Andrea Bocelli is a globally recognized name, but behind him stands someone without whom this extraordinary career wouldn’t be the same: Veronica Berti Bocelli – the artist’s wife, manager, and creative partner. A woman who leads the family with faith, elegance, and determination, and supports musical talents – most recently in the anniversary season of Virtuosos, where she stepped in front of the camera as a jury member for the first time. Eszter Zavaros spoke with her about what lies behind the spotlight – and what drives her in fulfilling such a multifaceted role.
What must life be like alongside one of the world’s most famous tenors – not just as a wife, but also as a partner, manager, and co-creator? Veronica Berti Bocelli has played this role at Andrea Bocelli’s side for decades, while also walking her own path – including her recent participation as a jury member in the talent-nurturing show Virtuosos. In the interview, she gave insight into how she balances work, family, and her personal vocation, what music and discovering talent means to her – and why she believes that children represent the future. An honest, inspiring portrait of a woman who stands in the background – yet is present everywhere.
Eszter Zavaros: When we think of one of the most famous and talented opera singers in the world, Andrea Bocelli, I always think of the rock standing beside him. The support system that holds everything together – not just in private life, but in his career as well. And that rock is you. Those who admire an artist want to know what lies behind the talent and the stability. How is it that someone’s path can be so balanced and successful? So let’s start with a “million-dollar question”: what’s the secret? What is your secret?
Veronica Bocelli: First of all, thank you so much for those kind words. I tried to keep in mind everything you just said and how to respond, but maybe let’s start with the last one. What’s the secret? I wish I knew…
–But you must know!
Every day you live your life again, face whatever comes. We might not always have the best answers, but we know we have to keep going – just like a performance can’t stop. The show must go on. Life is the same.
–Yes, but it must be hard to live with someone you love who is also your partner, your colleague, your creative partner. You’re always together, everything overlaps – work, family. How do you keep balance in that, and also organize an entire family?
I’m very lucky to be surrounded by people easy to read– especially Andrea – who is an incredibly simple man. And by “simple,” I mean he doesn’t have strange habits or ask for anything extravagant. You know exactly what he’ll do and what he won’t – and that makes many things easier. I’ve worked with other artists who had absurd requests. Andrea? He just asks for coffee, honey, milk, and a towel. That says it all about who he is and what he needs. As for our work: you need inner strength and dedication to give your best to those who come to listen. You need a voice, and you need that divine gift.
–Do you remember what you felt when you first met?
I was twenty-one. I remember shaking hands with Andrea and being very respectful, since he was older than me. In Italy, you can address someone either informally or formally. I chose the formal version and said, “Maestro, it’s a great honor to meet you.” He took my hand, looked at me and said, “Why would you say that? We’re almost the same age.” And I just stared at him: “I don’t believe this…” There is a significant age gap, but I guess he didn’t notice it then – or didn’t want to. But music connected us instantly. And you know, if someone asked me, “Could you have imagined back then that you would end up here?” my answer would be no. Life can’t be predicted more than 48 hours in advance. Sure, you can dream, but the future is in God’s hands. We can try to shape it, but we can’t control it. Now, I try to live my life by organizing it – but also accepting the challenges that come each day.
–That really comes across. I think you have a lot of life experience and wisdom from this kind of journey. Do you have any daily routines that you’ve kept over the years, something that grounds you or reconnects you with yourself?
I’ve gone through many stages over the years. When I was younger, I worked from morning till night and never turned down anything important to me. But now I’ve learned that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be of use to others either. That’s why I go to the gym in the mornings. Whatever happens, I do that. One hour for myself, and then the rest of the day can begin. It’s important to keep my body moving, because that helps keep my mind clear too.
–Is that your way of relaxing as well?
Yes, I love walking. Andrea, on the other hand, is the laziest person in the world when it comes to walking! I keep asking him, “Will you come walk with me?” And he says, “No way!” He’d rather play chess or make music. But I won’t give up – maybe one day he’ll say yes!
–You mentioned there were harder times too. How did you get through them?
I like to look at the world as having two kinds of people: those who solve problems, and those who cause them. I try to be the first kind. If something can be solved, it’s not a problem. If it can’t be solved, then you have to learn to live with it. The important thing is how you relate to it. Honestly, I can explode like a volcano in five minutes, but five minutes later I forget why I was angry. Andrea is the complete opposite. He’s calm, never angry, very balanced. And so we balance each other out. The passion you put into things is what defines who you are. And not necessarily how successful you are – but how you handle challenges.
–Were there moments when you felt you needed help?
We all need help – from birth to death. We need each other, we need community. I wouldn’t be who I am without Andrea, my family, my friends around me. Life experiences shape us. I truly believe we can always achieve more together. Alone, it’s not possible. In every area of life, you need a team.
–Have you ever had a moment when you had no idea what the right solution would be?
Honestly? It’s very rare that I feel lost. I usually know quite clearly what I want and what I don’t. I’m not a great listener, unfortunately, but I stand by my decisions. I’m fast – sometimes too fast. That’s why I surround myself with people who are more thoughtful than me.
–You’re the engine of this whole family machine. Not just because you’re the mother, but because you work with Andrea every day. Why is supporting children so important to you?
Because they are little adults. If someone is still at a point in life where they can shape their future, that’s where the greatest opportunity lies. If it’s too late, there’s nothing you can do. Children are our future, and if anything can really change in this world, it happens through them. Education is the strongest tool we can give.
–And what do you think today, if a talented child decides to become a professional musician? What are their chances in this profession?
First of all, I wouldn’t call myself an expert. I’m a cultured listener. I can’t technically analyze someone’s playing or singing, but I know what I feel. I know when someone has that intangible “something.” That can’t be taught. That’s talent. And there are many good students – but only one gold-maker, as I like to say.
–What do you think happens nowadays to a talented child who decides: “I want to be a musician, that’s my path”? What are their chances?
As I just said, I am, above all, a good listener. Because I believe no one should call themselves an expert – unless they’re talking about the technical aspects. For example, a piano teacher can speak about technique. When I listen to someone play, I represent the “informed audience.” And that’s an important difference. I’m the person who buys the ticket, who applauds – but I can’t judge technically. What I can judge is that certain risk factor present in the performance.
–But you can say whether you like a performance or not. That matters too.
Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. Because technique is only one part of the story. There were many singers in the past who maybe had issues with pronunciation – not their voice or the beauty of their performance – but still, they became the greatest. Why? Because they had that special, indescribable stage presence that cannot be taught. It’s innate. Talent is talent. It can be developed – but it must first be recognized, and given a chance. There are many good students. But as I always say: there’s only one gold-maker. Just one who truly makes a difference. There are many pianists, but that rare, powerful line – that breakthrough presence – is very rare.
–I ask because in the 10th anniversary season, we saw you join Virtuosos as a jury member. I heard you were really excited – since it was the first time you shared your opinion about performances in front of the cameras. But I imagine it came with great responsibility too.
Yes, I’ve never liked to judge others. I feel much more like an open-minded, art-loving listener who simply enjoys the world of music. If you asked me tomorrow to listen to someone performing rap, I wouldn’t know what to say – because I don’t understand that language. But I do speak the language of classical music. I can’t evaluate, for example, a cellist’s technique – because I’m not a cellist – but what I always sense is the performer’s heart. The soul behind the performance. And that doesn’t lie. Talent always shines. You know, even if ten people are on stage, the audience’s eyes will always go to one person. That’s the special phenomenon I’m talking about.
–What was it like to appear on a TV show? Until now, you’ve mostly worked behind the scenes, away from the spotlight. But now you were at the center.
Honestly? It all happened in such a warm, family-like atmosphere that I eventually forgot the cameras were even there. That’s the best thing that can happen: you can be yourself. At the same time, I kept reminding myself: I’m standing in front of a child. What you can say to an adult, even jokingly, you can’t say to a child the same way. You have to approach them with respect. And if you don’t speak the language – as I don’t – it’s even harder. What you want to say is only a shadow of what they actually hear. You have to think ten times before every sentence. If you can give something beautiful, something valuable – it’s wonderful. If not, then it’s better to stay silent, unless you can offer a technical tip. But that’s not my calling.
–Were you excited, or nervous? Or did it feel natural?
I was totally excited! Are you kidding me? I was sitting among my own heroes! The people I grew up with, whose music I listened to. I knew some of them already, others I got to meet and study their work – violinists, singers, true artists. I don’t know what they could’ve learned from me – but I learned so much from them. For me, it was an absolutely overwhelming experience.
Yes, I remember. Actually, the idea started from a circle of friends, and I was the one who said: “Let’s give them a chance!” When we feel they’re ready, they should have the opportunity to show themselves on stage.
–How did Andrea react to your participation to Virtuoso and knowing you would have been working with young talents?
He took it very seriously! He kept calling me: “What’s going on? How’s it going? Any updates?” At one point I told him, “Next time, if you’re this curious, just come along yourself!” Andrea has always been deeply interested in everything musical happening around him, in discovering new voices and players, as it happened with the young talented student Teo Gertler. He even wants to learn from his own students. He always sees others as opportunities to grow and learn.
–Was there a young musician who particularly stood out to you in the 10th anniversary season?
Let me tell you—interestingly, sometimes my impression changes. When I first see someone on video, I form an idea. But on stage, it can be completely different. Someone who seems just “okay” on video can walk on stage with such presence, it’s absolutely captivating. The final decision is always hard. Because you know what you say can truly impact someone’s life. So you always have to decide with a sense of responsibility.
–You have a beautiful daughter, Virginia, who is 13, and she recently took part in a special project. Please tell us a little about that—our audience might not know the story.
Well, in this house, the basic rule is: if you don’t play an instrument, you practically don’t exist. Andrea was very keen on his sons, Amos and Matteo, learning the piano. Amos actually graduated in piano, and Matteo almost did—but in the end, he chose to become a singer. I always tell him, “At least get a diploma you can hang on the wall!” Virginia is now learning the piano, and she absolutely loves singing with her father. And you know, as long as you enjoy it, and you understand what an incredible opportunity you’ve been given, you’ll be able to keep it all in perspective. Because not everyone gets a chance like this. And if you do, you’ve got to work for it.
–What are your plans with Virtuosos? Will we see you again?
I truly hope so! Whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes—it doesn’t matter, I just want to be there.
–Then let me say this: see you next season?
Who knows… but I really, really hope so! I’m waiting for the call to come back, but whatever happens, I’ll definitely be there, cheering for the kids with all my heart.
