MODEST, PASSIONATE BOCELLI PLEASES OPERA-LOVING CROWD.

Byline: Mauricio Minotta

By all accounts, the Andrea Bocelli concert Thursday at the Anaheim Pond was a traditional show of operatic music.

On stage, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra played the sweeping melodies of Puccini, Verdi, Strauss, Tosti and Brahms, led by conductor Marcello Rota, who was impeccably dressed in a black tuxedo.

The Italian tenor, also in black tux and white bow tie, gave a passionate and forceful performance. It was obvious that the sellout audience loved every minute, making it feel more like a rock show at times.

``Andrea, we love you!'' screamed a female member of the audience during a brief moment of silence. ``Viva Italia!'' screamed another at another point.

Obviously surprised, Bocelli, who is blind, turned and faced the general area the accolades were coming from and acknowledged them with a sheepish smile. Those moments were common during the 90-minute show, yet they paled in comparison to the thundering and well-deserved praise he received at the end of each work.

Bocelli's performance was elegantly complemented when he was joined on stage by Puerto Rican soprano Ana Maria Martinez, singing duets on Puccini's ``O Soave Fanciulla'' from ``La Boheme'' and Verdi's ``Brindisi'' from ``La Traviata.'' She also sang two arias on her own, each leaving lasting impressions.

The evening's program allowed Bocelli to display his versatility. From the lighthearted ``La Danza'' by Rossini to De Curtis' ``Torna a Surriento,'' there wasn't a note Bocelli couldn't hit too softly or execute forcefully at his highest vocal register.

After the intermission, Rota returned to lead the orchestra in Brahms' ``Danza Ungherese'' No. 5 in G minor, a staccato-driven number in which Rota drew some of the best dynamics from the top-notch orchestra.

Bocelli saved the best for last, performing the romantic pop ballads that brought him fame in the United States during his many encores. The title track off his latest CD, ``Songo,'' was among the favorites, but in a strange twist, it was ``Con Te Partiro,'' the song heard on the TV commercial promoting the opening of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, that brought everyone in the well-dressed audience to their feet.

THE FACTS

Who: Andrea Bocelli.

Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets: [phone].

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli responds to audience acclaim at the Anaheim Pond.

Lisa Billings