Andrea Bocelli performs at the first Yasalam Classics during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week | News
Italian music legend Maestro Andrea Bocelli has been announced as the first artist for Yasalam Classics, a new concert series within the Yasalam program presented by e& entertainment during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 race week.
Bocelli will take to the stage at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, as the curtain rises on the region’s most anticipated week of sport and entertainment. He will be accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, renowned for its clear sound and expressive performances.
Produced by Ethara in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, Yasalam Classics contributes to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment programme, in addition to post-race concerts and official afterparties. This year’s line-up already includes Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson and Imagine Dragons, with more artists to be announced. The new series brings music classics to the program for the first time, expanding the race week entertainment offering that spans genres and generations.
Andrea Bocelli has fascinated audiences worldwide for more than thirty years. Known for his beloved classical crossover works including Con te partirò (Time to Say Goodbye), Canto della Terra and Ave Maria, Bocelli has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and performed at major events including the Olympic Games and the World Cup.
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Romanza, the album that made Bocelli a worldwide phenomenon. Released in 1997, it produced some of his most celebrated works and achieved platinum and diamond certifications in more than 20 countries. It is both the best-selling Italian-language album and the best-selling predominantly non-English album of all time. The Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour celebrates that legacy in major cities around the world, with his performance at the Etihad Arena bringing the tour into Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race week.
David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara, said: “Yasalam Classics is an important addition to the star-studded Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment programme, and Andrea Bocelli is the perfect artist to launch it. His performance will add another dimension to race week and reflects our ambition to deliver the biggest and most exciting entertainment event of the year.”
Ticket holders for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will have exclusive access to the 24-hour pre-sale before tickets go on general sale at 1pm on Wednesday, June 17, available at ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae
