Andrea Bocelli To Live Stream Easter Concert In Empty Cathedral

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we'll all be celebrating Easter weekend a little differently this year. And one person who is doing his bit to spread some cheer is legendary opera singer, Andrea Bocelli.

The 61-year-old has decided to live-stream his Easter concert - to an empty cathedral in Italy no less - all for free on Easter Sunday.

As we all know, Italy has been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 139,000 cases of the disease.

Andrea has been invited to the cathedral by the Mayor of Milan to not only lift the spirits of the Italian people, but also fans across the globe.

The concert will be held at the historic Duomo where Andrea will perform alone, live streamed on his YouTube channel.

Speaking about the concert, he said: "Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart, this wonderful international forge that is reason for Italian pride.

"The generous, courageous, proactive Milan and the whole of Italy will be again, and very soon, a winning model, engine of a renaissance that we all hope for.

"It will be a joy to witness it, in the Duomo, during the Easter celebration which evokes the mystery of birth and rebirth."

While the Milan Cathedral is currently closed due to the pandemic, it will open its doors for the iconic singer, who will perform classics such as 'Time To Say Goodbye', 'La Voce del Silenzio' and 'Sogno'.

Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, said: "I am happy Andrea has accepted our invitation. This year, Easter will be very different for all of us. The joyous serenity that usually comes with this day, has been greatly troubled by the pandemic we are experiencing.

"I am sure that the extraordinary voice of Bocelli will be the embrace we are missing these days, a strong, special hug, capable of warming the heart of Milan, Italy and the world."

The concert will be available to watch at 6pm UK time and in the US at 10am (PST) and 1pm (EST).

In other very exciting news, Lady Gaga, Lizzo and Billie Eilish have signed up to perform at a two hour gig that will be streamed across the world next weekend.

The 'One World: Together at Home' Global Citizen concert has teamed up with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a night of incredible music with all of our favourite artists and it's for an incredible cause - supporting our frontline workers.

Could a virtual festival be next?! We hope so...

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Life News, News, Music, Events News, Coronavirus

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine