Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli has performed on Easter Sunday from an empty Duomo di Milano. The event was livestreamed on Youtube on Apr. 12 at 7:00 p.m. and had garnered 26 million views after 18 hours.
Dubbed as "Music for Hope: Live from Duomo di Milano," Bocelli performed five inspirational songs in this 25-minute concert. In the opening, Bocelli talked about how he is grateful to have said "Si" on the invitation to perform in the cathedral. Scenes of the view of the Duomo di Milano flyover as well as the deserted city are shown throughout the convert.
Wearing a black suit, Bocelli performed a medley of "Panis Angelicus," "Ave Maria," "Sancta Maria," and "Domine Deus." His powerful voice lingers in the empty Duomo Cathedral in Milan, Italy.
For the last song, Bocelli is shown outside of the largest cathedral in Italy as he performs Amazing Grace. Standing in the middle of the empty square, Bocelli belts out as views of deserted famous tourist spots, including the Eiffel Tower, are shown.
The 61-year singer who has been blind since 12 years old said he happily accepted the opportunity to send an Easter message even without a live audience. Italy remains on national lockdown until May 3 as the coronavirus cases reach over 156,363 as of Apr. 13. COVID-19 has also taken 19,899 lives in the country.
"Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart," says Bocelli, hoping to spread hope amidst the pandemic.
Netizens praise Bocelli's Music for Hope concert
Bocelli's Easter performance has been trending worldwide. Netizens, including celebrities, praise the event, which is a much-needed break from the coronavirus crisis.
"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you @AndreaBocelli. A tremendous gift and exactly what we needed," says Hugh Jackman on Twitter.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you @AndreaBocelli A tremendous gift and exactly what we needed. #AmazingGrace #HappyEaster pic.twitter.com/0ikTwvriJG — Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) April 12, 2020
The video now has about 16,000 comments from all over the world. Most comments thank Bocelli for staging amazing performance.
"Andrea Bocelli songs speak to the soul, especially in these devastating times. May God heal our land and strengthen every living soul on Earth. Lord, your children, are crying out for your love," says Youtube user Sydney Sikaundi.
Another one commends the encouraging words users worldwide have said on the video's comments. "Extraordinary voice. Such beauty. We all need this during these difficult days. We must support one another, love, be grateful. Life is so delicate, Precious," says Hayley Anna Mathieson.
Relieve the moment by watching the video on Andrea Bocelli's official Youtube channel, which currently has 3.55 million subscribers. The City of Milan and Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo promoted the event, which is produced by Sugar Music and Universal Music Group.
Bocelli raises fund for hospital equipment
Aside from the concert, Bocelli has also been raising funds to provide hospital equipment such as protective gear and ventilators. The Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) started a GoFundMe fundraiser on Mar. 13.
Initially, it aimed to raise 100,000 euros. However, on Mar. 24, the ABF announced that they already reached the goal. The ABF reports having donated four respirators and a 30-bed ward from the collected donations.
Yet, the fundraiser continues aiming to gather funds to help more facilities. On Apr. 13¸ the foundation has now gathered a total of 229,810 Euros or 250615 USD, which is slightly short from its goal of 250,000 Euros or 272,633 USD.
