By Annie Reuter

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Andrea Bocelli will perform a free concert with the New York Philharmonic at Central Park Thursday evening, in what the Italian tenor is calling a “gift” to New York City.

He’ll take the stage on The Great Lawn at 7 p.m. and is expected to be joined by Celine Dion and Tony Bennett. Other special guests include Chris Botti and David Foster. The lineup also features sopranos Ana Maria Martinez and Pretty Yende, violinist Nicola Benedetti, bass baritone Bryn Terfel and flutist Andrea Griminelli, along with the Westminster Symphonic Choir and director Joe Miller.

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In anticipation of the event, the famed music star opened up about his life to a packed audience at Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center Tuesday night.

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As a feature of of TimesTalks, New York Times reporter Robin Pogrebin interviewed Bocelli while his interpreter assisted with translation. During the talk, he hinted at the production of Thursday’s concert and revealed that he will perform four songs in English for the first time. He also said that, while he has played for millions, he admits he’s terrified to sing live.

“I’m very nervous always. But, I’m nervous when I have to go on stage to sing, not to speak. I’m nervous because I would like to [always] give my best and that’s impossible because every time something happens. If I listen to my performance after, I’m never content so I decided not to listen to it for this reason,” he said.

While tickets are no longer available for the Central Park show, it will air on PBS later this year.

The Great Lawn
Entrance at 86th Street
New York, 10024
centralpark.com/guide/attractions/great-lawn.html

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