Classic Arts News
Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey Sing in Italian as Classical Music Takes Center Stage at Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Winter Olympics began February 6 in Milan.
February 07, 2026 By Meg Masseron
Classical music was the focus at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, held in Milan, Italy, February 6. World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, the United States' very own Mariah Carey, and more united to pay homage to Italy's cultural impact as a leader in the arts.
The extravaganza kicked off with "Fantasia," a showcase of Italy's creative contributions to the world, from inventions, cuisine, fashion, art, music, and more. Led by acclaimed Italian actress Matilda De Angelis as "conductor," a trio of bobblehead-like figures emerged with the faces of Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, and Giacomo Puccini. Floating paint tubes descended from the ceiling, spilling "ink" onto the stage as a rainbow of dancers joined, dressed in monochromatic period fashion from various points in Italian history. "Fantasia" concluded with a musical medley featuring Rossini’s opera La Gazza Ladra and Puccini’s opera Turandot.
In another memorable dance sequence dedicated to Italy's past, dancers clad in white paid tribute to Italy's history of opera and visual arts, with a dance inspired by legendary opera house, La Scala, and by the work of Italian sculptor Antonio Canova.
Next, American pop icon Mariah Carey performed Domenico Modugno’s “Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu,” one of Italy's best known songs worldwide (many non Italian-speakers might recognize it simply as "Volare," which echoes its notorious chorus.) The song's conclusion blended into an excerpt from her own hit, "Nothing is Impossible"—a worthy anthem for Olympic competition. See that video above.
Following the entrance of Italian president Sergio Mattarella and president of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry, Grammy-winning global pop star Laura Pausini delivered Italy's national anthem in a stunning performance surrounded by fashion models enrobed in red, white, and green Armani pieces, forming the Italian flag.
Of course, it wouldn't be a true testament to Italian excellence without a performance from Andrea Bocelli, who sang “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini's Turandot following the Parade of Nations and President Sergio Mattarella's official declaration of the Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026 officially having opened.
Then, mezzo-soprano/opera star Cecilia Bartoli performed the Olympic anthem as the five-rings Olympic flag was raised. She was accompanied by classical pianist Lang Lang, and the Teatro alla Scala Children’s choir.
Playbill looks forward to the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California...where one can only hope that a theatre performer might hold the high honor of helping kick off the event! (This is not secret intel, we are just dreaming.) Break a leg to this year's Olympians!
More latest news
-
-
-
Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream Receives Original Cast Recording 17 Years After Premiere
Cast Recordings & Albums -
-
Schedule of Upcoming and Announced Broadway Shows
Broadway News -
