On April 12th, Andrea Bocelli delivered one of the most compelling live streams the world has seen during a coronavirus pandemic that has caused a virtual shutdown of all live events. The 25-minute Music For Hope – Live From Duomo di Milano performance would set online streaming records as millions across the world gathered around their screens for the Easter Sunday webcast.
According to Billboard, Music For Hope saw more than 2.8 million concurrent viewers at its peak, becoming one of the biggest live stream performances of all time and garnering the largest audience for a classical music webcast ever on YouTube. Reports also claim that over 1 million people gathered in a virtual waiting room before the stream began, as the video depicted barren cities across Italy.
YouTube’s Global Head of Music, Lyor Cohen, told Billboard in a statement,
Music has the power to unite communities from around the world in the most unique and momentous ways. In such an unprecedented time, it’s critical we rally together and continue connecting through music. YouTube is honored to have played a role in making sure the world could to [sic] come together, as one music family, to see, hear and listen to Andrea Bocelli’s performance on such a historic day in time.
Said Bocelli in a statement, “I am moved and delighted to have received such an overwhelming reaction, that has gone beyond our highest expectations.”
The eye-popping numbers go beyond just the live stream. Bocelli’s music catalog on streaming sites like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube saw a massive bump in listens on Easter Sunday, with 6.7 million streams on April 12th, up 424% from April 11th.
Music For Hope featured just Bocelli and an organist, and began with a take on César Franck‘s “Panis Angelicus”. Next was the classic “Ave Maria”, performed over the Johann Sebastian Bach arrangement, “Prelude No. 1 BWV 846”. “After a rendition of Pietro Mascagni‘s “Sancta Maria” and Giochino Antonio Rossini‘s “Domine Deus”, Bocelli closed with John Newton‘s “Amazing Grace”, sung from outside of the Duomo Cathedral in Milan. Watch the entire performance below.
Andrea Bocelli – Music For Hope – Live From Duomo di Milano
[Video: Andrea Bocelli]
Like all musicians, the coronavirus pandemic has put the status of Bocelli’s future tour plans in doubt. While he is scheduled for several performances in Europe throughout the summer and fall, it is unclear whether or not those concerts will be rescheduled. Head to his website for the latest information.
Additionally, click here for Live For Live Music’s concert cancellation tracker, which is updated daily.
[H/T Billboard]