World-renowned classical crossover vocal group Il Divo were slated to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena next month, however the concert has been postponed.
"Due to these unprecedented times and with travel limitations, unfortunately we won't be able to perform on July 16," the group said in a joint statement. "We hope to see you all in Dubai in the near future."
No specific rescheduled date has been set. Organiser Blu Blood has said anyone who has already bought tickets will be refunded in full, but they need to get in touch with the place of purchase in order to organise the refund, which may take up to 21 days.
The performance was supposed to come as part of their new world tour, titled For Once in My Life, marking the start of the annual Dubai Summer Surprises season.
The tour celebrates the male quartet's release of their 10th studio album, For Once in My Life: A Celebration of Motown.
“We have spent the past two years creating this album, which pays tribute to some of the greatest music in American pop culture,” said tenor David Miller.
“And now, to finally be able to present our versions of these great songs to the world and to get back on stage in front of a live audience, well, it makes us feel very emotional.
“We have missed performing together and connecting with our audiences and fans.”
Created by record executive and TV personality Simon Cowell, Il Divo comprises Miller from America, Carlos Marin from Spain, Urs Buhler from Switzerland and Sebastien Izambard from France.
The band debuted in 2003 and have since sold more than 30 million albums, with 160 going gold and platinum in 33 countries. They were also the first crossover artists to have an album debut at No 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.
With this new 10-track album, the group pays homage to some of the most beloved Motown artists through classical remakes of popular songs such as Stevie Wonder's For Once in My Life and The Temptations' My Girl.
The album will also introduce collaborations with Boyz II Men and Smokey Robinson, plus feature the vocals of Marvin Gaye on Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
According to the group's official website, the tour will take place over the course of a year, and will hit cities in the US, then tour through Europe, including the UK, before heading to Brazil, and ending with a concert in Spain in July 2022.
