Matteo Bocelli, Pia Toscano Headlining McCallum Theatre Gala

PALM DESERT, CA — The McCallum Theatre announced Tuesday that performance-only tickets are on sale for its Annual Fundraising Gala.

Singer Matteo Bocelli will headline the gala at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 along with special guest Pia Toscano and an 80-piece symphony orchestra.

Bocelli's musical journey began as the child of superstar vocalist Andrea Bocelli. Learning to play piano as his passion for music grew, he made his stage debut singing Verdi at the Colosseum in Rome at 18 years old, theatre officials said. He garnered recognition after he co-wrote "Fall on Me" for his father's popular album "Si."

Toscano, who is currently on tour with David Foster and Matteo's father, has been performing since she was 4 years old, when she was one of the front runners on "American Idol."

The funds raised from the gala's performances will help fund McCallum Theatre operations and arts education programs with 50,000 students and educators in over 300 classrooms each year, according to theatre officials. The funds also make it possible for the theatre to host world-class performances for over 150,000 residents and Coachella Valley visitors annually.

Performance-only tickets for rear orchestra and mezzanine seats are available for $125 while balcony seats are $95 at McCallumTheatre.org. Dinner and performance sponsorship tickets can be purchased for $1,000 by calling the theatre's manager of events Brooke Stuessy at 760-776-6186.

Attendees must wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the theatre. Updated information on health and safety protocols can be found at www.mccallumtheatre.com/index.php/shows/covid-19-requirements.