Il Divo – Live Review – The Piece Hall, Halifax
By Kirsty Masterman, July 2025
Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the pleasure of attending many a concert at Halifax’s Piece Hall. From dance acts, punk and rock to good old pop, It’s been an eclectic mix of quality performances. Tonight, however, I’m here for a somewhat more refined experience and for what feels to be, dare I say it, something that little bit special and a first for me…a classical act. Il Divo.
From the moment I enter the historic venue, I can tell this will be an experience far different from other gigs I have attended here. This is, in the truest sense of the word, a concert, an experience.
For a start, tonight’s concert is a seated event – for courtyard attendees anyway. My mum and I, however, are on the balcony for this one – another first for me and one I will hopefully be repeating. The view is amazing – not to mention the perfect place for people watching. As we stroll around the perimeter of the courtyard, searching for the perfect vista point, we observe the diverse crowd here this evening – couples young and old(er), friends and entire families all in good spirits and united by their love of music.
“The view is magnificent”
We finally settle on our position – slightly stage right – and the view is magnificent. Not only is it unobstructed, whichever way we look, the stage itself is framed by the architecture of this spectacular venue – something that becomes even more stunning as the night closes in and the building is illuminated.
I have to confess, Il Divo is a group I know very little about. Aside from the fact they are a globally renowned, classical crossover vocal group of well-groomed, individuals that go by the names of Urs Bühler (tenor) of Switzerland, Sébastian Izambard (tenor) of France, David Miller (tenor) of America and Steven LaBrie (baritone) of America – and have been going for over 20 years (21 to be accurate), I would fail miserably to name even one of their albums. A fact, I am increasingly ashamed of as the evening unfolds.
But, with 50 number one hits up their sleeve and album sales of 30 million, I feel quietly confident that I am in good company this evening.
English soprano Laura Wright opens the night with a stirring performance, setting the tone for what is set to be a night of refined musical excellence.
“Rapturous applause”
As 8.30 approaches, the audience are told to take to their seats ‘immediately’, cue much cheering and clapping. Seconds later, four dapper looking individuals saunter onto the stage full of purpose and appreciation.
The 20th anniversary album XX is the main focus of tonight’s entertainment, interspersed with fan favourites such as ‘You Raise Me Up’ alongside career highlights, including their breakout song ‘Regresa a Mi’ – a Spanish version of Toni Braxton’s ‘Unbreak My Heart’. There is even an Il Divo original composition, ‘Despertar Sin Ti’, written by Miller and LaBrie, which is met with rapturous applause.
XX is the first album featuring new band mate Steven LaBrie following the incredibly sad loss of Carlos Marin back in 2021. So, while it is a celebration, it is also an acknowledgement of their loss.
“Powerful vocals”
The evening opens with a powerful rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Somewhere’. The groups powerful vocals instantly packing a punch. This is followed up by ‘Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti’, a spin on Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ and Ed Sheeran’s smash hit, ‘Perfect’.
‘Unchained Melody’, ‘Nella Fantasia’ and ‘The Power of Love’ follow in what can only be described as a tapestry of musical delights. The orchestral backing of the strings, wind and percussion all adding dramatic depth to the arrangements.
Throughout the concert, I find myself looking around at the audience, and witnessing much dancing, smiles and joviality. Whole families have come out tonight to join in the celebration.
A stand-out moment comes in the form of ‘Quizás, Quizás, Quizás’, bringing the audience to their feet. Couples dance together and groups sway, arms around each other with huge smiles on their faces, and when the singers step offstage mid-song into the crowd to join in the dancing with a few lucky ladies, the crowd erupts.
“Celebration and nostalgia”
A powerful rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic, ‘My Way’ closes the evening. But, as the final notes are sung and the quartet leave the stage, chants of “more, more, more” reverberate off the walls, sparking a return to the stage for Bühler, Izambard, Miller and LaBrie for a two-song encore featuring a goose-bump inducing rendition of ‘No Tengo Nada’ (a Spanish version of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’) and the much-loved ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ – my absolute favourite song of all time.
This is the last of Il Divo’s UK concerts in the UK, before they head across the water to continue with their 20 year celebrations (now into its 21st year). “It’s amazing. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realise that 20 years have gone by but I don’t try to hold on to those 20 years. I always try to live in the present and celebrate that”, says Sébastien upon marking the occasion.
It has been an evening of celebration and nostalgia as well as one of reflection, delivered in a show filled with powerful performances, beautiful harmonies, stunning vocals, breathtaking music and diverse musical styles. Voices soared in a performance as elegant as the historic setting itself, capturing the hearts of longtime admirers and newcomers (such as me) alike –reaffirming the quartet’s role in redefining classical crossover music.
This venue certainly lends itself to this type of concert. The acoustics, ambient lighting and refined performances all set in the open air with the backdrop of one of Britain’s most stunning venues all combined to make for a truly unforgettable summer evening.
I think, for tonight at least, everyone has lived in the moment and will be reliving it for a long time to come.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor and The Piece Hall
After studying English and Creative Writing at university, Kirsty started working as an editor for PA Media way back in 2003, joining On Yorkshire in 2023. With a passion for travel and writing, the chance to combine the two became a reality for her in 2010 when she was offered the chance to visit Portugal to review a new resort. Since then, she has never looked back. Live music, theatre and restaurant reviews followed enabling her to combine all her interests. Kirsty now travels the world, reviewing some of the best hotels, restaurants and travel destinations. She particularly enjoys seeking out child-friendly places so that she can showcase destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed by parents alongside their children.
