Opera legend Andrea Bocelli has spoken about actor Timothée Chalamet’s comments regarding the art form.
The star recently sparked controversy during a Q&A with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey recently. Discussing the preservation of the theatrical cinema experience, he quipped: “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.’ All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there.”
The comments drew backlash from the world of ballet and opera, as well as Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg who reminded the actor of his family’s background in dance, and telling him to “be careful”.
Now Bocelli, considered one of the most successful opera singers of all time with over 90million albums sold worldwide, has spoken to People about the controversy, and that he believes Chalamet should watch opera and ballet productions to realise the connection that can be made.
“I believe we often tend to keep our distance from what we have not yet truly encountered,” he said. “Opera and ballet are art forms that have crossed centuries and continue to speak to the human heart, because they answer a deep need for beauty, truth, and emotion. They are not arts of the past, but living languages that can still move us, make us reflect, and bring different generations together.”
He continued: “I am convinced that a sensitive performer like Timothée, who understands the power of emotions, may one day discover that opera and dance draw from that very same source. Should he ever be curious, I would be happy to welcome him as a guest at one of my concerts. Sometimes it only takes a few minutes of hearing this music live to understand why, after centuries, it continues to be loved all over the world.”
Timothée Chalamet has yet to respond to the backlash, as he continues campaigning on behalf of his film Marty Supreme, which is nominated for nine awards at this Sunday’s (March 15) Oscars, including Best Actor.
The post Andrea Bocelli responds to Timothée Chalamet’s opera and ballet criticism: “They are not arts of the past” appeared first on NME.
