International vocal quartet celebrates two decades of music with intimate candlelit performance in Folsom
FOLSOM — One of the most recognizable names in classical crossover music is set to take the stage in Folsom next week as Il Divo brings its “Il Divo By Candlelight” tour to the Harris Center for the Arts, offering audiences an intimate evening of soaring vocals, emotion and musical storytelling.
The performance is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m., adding another high-profile show to the Harris Center’s spring lineup and giving local audiences the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most successful vocal groups in a unique, candlelit setting.
For more than two decades, Il Divo has stood as a defining force in the classical crossover genre, blending operatic technique with contemporary music to create a sound that resonates across cultures and generations. Since debuting in 2004, the group has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and earned more than 160 gold and platinum certifications across 35 countries, while performing at global events ranging from the Summer Olympics to the FIFA World Cup.
Originally formed with Urs Bühler, Sébastien Izambard, David Miller and the late Carlos Marín, the group helped reshape perceptions of classical music by bringing it into mainstream audiences through powerful vocal arrangements and emotional interpretations of popular songs. Today’s lineup continues that legacy with Bühler, Izambard, Miller and Steven LaBrie, who joined the group following Marín’s passing.
“We’re brothers,” Izambard shared in the group’s official bio. “We might not always agree, but we always look after each other. We’ve learned so much as a unit. I never would’ve imagined this thing would last 10 years, but we’re going on 20. I believe we have more peace than ever, and we love being a part of this.”
That sense of brotherhood and shared journey has been a defining element of Il Divo’s success, both on and off the stage. Their music spans multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Latin, English and Japanese, allowing them to connect with audiences worldwide through a universal emotional language.
“Il Divo has been my life for the last 20 years,” Bühler said. “It’s given me an identity as one of the four singers in the group. Each one of us is a musician, above all. So, we feel every note we sing, and we lay our emotions into every note we project onto the audience. Whether you see us live or listen to an album, we hope you enjoy each minute. Our goal is to simply move people.”
The upcoming “By Candlelight” performance is designed to highlight that emotional connection, offering a more intimate concert experience that weaves together the group’s most beloved songs with storytelling and atmosphere. Audiences can expect a journey through romance, heartbreak and triumph, delivered through the signature harmonies that have defined the group’s sound.
Over the years, Il Divo has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, and has appeared on major platforms such as The Oprah Winfrey Show. Their 2005 album “Ancora” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while their live performances have consistently drawn sold-out crowds across the globe.
The group’s evolution has continued into recent years, including new releases and a renewed creative direction. In 2023, Il Divo introduced LaBrie as an official member and released a Christmas EP, blending traditional holiday music with fresh arrangements.
“There’s something magical about how we did the tour in 2022, became close friends, and are making music together,” LaBrie said. “It’s incredible.”
Despite decades of success, the group says its mission remains unchanged.
“For me, music is more than entertainment,” Miller said. “It separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. The human voice is capable of things that everyone in an audience can vibrationally relate to. We have all been through sadness and happiness. Il Divo translates extreme emotions into a modern experience of humanity.”
That emotional depth continues to resonate with fans, many of whom have followed the group since its early days. For Il Divo, the connection with audiences remains at the heart of every performance.
“Everything we do is for the audience,” Izambard said. “We’re sharing as many moments of joy as we can on stage. It’s a gift when what we do connects with anybody.”
Next week’s performance at the Harris Center offers local fans a rare opportunity to experience that connection up close in a setting designed to enhance the group’s signature sound and storytelling.
Tickets for Il Divo By Candlelight are available now and can be purchased online atwww.harriscenter.net.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
