Italian tenor Andrea Boccelli enthralled thousands last night at a Grand Finale concert at the Dome in Northern Johannesburg. The concert celebrated the final weekend of the Soccer World Cup. The concert was bidding the world cup farewell in classical style. The blind tenor dazzled the audience with songs from Guiseppe Verdi and Puccini's operas. He was accompanied by local soprano Pretty Yende.

It was the Italian tenor's first visit to South Africa. He was hoping to bring his football team with him but it was not be. The Grand Finale Show was held to raise awareness about malaria - a disease that kills a child every 30 seconds. The classical world's biggest selling artist led a troupe of local and international entertainers, in a closing concert which attracted thousands. Canadian rock legend Byan Adams was also in full song.

Local stars like the Mzanzi youth choir also had an opportunity to shine. But, the night belonged to Boccelli and for the audience the curtain fell all too quickly.