He is man who’s conquered adversity and then some. From being diagnosed with glaucoma at around age five, to going completely blind by age twelve, Andrea Bocelli has let none of his speed bumps halt his rise. Bocelli is a record setting, multiple award winning, powerhouse opera talent who took over the world and classical charts back in the 1990’s. Since then he’s continued to tour the globe, collaborate with some of the world’s best singing talent both live and in recording, and he’s become a hero and icon to his native Italy. The singer who turns sixty-two in September has not lost a step, and due to the world’s most recent predicament, he’s released a new live concert that is free on YouTube.
Months back in April, Italy perhaps caught the worst of what’s happening now. Much of Europe as well was shut down or if not at least partially, and much hope seemed to be lost. Enter Andrea Bocelli. In an effort to give the world some semblance of unity, Andrea Bocelli decided to do a live stream concert with no present audience. Live from the Duomo di Milano, and only accompanied by Emanuele Vianelli to play the organ for him, Andrea unleashed his ultimate vocal prowess that most singers could not hope to still have at is his age. Eyes closed and laser focused, Andrea began to sing as if the entire world stood still and quiet to listen.
Andrea Bocelli: Music For Hope.
As expected he sang classically in Italian, apart from the last song, and he performed a total of five pieces making it roughly a twenty-five minute show. Songs included Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria CG 89a, Sancta Maria, Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle, and to finish it off, he stepped outside the cathedral and performed a spiritually energized version of Amazing Grace. The concert is titled Music For Hope, and the message throughout is very clear. As he sings, there are drone shots of an empty Italy. With everyone being inside at the time of the concert, viewers can expect panoramic views of quiet Italian cities, almost as if they’ve been left behind. As the concert draws to a close, there are shots of other European cities and America as well, namely London, Paris, and New York. All cities resembling that of Italy, empty, in order to battle a common enemy that no one can physically see. Hope is the offering and the reason for Andrea’s undertaking, and as the self-proclaimed Catholic wales out to the world with all that he has, it’s a reminder that someone is always there to try and lend an uplifting message and help in some way, even if that’s the only way. The seasoned artist does this, standing there in his tuxedo as if he were to head to the opera like it were any other performance.
Many in the world are still facing lock downs or strict measures from their governments. Some have not been able to get home, or are stuck in places that are much safer but far less pleasant. Andrea may not be able to save the world, but in his tenure he’s still able to show that he’s paying attention. Rather than patronize the public as many other “celebrities” have done, Andrea Bocelli simply lets his singing do his talking and showcases a performance that is both moving and hopeful that the world will soon be out of this danger. The live concert which streamed on YouTube opened to record viewing numbers, and by now is up to about 40 million views. For those who have yet to see it, head over to YouTube and simply search Andrea Bocelli: Music For Hope.
