The world’s most successful classical crossover group Il Divo arrive in Melbourne today to announce a national Australian tour for 2012.  The first show kicks off on Valentines Day at the Sydney Opera House on 14 February 2012. Tickets will go on sale from Thursday November 10 at 9am. Fans can look forward to experiencing the emotion, beauty and power of Il Divo’s unique vocals and operatic arrangements as they take you on a journey that combines opera, pop and musical theatre.

Il Divo will be in Australia this week to promote their new album, Wicked Game, and to join in on the Spring Carnival festivities giving fans a little taste of what to expect on their 2012 tour.  Il Divo will perform some very special TV performances whilst they are in Australia and take part in one-off live performances during Spring Carnival.

“We’re so excited to be kicking off our 2012 tour in Australia, Valentines Day performing at the Sydney Opera House is going to be such a memorable start to a world tour…it really feels like coming home. It’s a country full of my favourite things: Tims Tams, Whale Beach, shopping on Chapel Street and one of the best zoos in the world. We can’t wait to have the time whilst on tour to enjoy it all!” – Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo)

With more than 25 million album sales, 150 gold and platinum discs, more than 2 million concert tickets sold and the only crossover classical album Ancora ever to enter the US Billboard Top 200 at number 1.

With a new show designed by Creative Director, Brian Burke (Artistic Director of ‘La Reve’ & Celine Dion’s 5 year run of ‘A New Day’ at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas) and the support of the Il Divo band, the 2012 tour promises to incorporate a stunning visual and musical mix of fan favourites as well as premiering songs from their eagerly anticipated new album Wicked Game.

“Il Divo is the perfect modern fusion of opera, theatre and concert performance. It is a privilege as a director to create a visual landscape inviting the audience on a theatrical journey of their music” – Brian Burke, Creative Director.

The record-breaking quartet – Swiss tenor Urs Buhler, baritone Carlos Marin from Spain, French pop artist Sebastien Izambard and tenor David Miller from the USA first came together in 2003, the culmination of an exhaustive search by music producer Simon Cowell to find four singers of distinctive individual gifts who could, as a group, create musical magic.

Il Divo Wicked Game is released on 4 November 2011 through Sony Music Entertainment.  Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Il Divo live in 2012.

Tickets available from Thursday 10 November from Ticketmaster

WE PLAY RAIN OR SHINE:  If it looks like rain please bring wet weather protection (ponchos & raincoats). Umbrellas are not permitted into the venue.

WHAT TO BRING:  Picnic rug and hamper, jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, sealed plastic bottled water/soft drink (only), comfy shoes and good vibes. (Seating – see below)

SEATING: VIP, Gold and Silver Reserved tickets include a dedicated seat. General Admission ticket holders will need to bring own seat if required. Low deck chairs are recommended. High deck chairs will be positioned at the rear of the venue. A seating area is provided for those with wheelchair requirements.

FOOD:  A wide range of food options to suit all tastes and budgets will be available for purchase at the venue. Visit jdsfastfoods.com.au for menus and to pre-order hampers. Alternatively patrons may bring their own food/picnic. Please be aware of prohibited items listed under “Not Permitted”.

NOT PERMITTED: Strictly NO BYO alcohol and NO glass items.  This is a fully licensed event.  No tables or umbrellas, professional SLR cameras, video or recording equipment, metal cutlery, wine spikes, tents or sun shelters. The Botanic Garden is a smoke free venue.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:  All bags are subject to a safety and security search upon entry. No Pass Outs.

PARKING: Available along Lovekin, Forrest and May Drives. A drop off zone is located at the venue entrance on Lovekin Drive. ACROD Parking is located on Forrest Drive in close proximity to the DNA Tower. Access Forrest Drive via Park and Poole Avenue entrances, Crawley.

TICKETS: All tickets available through ticketmaster.com.au and 136 100. This is a licensed event. All patrons (including minors/babies) must have a valid ticket for entry.

MINORS: Children under 18 years of age who have purchased a ticket will only be permitted into the concert site if they are accompanied by their parent/step-parent or legal guardian. If a minor is NOT ACCOMPANIED by their parent/step-parent or legal guardian they will be refused entry to the concert and they will not receive a refund on their ticket.

Mellen Events is proud to present a SmokeFree event

Please note: Due to circumstances beyond our control advertised gate opening times have varied. The correct gate opening time is 5.30pm.