Ahead of their headline performance at Trinity this evening, Edwin McFee looks back on how Il Divo gained their initial commercial success, and how they've maintained their status over 15 years later.

The chart-slaying, multi-national classical crossover combo known as Il Divo were the brainchild of reality TV wizard Simon Cowell. Inspired to create the band after listening to Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s rendition of ‘Con Te Patriró’ – we’re sure the success of similarly minded X Factor act G4 also had something to do with it – their eponymous, multi-million selling 2004 debut saw the four-piece break Led Zeppelin’s 25 year old record of being the only band to achieve a number one album without a single release to accompany it.

A rough translation of the Italian phrase “Il Divo” is “Divine Performer” and the perennially suited and booted bunch have certainly lived up to the moniker, playing in arenas and stadiums across the world, even opening the World Cup in 2006. In the past they’ve worked with Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand and this August they unveil their eighth album Timeless which is sure to be another smash. Trinity Summer Series goers will doubtless be treated to a tune or two from it, along with some of their classic big numbers.

Also playing: The Trinity Orchestra