Andrea's Portrait of Family Life

Media: Photographic Composite done in Photoshop and Corel Draw

By Franco Sammartino

From Grand Hotel - August 6, 1999

"I am rich", admits the tenor, "but I don't forget the difficulties of my childhood and I want that Amos and Matteo understand that life is also a sacrifice".

Very much in love with his two children, Amos and Mateo, Andrea Bocelli does not hide the wish for a third child: "If it were up to me, I would like very much to have a small soccer squad." But he says that after two fine boys, his wife, Enrica, wishes for a pretty little girl. "The problem," smiles the tenor, "is to find the time to do it. I spend more time on airplanes than at home." For this reason, as can be seen in the photos in this issue, as soon as he can, to stay close to his family, he drags his wife and sons after him. . . . . . A father who is too rational?

I had a difficult childhood and lived with a thousand difficulties, but I also had an education marked with solid values in which I still believe. I wish to pass these values to my children and I seek to have them understand that in the end they are privileged, compared to millions of children who, in other parts of the world, live in deprivation or downright die of hunger. I adore my children, but I try not to spoil them with expensive gifts too often, as my wife has the tendency to do, and who at times I must rebuke. I want them to learn while they are small, that things must be wished for, dreamed of.Only this way can they really appreciate.......When I was a nobody, I discovered life every day. Today, it's programmed months, years in advance.