael Baker writes: “My dog Oscar always howls when my mom plays this part of "The Prayer" on the piano so we decided to catch him on video. He only howls during this part of the song, and so far, it has only worked for this song. I thought I would share with the world because my family thinks it's hilarious.”</p> <p>Well, we think if you’re on to a good thing, don’t stop.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPpsCNd_TP0">Michael Baker</a></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/helpless-dogs-that-had-their-bed-stolen-by-the-cat/"><em>12 helpless dogs that had their bed stolen by the cat</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/05/10-puppies-who-look-adorable-sleeping/"><em>10 puppies who look adorable sleeping</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/03/top-10-favourite-cat-sleeping-positions/"><em>Top 10 favourite cat sleeping positions</em></a></strong></span></p>

News

Our Partners

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.