Friday 6 July 2012

Alfie Boe at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2012

Alfie Boe at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2012

Went to see Alfie Boe last night, what a surprise. Expecting a night of opera, but instead we  had a nice mix of songs by the Eagles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley and we were sitting right behind Alfie Boe family. I met his mother, brother and other members of the family at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2012. Also, the VIP service was also one of the best I've had for a long time, the food was great and we were made to feel special by the staff, thanks to Val Bodden from the Royal Mail for inviting us. https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

However, on the way out of the Pavilion, we heard some people saying they preferred his more operatic performances.  Which shows, you can't please all of the people all of the time! Personally, I thought it was great to have a mix, including a rock 'n roll section which got everyone dancing.

Now, Alfie did mention in the first part of the show, he was trying out something new, that he would be doing in the second part of the show.

Which he did, and he got the 5,000 strong audience on their feet (most of them!), clapping and dancing.

What was particularly great, was that there were three choirs competing against each other before Alfie came on, and he invited them all back on stage with him for the rock n' roll medley. An unforgettable night for those youngsters and a great example to them.

Alfred Giovanni Roncalli Boe is the youngest of nine children, and hails originally from Blackpool in Lancashire.

At the age of 17, he became an apprentice mechanic at the TVR factory in Bispham, Blackpool where he was discovered by a client.  He enjoyed entertaining his fellow workmates with operatic arias and the client who overheard him suggested he go to London and audition for the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. He did so, and was accepted, but has never been able to trace his Good Samaritan as he lost his business card.

The question is, should Alfie Boe stick to opera only or carry on mixing it and broadening his repertoire? Let me know your thoughts, I know which I prefer.
Alfie Boe website http://alfie-boe.com/


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