About Il Divo
Il Divo is a pioneering multinational classical crossover vocal group renowned for blending operatic voices with popular melodies, a style often termed "popera." Formed in the United Kingdom in 2003 by British media mogul Simon Cowell, the quartet quickly rose to global prominence, establishing itself as a significant force in contemporary music and achieving multi-platinum sales worldwide. Their distinctive sound has captivated audiences across the globe, selling over thirty million albums and influencing the popular perception of classical and opera music.
- The concept for Il Divo was conceived by Simon Cowell, who, inspired by The Three Tenors, sought to create a multinational quartet of talented young singers to reinterpret popular songs with a classical vocal approach.
- The original lineup featured Swiss tenor Urs Bühler, American tenor David Miller, French tenor Sébastien Izambard, and Spanish baritone Carlos MarÃn. Following MarÃn's passing in 2021, Steven LaBrie joined the group in 2023.
- Their self-titled debut album, released in 2004, achieved massive international success, bowing at number one in several countries and selling over five million copies worldwide in less than a year.
- Il Divo has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious "Artist of the Decade" award at the Classic Brit Awards in 2011, recognizing their profound impact on the classical genre.
Performing Il Divo's music offers a uniquely rewarding experience for musicians across various skill levels, particularly those with an intermediate to advanced grasp of vocal technique or instrumental proficiency. Their sheet music often caters to vocalists, whether solo or as part of a choir, as well as pianists, guitarists, and other instrumentalists, with many arrangements available for piano, vocal, and guitar (PVG). Engaging with their repertoire provides an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between classical vocal training and popular song interpretation, allowing performers to explore rich harmonies and emotive delivery. The blend of lyrical grandeur with accessible melodies makes their compositions satisfying to master and deeply moving for both the performer and the audience.