Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — Italian singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli will perform a special holiday concert at the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Dec. 19, bringing his blend of classical training and contemporary music to the Rio Grande Valley.
McAllen Assistant City Manager Elvira Alonzo announced the concert during the city’s Fall for the Arts event at the Performing Arts Center, where officials also presented upcoming performances, community programs, and efforts to expand access to the arts.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce that Matteo Bocelli is coming to McAllen on December 19 for a special holiday concert, so mark your calendars,” Alonzo said.
Bocelli is the son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli but has developed his own career as a vocalist and songwriter.
He gained international attention in 2018 with “Fall on Me,” a duet with his father. Since then, he has performed internationally while developing a musical style that blends his classical background with contemporary influences.
In 2023, Bocelli released his debut solo album, Matteo, featuring songs in English and Italian. He followed it in 2025 with his second solo album, Falling in Love.
Alonzo said Bocelli’s career reflects themes discussed throughout the Fall for the Arts event, including the importance of opportunity, discipline, and developing an individual artistic identity.
“His journey reflects what we have been discussing today: the importance of opportunity, the discipline required to develop talent, and the courage it takes to step onto a stage and establish a voice of your own,” she said.
McAllen officials presented the concert as part of the city’s effort to attract nationally and internationally recognized performers to the Rio Grande Valley.
Alonzo said McAllen has worked to establish itself on the national touring circuit and described the Bocelli performance as another step in that effort.
“This is why bringing Matteo Bocelli to McAllen is about more than presenting another concert,” Alonzo said. “It is about demonstrating the level of cultural programming our city is now prepared to pursue.”
The evening will also serve as a fundraiser for the McAllen Performing and Cultural Arts Foundation.
In addition to the concert, the foundation plans to host a special pre-show wine dinner and meet-and-greet. Proceeds will support the foundation’s work to expand access to the arts, arts education, and opportunities for young people.
Among the programs expected to benefit is Arts for All, an initiative designed to connect approximately 900 to 1,000 students annually with five or six live Broadway productions at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.
Under Arts for All, businesses, organizations, and individuals can contribute $250 to sponsor a student for an entire Broadway series. Students will also have opportunities to interact with touring professionals and learn about their training and careers.
“The funds raised will help the foundation continue expanding access, supporting arts education, and creating opportunities for young people through initiatives such as Arts for All,” Alonzo said.
She said combining an international performance with fundraising for young people reflects the event’s purpose.
“We will give our community an exceptional cultural experience, and at the same time, we will use that experience to open doors for the next generation,” Alonzo said.
“We look forward to welcoming Matteo Bocelli to McAllen.”
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