Latest news with #AndreaBocelli
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Time To Say Goodbye? Andrea Bocelli's wife cuts management ties
Blinded when he was 12 years old, Andrea Bocelli faced more challenges than most on his rise to become one of the best loved performers on the planet – supported by friends, family and his wife. But it seems the couple are not adored by all – and certainly not by the firm that used to manage Bocelli's stellar career. Indeed, I can disclose that, so badly has the relationship soured, Quest Management (UK) has initiated a High Court action against the Italian tenor, 66, who performed at King Charles 's coronation concert. Bocelli – who has sold more than 90million records and been garlanded with innumerable awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – was managed by Quest for 'many years', according to legal documents from the company. These state that an agreement was made between them and the opera star in 2018, then extended in March 2022 and March 2023, continuing until last month, when Bocelli's wife Veronica allegedly ended it by email on April 20. Quest says that the 'wrongful purported termination' has caused it 'very substantial loss and damage' – losses the company claims it 'will continue to suffer'. As a result, it is seeking unlimited damages from Bocelli, as well as costs. The singer has previously described Veronica, 25 years his junior, as the love of his life, saying she is 'the electric current that energises everything and makes it all work in perfect harmony'. Despite an apparent lack of harmony with Quest, its sister company, Quest Artist Management, continues to display Bocelli's photograph on its website, in a sequence that also includes Sir Paul McCartney and Bocelli's younger son from his first marriage, Matteo. A spokesman for Bocelli declines to comment, while Quest refrains from adding to the details in its High Court claim. Let's hope matters can be resolved without an aria of anguish, even if it is Time To Say Goodbye. It isn't over until Antigoni sings Her mother, the TV presenter Tonia Buxton, has been called 'the face of Greek food'. And now Love Island star Antigoni hopes to become the face of Cyprus – at next year's Eurovision Song Contest. The pop singer, 29, tells me at the launch party for Harry's King's Cross restaurant in London: 'I'm starting a campaign to represent Cyprus. I'm Greek Cypriot and I'm proud of my roots.' Antigoni entered Love Island in 2022. She competed to represent Greece at Eurovision a year later but wasn't chosen. The smart set's talking flogging heirlooms as the Lords faces uncertainty His father, the 8th Earl of Arran, helped pass the act that eventually decriminalised homosexuality. But Arthur Desmond Colquhoun Gore has concluded that there's no future for another minority – his fellow hereditary peers. The 9th Earl is, I can disclose, flogging not only the robes worn by his grandparents at the coronations of George VI and Queen Elizabeth, but also the family coronet. And going under the hammer next Tuesday at auctioneer Dreweatts in Newbury, Berkshire, they have already attracted bids for more than the £1,100 estimate. What would his father, known as 'Boofy', have made of it all? Once asked why the bill to decriminalise homosexuality had succeeded whereas his attempt to outlaw the hunting of badgers had failed, the 8th Earl of Arran famously replied: 'Not many badgers in the House of Lords.' Ecclestone heiress gives up mega-mansion sale Petra Ecclestone and her husband Sam Palmer are well practised in the art of the luxury property flip. Their LA mansion was recently put on the market for £31.5million, with Sam explaining that they enjoy 'doing projects' – buying, redesigning, and selling high-end homes. But the couple's six-year attempt to offload one of London's most expensive residences has ended in a quiet retreat. I can reveal that they have now taken their £175million Chelsea mega-mansion off the market, having failed to tempt a suitably deep-pocketed buyer. 'This house is not for sale,' Sam confirms. 'We have had multiple offers over the years – £100million-plus – but it has been so hard for us to let go of this home. 'With planning permission now, you can no longer replicate this house. That is why it's so special.' The Grade II-listed property, which was originally two separate houses, was bought by the younger daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone in 2011 for just under £60million with her then-husband, James Stunt. Moss is DJ pal's maid of honour ... and cocktails This should be a lively wedding: DJ Fat Tony is due to exchange vows on Saturday afternoon, with a very colourful best man and maid of honour. Tony, 59, will have Culture Club singer Boy George at his right hand as he marries creative director Stavros Agapiou. Meanwhile, Kate Moss 'is going to have a big role and will be maid of honour', a friend tells me. 'It means the world to Tony that Kate will be on hand to play her part on the day.' The supermodel, 51, has been pals with Tony since 1993, when he was the resident DJ at club Fred's in Soho. He has previously said of their friendship: 'She'll always be one of my best friends – she's an incredible person. 'I loved her from the moment I met her. I used to make Long Island iced teas and she'd get so p***ed I'd tuck her under the desk downstairs [in the club] to have a sleep, and go down every now and again to give her a little kick to check she was all right.' Also making an appearance on Saturday, Kylie Minogue is due to perform at the reception. Nicole's a hit for Dame Pat Nominated for her first Tony Award for her performance as Norma Desmond in Jamie Lloyd's production of Sunset Boulevard, Nicole Scherzinger is getting ready for her close-up. I hear Dame Pat McGrath, hailed as the world's most influential make-up artist, has offered to prepare the former Pussycat Dolls star, 46, for the ceremony. 'She was deeply impressed by Nicole's performance,' an associate says. Can't beat 'em? Celia joins Garrick Never afraid to plough her own furrow, actress Celia Imrie has made history in London's clubland. I can disclose that The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel star has become the first woman to be elected a member of the Garrick. Imrie, 72, joins fellow actresses Dames Judi Dench and Sian Phillips, who were fast-tracked without a vote into the venerable Covent Garden institution in the wake of the men-only rule being jettisoned last summer. Olivier Award-winning Imrie, who has starred in films including Calendar Girls and Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace, hit the headlines when it was disclosed that she had reached an agreement with a male friend for him to father a child with her and then give up parental responsibility. It was later revealed the man in question was her fellow actor Benjamin Whitrow, who died in 2017 aged 80. Their son, Angus, now 30, played 'Creepy Jake' in the hit comedy Fleabag. (Very) modern manners While the new young cast has just been unveiled for her forthcoming Harry Potter TV series, JK Rowling has other pressing concerns. 'What's the best vape?' the author, who has long battled a nicotine habit, inquires online. 'Asking for someone whose rubbish vape is on the blink. I'm not selling them to children, just asking.' Recently photographed smoking a cigar to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling a woman is defined by biological sex, Rowling – who has relied on nicotine gum in the past – clarifies: 'Not disposables, I hate them.' Four divorces down, actress Jane Seymour now reveals she's back on friendly terms with the two fathers of her children. Despite painful splits from third and fourth spouses David Flynn and James Keach – both had affairs and businessman Flynn's financial dealings left her bankrupt in the 1990s – the mother of four confirms: 'Miraculously, we're all friends now. We all get along really well. You decide, for the sake of the children.' As James Corden showed off his fuller figure on a superyacht in Portofino this week, his Gavin And Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones made an impassioned defence of rotund romantics. Asked about larger characters such as Nessa and Smithy, played by her and Corden in the BBC sitcom, she says: 'That's what real life is. We wrote Nessa and Smithy's story and made them such great characters because you don't get people like that represented [on TV]. 'You assume people like that don't have great sex, are not romantic and are not great fun to be with.' The rivalry between David Cameron and Boris Johnson goes back as far as their days at Eton and Oxford. So it was good to see them make a collective £5,000 at a BrainWaves charity fundraiser for young people. One auction lot was a game of tennis with Dave; the other a dinner for two with Boris.
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Binghatti acquires mega plot for Dhs25bn master planned community in Dubai
Image: Supplied The anticipated value of the development exceeds Dhs25bn($6.8bn), positioning it among the largest single-site residential projects in the emirate. The land is located in Nad Al Sheba 1, within Dubai's Meydan district, an area historically linked with equestrian heritage and the former Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. 'The acquisition of a mega plot for what is expected to be our first master-planned development marks a pivotal moment in Binghatti's growth journey,' said Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding. 'The planned new mega project would build on the strong momentum of our vertically integrated model, which has consistently enabled us to deliver distinctive, high-quality properties ahead of schedule. Our solid financial foundation has allowed us to self-fund the acquisition of the land for what is expected to be a transformative project that will set a new benchmark for integrated living in Dubai.' The future development is expected to offer a 'refined and tranquil' lifestyle, with the company citing its central location and access to major roadways and key landmarks as core to its appeal. A key milestone for Binghatti The move marks a significant shift for Binghatti, which until now has been focused on high-rise branded residences, including the Bugatti Residences, Binghatti has also attracted high-profile clientele, including football star Neymar Junior and opera legend Andrea Bocelli. Led by Muhammad BinGhatti, Binghatti Holding manages a portfolio of over 80 projects valued at more than Dhs50bn. In the past 16 months, the company has delivered more than 11,000 residential units, underscoring its rapid growth trajectory and market presence.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Matteo Bocelli: classical music star announces three UK tour dates as part of world tour
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. The son of hallowed performer Andrea Bocelli has teased new music on the horizon later this year Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... One of classical music's brightest stars is set to perform in the United Kingdom for three nights only this year. Matteo Bocelli, song of the legendary Andrea Bocelli, brings his world tour to Manchester, Birmingham and London throughout November 2025. Here's where the classical music sensation is performing, and how you can get tickets - including pre-sale ticketing. Classical crossover sensation Matteo Bocelli is bringing his Falling In Love world tour to the UK this November, with dates announced for Manchester, Birmingham, and London. The highly anticipated run of shows comes as Bocelli teases new music from his second album, set for release later this year Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Classical singer Mateo Bocelli will be bringing his Falling In Love world tour for three nights in the United Kingdom later this year. | Provided His debut album, Matteo, showcased his powerful yet vulnerable vocal style and songwriting, including a collaboration with his hero, Ed Sheeran. The Falling In Love tour will feature songs from his upcoming album alongside fan favourites, offering a testament to his evolving artistry. "I've spent the last two years on the road, writing songs and performing for fans and it brings me so much satisfaction to see people connect with my music," says Bocelli, expressing his excitement to share new material with his audience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where is Mateo Bocelli performing in the United Kingdom in 2025? You can catch the bright star of classical music at the following venues on the following dates: When can I get tickets to see Mateo Bocelli on his 2025 UK Tour? Pre-sale tickets Sign ups for artist pre-sales are now open ahead of them going on sale first on May 27 2025 from 10am BST, alongside O2 Priority pre-sales taking place at the same time. Live Nation pre-sales will then commence on May 28 2025 from 10am BST. General ticket sales The remaining allocation of tickets for all three shows will then go on general sale through Ticketmaster from May 29 2025 at 10am BST. Do you have an event you'd like to share with us? You can now promote your What's On stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Matteo Bocelli: classical music star announces three UK tour dates as part of world tour
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. The son of hallowed performer Andrea Bocelli has teased new music on the horizon later this year Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... One of classical music's brightest stars is set to perform in the United Kingdom for three nights only this year. Matteo Bocelli, song of the legendary Andrea Bocelli, brings his world tour to Manchester, Birmingham and London throughout November 2025. Here's where the classical music sensation is performing, and how you can get tickets - including pre-sale ticketing. Classical crossover sensation Matteo Bocelli is bringing his Falling In Love world tour to the UK this November, with dates announced for Manchester, Birmingham, and London. The highly anticipated run of shows comes as Bocelli teases new music from his second album, set for release later this year Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Classical singer Mateo Bocelli will be bringing his Falling In Love world tour for three nights in the United Kingdom later this year. | Provided His debut album, Matteo, showcased his powerful yet vulnerable vocal style and songwriting, including a collaboration with his hero, Ed Sheeran. The Falling In Love tour will feature songs from his upcoming album alongside fan favourites, offering a testament to his evolving artistry. "I've spent the last two years on the road, writing songs and performing for fans and it brings me so much satisfaction to see people connect with my music," says Bocelli, expressing his excitement to share new material with his audience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where is Mateo Bocelli performing in the United Kingdom in 2025? You can catch the bright star of classical music at the following venues on the following dates: When can I get tickets to see Mateo Bocelli on his 2025 UK Tour? Pre-sale tickets Sign ups for artist pre-sales are now open ahead of them going on sale first on May 27 2025 from 10am BST, alongside O2 Priority pre-sales taking place at the same time. Live Nation pre-sales will then commence on May 28 2025 from 10am BST. General ticket sales The remaining allocation of tickets for all three shows will then go on general sale through Ticketmaster from May 29 2025 at 10am BST.
Auto Express
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Toyota Aygo X JBL 2025 review: plenty of appeal but it comes at a cost
With so many manufacturers shying away from the city car market, the Toyota Aygo X is a refreshing option and one the Japanese brand is reassuringly investing in with the JBL special edition. It retains the simple, likeable approach of the regular car while adding a genuinely decent sound system - although, given the price, we're not sure if it matches the ethos of a budget city car. Advertisement - Article continues below If you wanted a big, shiny sound system in your car (from the factory, at least), you used to have to stump up the money for a car from an out-and-out premium brand like Mercedes or BMW, who have long partnered with the likes of Sennheiser and Harmon Kardon. Toyota is looking to prove these preconceptions wrong, however, because it's launched the new Aygo X JBL special edition. According to Toyota, this version of its entry-level car focuses on giving its owners a 'concert-style sound'. That's quite a bold claim when many of us know that even top-rung sound systems can struggle to replicate a live performance. It's worth remembering that an affordable city car teaming up with an audio firm is a path that has been trodden before. Volkswagen offered the 'Beats edition' of the up!, and more recently, in other markets in 2022, there was a 'La Prima by Bocelli' special edition of the all-electric Fiat 500e. This also had a JBL sound system, but the Fiat's was developed in partnership with iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Instead of the 320W system in the 500, the Aygo X's set-up has a 300W power output and five speakers. There are two 'full-range speakers' in the front doors with 25mm tweeters in the front pillars. And under the boot floor you'll find a 200mm subwoofer, which Toyota says generates a 'powerful bass, dynamic speaker response and a clear sound'. The amplifier is mounted under the front passenger seat - with six channels that fine-tune the frequencies. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Aygo X View Aygo X View Aygo X View Aygo X That's a pretty impressive system for a car the size of the Aygo X. However, Toyota hasn't just slapped it into its tiny city car and called it a day. It might not have input from Bocelli, but Toyota says 'hundreds of hours of precision work and adjustments' went into the bespoke sound system for the Aygo X JBL. Start the Aygo X JBL special edition and you'll hear the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine as in the standard car with 71bhp and 93Nm of torque. Unlike some similar units from VW Group and Stellantis models, the Toyota engine is naturally aspirated and because it's coupled with a long-geared five-speed transmission, you have to rev it hard to make any significant progress. On the other hand, the engine is actually one of our favourite bits of the standard Aygo X. The busy little unit is communicative and responds well to the throttle while the engaging gearshift balances precision with smoothness. The car is light too, with a kerbweight of under a tonne, so that engine feels pretty well matched to the job in hand. Although a thrummy three-cylinder engine in a lightweight city car doesn't bode well for premium sound quality, the Aygo X JBL special edition is very good overall on that score. There's a punchiness to the subwoofer in the back, a clear sound throughout the cabin (even with no speakers in the rear doors) and no matter what kind of music you're listening to, it's pretty immersive. On the move the engine does interfere with the ambience a tad, given its penchant for revs, but tyre roar isn't too much of a problem because the Aygo X has narrow 175-section tyres. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Instead, wind noise is more of a factor when it comes to the kind of refinement you need to properly enjoy a car's sound system. At motorway speeds there's a bit of wash over the windscreen, though there's no extra sound deadening in the roof or doors - areas which we expect could have made a big difference to the overall sound quality. While the focus was on the car's audio experience, Toyota also says: 'JBL engineers prioritised weight-saving to contribute to the car's overall fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions', so don't expect the fancy new audio system to harm the Aygo X's frugal economy figures. Weighing just five kilograms more than the regular Aygo X, the JBL special edition returns a 57.9mpg average - 0.9mpg worse than the Exclusive variant. Putting the subwoofer in the rear also has an impact on the special edition's boot capacity. The standard car can accommodate 231 litres, but that figure is reduced to just 189 litres here. If you want to showcase the fact you're a bit of an audiophile in buying the Aygo X JBL special edition, then you'll be happy to note Toyota has added JBL branding on the seats, rear hatchback, tweeters and windows. It's not quite as eye-catching as the old VW up! Beats edition, which got exterior decals too, but the Toyota also gets a two-tone black paint matched with a new 'Jasmine Silver' body. Plus there are relatively large 18-inch alloy wheels as standard on this little runabout. The JBL special edition sits at the top of the Aygo X range, costing £21,195 – £1,450 more than the Exclusive. Given that you're really only getting a sound system and the odd badge for the extra outlay, it's difficult to make a case for the JBL model in the Aygo X range, especially when the entry-level £16,845 Pure edition seems to best represent the little Toyota's wallet-friendly attitude. Model: Toyota Aygo X JBL special edition Price: £21,195 Powertrain: 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol Power/torque: 71bhp/93Nm Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 14.9 seconds Top speed: 98mph Economy/CO2: 57.6mpg/110g/km Size (L/W/H): 3,700/1,740/1,525mm On sale: Now Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? 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