While the Easter Bunny still managed to come to many households this Sunday, many of us are missing our usual Easter traditions. Perhaps we had to watch our church service via a livestream. Or maybe we’re having to give up the big neighborhood Easter egg hunt in lieu of a smaller affair in our own backyards. Most likely, if we’re quarantined away from family, our Easter celebrations will consist of video chats or long-distance phone calls. Fortunately, the one thing we don’t have to lose this Easter is hope. Thanks to efforts by the City of Milan, the Duomo cathedral of Milan, and the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, along with Sugar Music and Universal Music Group, Andrea Bocelli brings the world together this Easter with a live performance entitled Music for Hope.
In his solo performance, performed live on YouTube in the majestically beautiful, but hauntingly empty cathedral, Bocelli beautifully and eloquently delivers a message of love, healing and hope – to Italy and the world. Like the rest of the world, Italy has been hit hard by the Coronovirus pandemic. With so much loss and upheaval, it’s easy to feel hopeless, but this beautiful gift of music from Bocelli reminds us of how much beauty and love still surrounds us.
Andrea Bocelli is one of the Italy’s most famed and iconic opera singers, songwriters, and music producers. The now 61-year old performer was born with poor eyesight, but became completely blind at the age of 12. Two years later at the age 14, he won his first singing competition. Now, nearly 50 years later, Bocelli continues to grace the world with his ethereal talent, proving that he does not need eyesight to see – or make – beauty in the world.
If your soul needs a pick-me-up during these troubled times, take a moment to enjoy this truly breathtaking performance. The concert originally played live at 1pm EST, but can be replayed anytime. The set list includes:
Panis Angelicus (from “Messe Solennelle” Op. 12, FWV 61) César Franck
Ave Maria, CG 89a (arr. from Johann Sebastian Bach, “Prelude” no. 1, BWV 846) Charles-François Gounod
Sancta Maria (arr. from “Cavalleria Rusticana”, Intermezzo) Pietro Mascagni
Domine Deus (from “Petite Messe Solennelle”) Gioachino Antonio Rossini
Amazing Grace John Newton
To download the music and sing along, click here.
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