Grand Ole Opry to Grand Ole Opera?
Unless Chris Stapleton makes some sort of weird, drastic career switch, I’d say this new song is as close as you’ll get to hearing Stapleton sing opera music. Let the record show that there’s never been a doubt about the power of the “White Horse” singer’s vocals. He certainly sounded great paired with famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in the somewhat new song “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera.”
The track itself isn’t necessarily new, since Bocelli released the original version all the way back in 1994. Though in 2024, this version featuring Chris Stapleton singing along with Bocelli is certainly new to a lot of music fans. Bocelli still sings his portion of the duet in Italian, while Stapleton belts out his parts in both English and Italian.
This modern recording was put together as a part of Bocelli’s 30th Anniversary Duets album. “Il Mare Calmo Della Serahe” translates to “The Calm Evening Sea” in English, and tells the heartbreaking story of two people who once loved one another. A more detailed interpretation could even describe the song as a man singing to a woman who has fallen out of love with him.
Pretty deep right? Now pair that truly powerful idea and story with the voices of Bocelli and Stapleton. Everything about the recording is magnificent. Bocelli’s high notes? Majestic. Stapleton singing in Italian? Grande! (That’s Italian for great if you weren’t following).
All in all, “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera” is a wonderful example of two musical worlds colliding to create one phenomenal, unique duet. And like I said earlier, Chris Stapleton’s voice is good enough to sing anything (and I mean anything), so it’ll be interesting to see if he gets any more calls from Opera greats in the near future after this collaboration.
Check it out:
Chris Stapleton Tour Dates:
December 7—Las Vegas, NV—Allegiant Stadium+
February 25, 2025—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
February 26, 2025—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
February 28, 2025—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre^ (SOLD OUT)
March 1, 2025—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre^ (SOLD OUT)
March 4, 2025—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
March 5, 2025—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
March 7, 2025—Auckland, New Zealand—Spark Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
March 8, 2025—Auckland, New Zealand—Spark Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
*with special guest Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
‡with special guest Shelby Lynne
+with George Strait and special guest Little Big Town
^with special guest Marcus King
