Millions watch Andrea Bocelli sing in the empty cathedral of Milan in the middle of the COVID-19 confinement

MILAN: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed a solo Easter concert from an empty Milan cathedral broadcast live to millions of people around the world in the coronavirus blockade.

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

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

READ: Daily count of deaths from coronavirus in Italy is lowest since March 19

“The day we celebrate confidence in a life that succeeds, I am honored and happy to respond ‘Yes’ to the invitation of the City and the Duomo of Milan,” said the visually impaired star in a message presented earlier. The short concert.

“Thanks to the music, broadcast live, bringing millions of hands together around the world, we will embrace the beating heart of this wounded Earth,” he said.

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

READ: The Pope marks ‘Easter of solitude’ in the COVID-19 running of the bulls

“Andrea Bocelli is a true gift from God. It 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.

Churches in Italy remain closed and even Pope Francis’ prayers on Easter Sunday were broadcast live.

CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram