Andrea Bocelli's stunning 'Music for Hope' Easter concert streams from empty Duomo di Milano

Millions Watch Opera Star Andrea Bocelli Sing In Empty Milan Cathedral

Easter: Andrea Bocelli performs in empty Milan cathedral amidst coronavirus lockdown

Andrea Bocelli and the power of his voice sent an awe-inspiring Easter message in "Music for Hope: Live From Duomo di Milano," a livestreamed concert that echoed around the world from the empty cathedral.

Bocelli, 61, who has been blind since age 12, spoke only during the opening scenes, which featured a flyover of Duomo di Milano and its 135 spires, as well as the deserted city. The Italian opera singer said he happily accepted the opportunity to send an Easter message even without a live audience, as the public wasn't allowed in the cathedral because of the coronavirus.

"On the day we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, I'm honored and happy to answer 'si,' " Bocelli 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."

Bocelli, wearing black tie, sang four songs near the altar, standing a short distance away from the cathedral organist Emmanuelle Vianelli.

He performed "Panis Angelicus," "Ave Maria," "Sancta Maria" and "Domine Deus" without comment. In the silence between the songs, even the slightest sound echoed in the cavernous cathedral, the largest in Italy.

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