In 1995, Andrea Bocelli participated in a singing competition, revealing his voice to the world for the first time.

Just as Pavarotti is synonymous with ‘Nessun dorma’, Bocelli is renowned for ‘Time to Say Goodbye’.

However, the iconic song had modest beginnings, hinting at the magic that lay ahead.

Before becoming the international hit ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ and before Bocelli’s collaboration with Sarah Brightman, he first performed ‘Con te partirò’ on stage during a 1995 televised competition.

Although the song would eventually define his career, Bocelli initially had serious reservations about it.

He explained: “When the song arrived at my house, it was a contender for the Sanremo festival which I was about to participate in.

“I thought, ‘This song isn’t suitable for a competition. It’s deep and timeless, but not right for a competitive setting’.”

And Bocelli’s instincts were accurate. “Indeed, when I finally agreed, we took the song to Sanremo and only finished in fourth place.”

However, he noted, “After that, it embarked on the journey everyone is familiar with.”

Bocelli recorded the song for his self-titled album released that same year, and the single topped the charts in France and Belgium, setting all-time records in both countries.

By early 1996, the song was gaining significant momentum. British soprano Sarah Brightman heard it and convinced Bocelli to perform it as a duet with her, incorporating some English lyrics. They debuted this version on November 23, 1996, at the farewell fight of German boxer Henry Maske.

With its soaring chorus, orchestral accompaniment, and the now-iconic blend of Italian and English, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ became a defining classical-pop hit.