COVID-19: Millions watch Andrea Bocelli sing in empty Milan cathedral

Italian tenor performed a concert streamed to millions of people in coronavirus lockdown

Last updated: April 13, 2020 | 10:03

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Editor

2 MIN READ

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Milan: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed a solo Easter concert from an empty Milan Cathedral streamed live to millions of people around the world in coronavirus lockdown.

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The "Music for Hope" performance, which was streamed on YouTube from Milan's Duomo cathedral, has been watched more than 22 million times so far.

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Accompanied by an organist, Bocelli sang four songs inside the magnificent Gothic building and ended with a rendition of "Amazing Grace" from the cathedral steps with a montage of images showing the empty streets of Paris, London and New York.

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"On the day in which we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, I'm honoured and happy to answer 'Si' to the invitation of the City and the Duomo of Milan," the visually impaired star said in a message played before the short concert.

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"Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart," he said.

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The Lombardy region, of which Milan is the capital, has been the hardest hit in Italy's coronavirus crisis, with more than 9,000 deaths.

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"Andrea Bocelli is a true gift from God. This was beautiful and just what I needed to see and feel right now. Thank you Mr. Bocelli for sharing your gift of your voice and music with us," wrote YouTube viewer Peggy Young.

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Churches in Italy remain closed and even prayers given by Pope Francis on Easter Sunday were livestreamed.

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Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli rehearses in front of Milan's Duomo Cathedral.

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Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli performs during ''Music for hope'', a streamed live event intended as a symbol of love, hope and healing amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

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Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli prepares for the ''Music for hope'' event at an empty Duomo Cathedral in Milan, Italy.

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