With the orchestra players well placed on the multi level stage, complemented by fascinating lighting and visual backdrop, Il Divo dramatically appeared on the highest level of the stage at around 20.15  under a rain of applause.

 Bringing “Come what may (Te Amare)” from the musical movie Moulin Rouge, the multinational vocal quartet  commenced the imposing night of Il Divo and Orchestra in Concert at the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom of Pacific Place, Jakarta on 25 February 2012.

Performing for the 3^rd time in Indonesia, the pop-opera quartet still managed to draw a full house crowd. According to the press release from the promoter Bigdaddy live concerts, as many as 2000 seats in all four different categories were sold out long before d-day. Dominated by those in their mid 30’s, the audience mostly comprised women who were not only mesmerized by Il Divo’s superb singing, but also by their flamboyant appearance.

“Selamat Malam, Jakarta! This is the 3^rd time we are here and we are really glad to perform in Indonesia again” greeted the exquisitely dressed vocal group as they continued to sing “Dove L’Amore”, “Adagio”, “Nella Fantasia”, and “Si Tu Me Amas”.

The grandeur of the show was also enhanced through the beautiful symphony of Indonesia’s own Aminoto Kosin Orchestra. The superb blend of beautiful  orchestral music with the tenor vocal chords of Carlos Marin from Spain, Urs Buhler from Switzerland, and David Miller from the USA, along with pop vocal of Sebastien Izambard from France, - was grandiosely displayed as Il Divo performed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic: "Don’t Cry for Me Argentina".

“I have a special gift”, said Sebastien after playing Don’t Cry for me Argentina.”I would like to take a question from the audience. Come on, this is your opportunity to ask me directly” added the flamboyant Frenchman. Sure enough, the question loudly asked from the audience was “Are you single?” which was followed by roaring laughter from the others. Smilingly, Sebastien replied “Unfortunately no, I am not single”.

The special evening went on with a medley of Every time, “Passera”, and the everlasting love song “Unchained Melody”. The first half of the show was epically closed with a majestic version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

After a 20 minutes break, Il Divo returned to the stage with “Senza Parole” and “Melanchonia”, from their latest album The Wicked Game. “Melanchonia” presented a somewhat different ambience from other Il Divo’s songs since it radiated a dark and gloomy feeling through its operatic vocal harmony and epic orchestral symphony. After the song, Carlos said that “Melanchonia” with its deep melancholy always brought goose bumps every time they sang it. And that night it definitely brought goose bumps to both performers and audience.

“La Vida Sin Amor”, “Mama-Hallelujah”, “Crying-Ven A Mi”, “Regressa Mi (Unbreak My Heart)”, and “Pour Que Tu M'aimes” continued to draw the crowd in astonishment. The performance hit its pinnacle with the song taken from the album Siempre that truly defines Il Divo: “Somewhere”.

Before performing the song, David and Carlos explained that in musical genres there is opera, and there is also Pop, and Il Divo is somewhere between the two.”That somewhere, is in each and every heart of all of you” eloquently added David. Standing ovations and roars of applause reverberated across the Ballroom when Il Divo took their final bow. The special night was perfectly ended with an encore of “Time to Say Goodbye” as a parting gift from Il Divo to their loyal fans in Indonesia.

The performance of Il Divo and Orchestra in Jakarta has not only added to the continuously growing list of international shows in Indonesia, but has also broadened its spectrum to provide more diverse options. The show has also indicated that all genres of great music can always attract a good number of audiences in Indonesia.

Indonesia.travel special report