Category: Concerts

George Michael has become the first international pop star to perform in Paris’ Opera Garnier, a venue more known as a stage for classical music and opera.

He performed Sunday evening, as part of his “Symphonica Tour,” to support French AIDS charity Sidaction.

Before the show, George tweeted:

Well me, not exactly operatic. In fact, I am told that mine will be the first non-classically trained voice to sing on that prestigious stage. Not sure I believe that, but it’s a nice thought, if a bit terrifying.

Bonjour PARIS !! L'opera!…well me, not exactly operatic. In fact, i am told that mine will be the first non- classically trained voice…

— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) September 9, 2012

As the gig came to a close, the 49-year-old told the Paris crowd: “Paris, you’ve been wonderful. It’s good to see you all.”

French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, The Artist actress Berenice Bejo, Bond girl Berenice Marlohe and actress Dolores Chaplin, the granddaughter of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, were among the celebrities who gave the singer a standing ovation at the French opera house.

“It’s so touching to see George sing here, and it is very special to see him in the Opera Garnier,” said Chaplin.

He performed a selection of his biggest hits and American standards before the swaying crowd, winding up with an explosive finale of “Freedom” and “White Light.”

Tickets for the concert went at up to 1,300 euros with a special dinner thrown in. An auction raised 68,000 euros, with a dinner for six with George Michael at his London home bringing in 31,000 euros.

After the show some 250 celebrities met George Michael at the invitation of organizers Line Renaud and Pierre Berge.

Berge, the companion of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and co-founder of Sidaction, declared: “The only vaccine against AIDS is the condom” while singer and entertainer Renaud praised George Michael as having always promoted “sex without risks.”

The concert and dinner swelled the coffers of Sidaction by some 289,000 euros.

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George Michael resumed the Symphonica tour yesterday by paying tribute to the medical staff who kept him alive when he had pneumonia.

He returned to the stage at Wiener Stadthalle after postponing the tour in November when he fell ill. Some 300 staff from Vienna’s General Hospital attended the show, after being given tickets as a thank you gift.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to say that there are a number of people without whom none of us would be here tonight. This is one of the greatest honors of my life, to sing to the men and women who saved my life,” he said, before singing his rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” a request from one of the doctors.

Before his final song, “White Light,” he said, “One last treat for you all before we go. I think given the manner of men and women who did save my life, we could not go without singing this song. Let’s hear it for the people who saved my life!”

George had completed 46 of the original 65 dates of his European tour when he was taken ill hours before he was due to perform in Vienna.

Following a second date in Vienna on Wednesday, Michael will perform in Paris for an AIDS charity gala this weekend and then in Amsterdam before moving on to the UK.

You can read more in:

• George Michael pays tribute to Vienna hospital staff who saved him as he resumes Symphonica tour
• George Michael resumes tour in Vienna
• Symphonica Tour Continues in Vienna

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George Michael resumes the Symphonica tour in Vienna tonight.  Ten months ago, George was forced to postpone the remainder of the tour when he caught pneumonia and nearly died.

Austrian media reported that 300 hospital staff – from doctors to cleaning crews – will attend Tuesday evening’s show. With his permission, the hospital is selling another 700 concert tickets he donated to raise money for lung disease research.

George Michael posted on Twitter:

Hey everyone, it’s that time again! And I get to open the tour singing to the men and women who saved my life. And it’s a beautiful day!

Hey everyone, it's that time again! And I get to open the tour singing to the men and women who saved my life'

— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) September 4, 2012

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George Michael’s Symphonica tour will hit Australia in November 2012.  Dates include Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. George Michael will also perform in the outdoor winery setting of Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.  You can read more at GeorgeMichael.com about how to buy tickets.