Andrea Bocelli’s Music for Hope Easter concert, if anything, was the perfect allegory of the unprecedented times we are currently living in.
Andrea Bocelli sobers Italy from a traumatic nightmare
Standing at the altar of the Duomo di Milano, a prestigious cathedral, Andrea Bocelli delivered an awe-inspiring Easter message to a world that’s been at war with an unseen enemy.
As the curve of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection starts to decline in Italy, a thick fog of despair has hung over the European country. The spine-chilling images of thousands of dead bodies burned and stacked in mass graves are now screening in neighbouring countries.
A sobering moment came when Bocelli’s powerful vocals echoed in the empty cathedral. As reported by USA Today, the 61-year-old, performed Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria, Sancta Maria and Domine Deus.
Dressed in black to mourn the loss of life in Italy, Bocelli introduced the occasion with much-needed words of optimism, however uncharacteristic and unnatural the sight of an empty cathedral on Easter Sunday was.
“On the day we celebrate the trust in life that triumphs, I’m honoured and happy to answer ‘si’. 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.
Watch: Andrea Bocelli’s Music for Hope Easter concert
Coronavirus in Italy
If the daily statistics are an accurate indicator then it may be safe to say Italy has seen the worst of COVID-19. The latest reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that the pathogen is coming to pass in the country, making its way into other European nations.
In total, Italy has recorded 156 363 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 19 899 deaths, with 34 211 recoveries.
According to the Washington Post, Italy recorded its lowest daily death toll on Sunday for the first time since 19 March, an indication that better times are ahead.