Andrea Bocelli and son Matteo: This is how they solve every problem, even at Christmas!
Andrea Bocelli is one of the biggest stars in the classical music scene. In an interview with “Neue Post”, the tenor shared some private anecdotes with his son Matteo Bocelli, who recently released his debut album – and how they can solve problems if the two men have a falling out…
Andrea Bocelli & Matteo Bocelli: Father & son both have secret cravings when it comes to food
New post: Christmas is just around the corner! What traditions do you attach great importance to?
Andrea Bocelli: We live in a time full of complicated challenges. There are many wars and suffering in the world right now. Maybe that’s why it’s never been more important than today to come together as a family and celebrate the festival of love together and in harmony. For me as a Christian, Holy Christmas is primarily a religious occasion to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. But of course I also love the many beautiful traditions associated with the holidays that warm my heart. Of course, I’m particularly looking forward to the Christmas feast.
What do you have to eat – and who is allowed to cook?
Andrea:Â Unfortunately, neither my wife Veronica nor I are the best cooks, to put it quite charmingly… That’s why I’m even happier that my son loves cooking.
Matteo Bocelli:Â I love it! On the first holiday, I prepare tortellini in broth as an appetizer and then serve a delicious fish. Apparently our family belongs to a minority, as most people probably take a roast chicken out of the oven. When it comes to dessert, we’re Italian traditionalists again: panettone cake and lots and lots of nougat.
How do you both manage to stay so slim despite all these treats?
Andrea:Â I generally prefer savory foods to sweet ones. That might be an advantage. But I can’t say no to Pecorino cheese either. Otherwise, my eating style follows the so-called Mediterranean diet. Lots of fresh vegetables, lots of fish and good wines, preferably from my family’s vineyards. As a singer, I rely on my body to stay in good shape; after all, it is also my musical instrument.
Matteo:Â I also try to eat a balanced and healthy diet. My weakness, however, is Nutella. I can’t resist…
Andrea BocellI: He loves horses – unfortunately his son Matteo is allergic
Can you remember a special gift from your childhood?
Andrea:Â As a child, I attended a music boarding school far away from my family. I was very sad because at first I assumed I would have to celebrate Christmas all alone. When my parents unexpectedly showed up to take me home for the holidays, I was the happiest child in the world. I experienced a similar feeling of happiness when I was given my first little horse, which was named Stella. I still get goosebumps all over my body when I remember it.
Matteo:Â This is where my father and I differ! Dad always had a great passion for horses. They are indeed beautiful creatures, but unfortunately I am highly allergic to them and therefore give my father’s horses a wide berth.
Can you still remember a total gift flop?
Andrea:Â No! To be honest, I quickly realized that you can’t buy the best gifts. It is love, faith, serenity – and time. A person who gives you time by writing you a nice letter, calling you or visiting you – has already gifted you with their attention and interest. Therefore, I don’t expect any additional gifts. For me it is the greatest present of all that the family wants to spend the important holidays with me.
Andrea Bocelli & Matteo: This is how we resolve conflicts at Christmas
In many families there are arguments. What is your recipe for a harmonious Christmas?
Matteo:Â We are a normal Italian family. We have no shortage of passionate discussions under the Christmas tree…
Andrea:Â That’s right! But as a family we are well practiced in listening to each other, accepting different opinions and not letting a difficult discussion escalate, but rather resolving it in a timely manner with humor and sweet nougat if necessary.
What are you looking forward to in the new year?
Andrea:Â In 2024 I will celebrate my 30th stage anniversary. And if the good Lord wills it, there will be many more years to come. And I would like to attend more of my son’s concerts.
