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Andrea Bocelli's journey is not only a testament to his unparalleled musical talent but also to the indomitable spirit that propelled him beyond the confines of congenital glaucoma. Born with a condition that threatened to dim his world, Bocelli's story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of his passion for music. Despite facing significant challenges, he defied the odds, proving that with unwavering perseverance, one can transcend even the darkest of struggles. Throughout his career, Bocelli has achieved remarkable success as a tenor, engaging audiences with his captivating vocals and earning acclaim as one of the most renowned Italian tenors of his generation.
Background of Bocelli’s Life
Born in 1958 in Tuscany, Italy, glaucoma affected the opera singer at a very young age. Bocelli was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at five months old and eventually went completely blind at the age of 12 after a soccer accident caused a brain hemorrhage. Congenital glaucoma, a rare condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye, threatened to obscure Bocelli's vision entirely. He was in hospital most of his early childhood until they managed to save about ten percent of the sight in one eye. He was categorized as blind, but with a limited amount of sight. However, rather than succumbing, Bocelli's family fostered an environment of support and encouragement, instilling in him a sense of resilience and determination, and he embraced and found purpose in his love for music.
Undeterred by his ailing eyesight, Bocelli began taking piano lessons at age six and later played flute and saxophone. He later studied law at the University of Pisa while singing at piano bars and nightclubs to finance his education. After obtaining his degree, he practiced law as a state-appointed attorney for a year before deciding on a musical career and studying voice with tenor Franco Corelli. Bocelli would go on to have runaway success afterwards, selling millions of albums and even earning the praise of Opera legend Pavarotti.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma is caused by improper development of the eye's drainage system prior to birth, though it can run in families. The condition manifests as enlarged eyes, light sensitivity, and cloudiness surrounding the cornea. Fortunately, not all cases of congenital glaucoma result in total blindness, as Bocelli's condition initially did.
Laser surgery utilizes light to produce a tiny opening in the eye tissue, whereas filtering surgery, often called microsurgery, is a type of surgery that can construct a drainage canal in the eye. Medication and eye drops are examples of non-surgical treatments that can be helpful by either improving the guild's escape from the eye or reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye.
Andrea Bocelli Today - Professional and Personal Life
Since 1994, Bocelli has recorded 15 solo studio albums of both pop and classical music, three greatest hits albums, and nine complete operas, selling over 75 million records worldwide. In November 2020, Bocelli released an album, “Believe”. It was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and featured recent pandemic related songs. On 21 October 2022, Bocelli released his first collaboration album with his son and daughter, Matteo and Virginia, titled “A Family Christmas.”
Bocelli met his first wife, Enrica Cenzatti, while singing at piano bars early in his career. They were married on June 27, 1992. Their first child, son Amos, was born February 22, 1995. Their second son, Matteo, was born on October 8, 1997. Unfortunately, they separated in 2002.
Bocelli lives with his second wife and manager, Veronica Berti, who met in 2002. In September 2011, the couple announced that Berti was expecting her first and Bocelli's third child, a daughter, in the spring. His daughter Virginia was born March 21, 2012.
In overcoming the struggles of congenital glaucoma, Andrea Bocelli's story serves as a reminder of resilience. Through his determination and passion for music, Bocelli has not only defied the limitations imposed by his condition but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals worldwide.
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Thank you for reading,
Mahima Bhat
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