Bocelli Sings Music For Hope
On an Easter Sunday like no other, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gave the most extraordinary performance of his life. There was no audience present in Milan’s iconic Duomo, but across the globe people tuned in to witness his emotional performance, Music For Hope streamed live via YouTube. This unique performance, offered an uplifting message of love, healing and hope through music, uniting the world at a time when many are apart, being isolated at home.
Bocelli observed: “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. 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.”
Accompanied only by the cathedral organist, Emanuele Vianelli, Bocelli sang a carefully chosen selection of pieces, specially arranged for solo voice and organ for the occasion. This included Ave Maria by Bach/Gounod and Amazing Grace, performed a capella, in the still of a city under continued lockdown. The recording will be released digitally on audio streaming services shortly.
Bocelli and his foundarion are currently involved in an emergency COVID-19 campaign. The Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) has started a fundraiser to help hospitals purchase all the instruments and equipment necessary to protect their medical staff. It is possible to donate through the GoFundMe campaign: or by contacting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, by writing to development@andreabocellifoundation.org.
