Enrica Cenzatti Preferred Rock to Classical Music & Then Andrea Bocelli's Voice Won Her Over
Enrica Cenzatti was 17 when she met her future husband, Andrea Bocelli, and immediately knew that he was her life's love. The Italian classical singer said Cenzatti was often one of the first to hear his music and was his "guide" in more ways than one.
As her husband's music career experienced a steady rise, Cenzatti was often by his side and accompanied him on tours.
While the classical singer said Cenzatti was an important figure in his life, his busy schedule often saw him whisked away and missing important moments, including the birth of their first child.
Andrea Bocelli, Enrica Cenzatti and their son, Amos, in their home in Tuscany, Italy, in 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Enrica Cenzatti Enjoyed Listening to Rock Music
Cenzatti was born in March 1971 in the small town of Pontedera, Italy. With a lawyer father, Cenzatti had a sister with the same dark hair and eyes to keep her company and tell her secrets to– including the day she met the man she knew she would marry.
Ironically, she married a classical music singer, as she was not a fan of the genre growing up. While her father played the melody of classical music throughout the house, Cenzatti was Prince's biggest fan. Her sister said:
"She listened to rock, for better or worse, just like everyone else her age. I believe she (had) all of Prince's records; they weren't on CDs yet."
Andrea Bocelli, Enrica Cenzatti and their son, Amos, in Tuscany, Italy, in 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Enrica Cenzatti Met Andrea Bocelli When She Was 17
One summer night in Chianni, a small town in Italy, Cenzatti met Bocelli for the first time. They were at a club where the up-and-coming tenor performed to earn money. Between songs, she introduced herself to the "Time To Say Goodbye" singer, who had also obtained his law degree.
While he was usually good with the ladies, Bocelli said he knew Cenzatti was something special after she invited him for a drink and left quite the impression.
The feeling was mutual, as, after the encounter, Cenzatti rushed home late at night to tell her sister about how she had met the most handsome man. Once awakened yet still half-asleep, Cenzatti's sister listened to her gush about Bocelli.
Andrea Bocelli, Enrica Cenzatti and their sons, Amos and Matteo, in Tuscany, Italy, in 1997. | Source: Getty Images
She continued to return to the club where they had met, and each time they grew closer and found common interests through conversation, like their shared love of French literature. But it was the singer's voice that won Cenzatti over. She said:
"Tears filled my eyes. His voice expressed such sweetness, kindness, and generosity which no woman could resist. With the passing years, I have come to understand that the man is equal to his voice."
Four years after they met, Cenzatti and Bocelli said, "I do" at a church in Italy on June 27, 1992. They celebrated their marriage with an outdoor reception and honeymooned on a cruise in the Mediterranean.
Andrea Bocelli, Enrica Cenzatti and their sons, Amos and Matteo, in Tuscany, Italy, in 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Due to his visual impairment, Cenzatti's ex-husband often needed someone to accompany him. He said she played an irreplaceable role in his life as she often described the things he could not see with vivid and lovely narration.
Cenzatti was "the guide" of his life, "figuratively and literally," he said. Cenzatti did not find it a burden and often forgot he was blind.
Despite years of marriage and welcoming two children, Cenzatti and her former partner separated in 2003. She was in her early thirties during their divorce, after which her ex-husband relocated to his birthplace, Tuscany.
Andrea Bocelli Was Away When Enrica Gave Birth to His First Son
Three years after getting married, Cenzatti welcomed their first son, Amos, on February 22, 1995. It was an experience she had on her own, as her ex-husband had an important professional obligation. Bocelli said:
"Enrica gave birth to him all alone. I though it was terrible, but I couldn't do otherwise."
She gave birth to their second son, Matteo, on October 8, 1997. However, her ex-husband was present the second time around. And as a collector of watches, Andrea Bocelli gifted Cenzatti with a Reverso watch in steel and gold after their son was born.
While little is known of Cenzatti after her separation from her ex-husband, her sons often took to social media to celebrate their mother on occasions like Mother's Day and her birthday and documented their close relationship.
Matteo and Amos followed in their father's footsteps and pursued musical careers. While Matteo's instrument is his voice, Amos became a trained pianist, and they both collaborated with their father.
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