Andrea Bocelli’s Lexington debut to benefit UK Markey Cancer Center
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 27, 2025) – Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform at Rupp Arena on December 6, 2025, in a special concert that will benefit the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center while also marking a highlight of Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The concert, locally presented by the Lexington Cancer Foundation, will include premium seating and VIP packages with proceeds supporting the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building. Currently under construction, the 550,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will become the new home of the UK Markey Cancer Center.
“We are thrilled to be the local presenting sponsor of this special event. Our supporters will have access to premium seats and VIP packages," said Brenda Rice, founder and chairman of the Lexington Cancer Foundation. “In addition, this celebration is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness to the Markey Cancer Center’s new building, which will bring a new era of advanced cancer research, treatment, and services for all Kentuckians. The Lexington Cancer Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
The historic performance, which marks Bocelli’s first appearance at Rupp Arena, will feature a VIP event at the Apiary on December 5, co-sponsored by UK HealthCare, with proceeds benefiting the new cancer facility.
“There is something truly special about the way art and medicine intersect, and we at the Markey Cancer Center are thrilled to be involved in this extraordinary musical event that will raise awareness for cancer care here in Kentucky, including Markey's new state-of-the-art cancer facility currently under construction,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the Markey Cancer Center. “And as Lexington celebrates its 250th anniversary, Markey is committed to growing to meet the health care needs of our city and all of the Commonwealth for the next 250 years and beyond.”
The Lexington performance is part of Bocelli’s 13-city North American tour in October and December 2025. His concert will include selections from his recent #1 album A Family Christmas and its Deluxe Edition, his uplifting solo album Believe, along with beloved arias, crossover hits, and love songs.
Bocelli, who celebrated the 30th anniversary of his career in 2024, has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide and performed at major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, seven World Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tickets will be available starting Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, RuppArena.com, or in person at the Central Bank Center Box Office from 12-4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
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