Bruno Tonioli - Freddie Mercury and a night at the opera

Welcome to this episode of All About The Music, where I have the pleasure of sitting down with Bruno Tonioli – legendary dance judge, choreographer and, as I now know – wonderful storyteller (and teacher of Italian).

Many will know Bruno from his decades on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. Fewer will know of his days choreographing the biggest stars in the business or what he really likes to listen to in his own time.

Bruno’s passion for music pours forth with every story he tells. And what’s so clear is his love of performance above all else – whether that’s the unstoppable energy of Tina Turner or the dramatic emotion of Leontyne Price’s portrayal of Aida. I love how he’s blended his musical passions with his career, culminating in his amazing tale of choreographing Freddie Mercury at the peak of his powers.

But Bruno’s a simple fan too. We hear how he grew up waiting for every new single by Italian superstar Mina and how he loves the latest generation of performers, led by British solo star RAYE, who, in Bruno’s words, uses her voice like an instrument.

Follow Bruno Tonioli: https://www.instagram.com/brunotonioliofficial/

Listen to the Spotify playlist of all Bruno’s selections here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Ete6gxKdqZl3fu1fgflcx

Featured artists & tracks:

RAYE – “Oscar Winning Tears”, “Worth It”

Tina Turner – “Proud Mary”, “Steamy Windows”

Mina – “Amor Mio”

Verdi - “O terra, addio” from Aida

Freddie Mercury – “The Great Pretender”, “Barcelona” (with Montserrat Caballé)