Matteo Bocelli – meet the globe-conquering classical crossover star

The classical crossover star Matteo Bocelli has stepped out from behind the shadow of a very famous father

Nathan Congleton / NBC via Getty Images

The Italian singer, songwriter, and musician Matteo Bocelli is perhaps best known as the son of the world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. Born in 1997, Matteo has inherited his father’s passion for music and is forging a successful career of his own, blending classical influences with contemporary pop. Read on for the essential Matteo Bocelli lowdown.

Who is Matteo Bocelli?

Matteo Bocelli is an Italian tenor: a rising star of the classical crossover scene, and the second son of the tenor and crossover star Andrea Bocelli.

How old is Matteo Bocelli?

Bocelli was born on 8 October 1997, making him 27 years old.

Where does Matteo Bocelli live?

He grew up in Forte dei Marmi, a seaside town in the Italian region of Tuscany. His family also have a home in Miami, Florida.

How did he get into music?

On his father’s recommendation he started piano lessons, aged 6, and he also sang for pleasure throughout his childhood. Initially, though, he would only sing to his mother as he was too shy to allow his famous singing dad to overhear.

So what changed?

One day, the young Matteo plucked up the nerve to ask his father for guidance. Since then, the pair have frequently sung together – sometimes with the addition of other family members such as Matteo’s little sister: 12-year-old Virginia Bocelli.

Matteo Bocelli has a bachelor of arts degree in piano from the Institute of Musical Studies ‘Luigi Boccherini’ in Lucca, Tuscany, as well as a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from the University of Pisa. Apparently his father was hesitant about Matteo following him into the profession until he had completed his studies.

He sprang to fame with the release of ‘Fall on Me’, an original duet from his father’s 2018 album, which, incidentally, was featured in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Later the same year, he performed with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Royal Variety Performance, and the pair went on to perform together several times. He released his debut solo single in 2021.

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So, what kind of music does Matteo Bocelli sing?

Unlike his father, who tends to embrace classical music, Matteo mostly focuses on contemporary pop, especially ballads.

In addition to inheriting his father’s bone structure, Matteo seems to have Andrea’s vocal talent. Some say his voice is similar to his father’s: sleek and silky if not quite as full-bodied. Personally, I’d say it has a touching vulnerability to it. But judge for yourself:

Is Matteo Bocelli married?

Matteo is pretty private about his personal life. But as far as we are aware, he is currently unmarried.

Sample his music…

To see where it all began, check out ‘Fall on Me’, the song that launched Matteo to fame when he sang it with his father in 2018.

There’s also this seasonal offering, giving us another glimpse of the father-son duo in action, plus  a bonus performer: Matteo’s little sister Virginia Bocelli.

But for the best overview of Matteo’s style, you’re best off with ‘Matteo’, his 2023 album showcasing a mix of songs in English and Italian.

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Where can I see Matteo Bocelli next?

As we write, the younger Bocelli is currently touring the US and Canada, with upcoming concerts in New Jersey, New York City, Toronto, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Oregon, Washington and California.

Further ahead, he has announced a European tour called ‘Summer Nights’ taking place in June 2025.