Italian superstar Andrea Bocelli moved fans around the world to tears on Sunday as he gave one of his most memorable performances to date. The opera star put on an incredibly poignant Easter concert as the world continues to battle the outbreak of coronavirus, which has so far claimed more than 110,000 lives globally.
Despite being more used to performing in front of huge crowds, or at high-profile events including the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, the 61-year-old star put on an incredible show from Milan’s empty Duomo to mark the religious holiday. And, as much of the world continues to self-isolate in a bid to stem the spread of the virus, the one-of-a-kind show was live-streamed via YouTube.
The ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ singer was accompanied only by cathedral organist Emanuele Vianelli throughout the performance, which was titled ‘Music for Hope’, and belted out a number of beautiful songs, including ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Ave Maria’.
“I will cherish the emotion of this unprecedented and profound experience, of this Holy Easter which this emergency has made painful, but at the same time even more fruitful, one that will stay among my dearest memories of all time,” Bocelli said, ahead of the concert.
He added: “That feeling of being at the same time alone – as we all are in the presence of the Most High – yet of expressing the voice of the prayer of millions of voices, has deeply impressed and moved me. Love is a gift. Making it flow is the primary purpose of life itself. And I find myself once again indebted to life.
“My gratitude goes to all those who made this possible, the City of Milan and the Duomo, and to all those who accepted the invitation and joined in a planetary embrace, gathering that blessing from Heaven that gives us courage, trust, optimism, in the certainty of our faith.”
Fans tuned in to watch the event across the globe, with one commenting: “Scenes like this gives me hope that humanity still have thousands if not millions of years left to live on earth. It’s not over yet!”
Another said: “Against the imposing architecture of the cathedral, the simple lone figure of Andrea Bocelli singing heartfelt arias and songs was most moving, in the midst of so much loss and grief, both in Italy and throughout the world. Amazing Grace was especially resonant, an expression of awakening to a more encompassing truth, fellowship with all humanity.” While another wrote: “Uplifting Andrea, and organist and all who made this happen in this stunning cathedral. A gift to the world.”
Last year, Bocelli became an Internet sensation when he released a stunning duet with his son Matteo, who it seems has inherited his father’s incredible talent and passion for music.
The 61-year-old opera sensation shared the video for new single ‘Fall On Me’ on his official YouTube channel, which begins with Andrea taking to the piano to accompany Matteo as he opens the song. The second his son starts to sing, Andrea’s pride is evident as he breaks in to a huge smile and continues to play beside him. Taking over for the next verse, he then shows off his own stunning vocals before the pair come together in amazing harmonies later in the tune.
The video meanwhile shows the pair back to back as they both perform, before Matteo lovingly guides his father across a room. Mid-way through, fans are treated to a stream of intimate family photos of Matteo’s childhood, showing him cuddling his father as he laughs beside him.
Both Andrea and Matteo sing in English and Italian throughout the song, in a heartfelt tribute to Andrea’s heritage.
Andrea has also set up a fundraising campaign in aid of the fight against Covid-19, to help hospitals purchase all the instruments and equipment necessary to protect their medical staff.