On Easter Sunday, Andrea Bocelli took the stage at Duomo Cathedral to perform a "prayer" for the world amid the coronavirus pandemic. It was exactly what people needed during such a solemn time: The opera singer's Easter concert racked up nearly 28 million views in just 24 hours.
And now, as many people around the world are spending the holidays away from family or grieving the loss of loved ones, he hopes his music can bring a feeling of "optimism and hope" to those who need it most. On Saturday, December 12, Bocelli, with the help of his 8-year-old daughter Virginia, hosted a special concert event, "Believe in Christmas," streamed live from the Teatro Regio di Parma in Parma, Italy.
During the concert, he performed songs from his new album, Believe, as well as classics like "White Christmas" and "Amazing Grace." He was even joined by his daughter during a powerful performance of "Hallelujah."
The event was his way to extend his love to all those who are suffering. As he explained to CBS News, "the sufferings" are the one thing that unite all of us amid the pandemic. In a recent Instagram post, which shows the opera singer and his daughter making their way toward the stage, he shared why he felt compelled to host a Christmas concert this year.
To 'Believe in Christmas' means to believe in the miracle of life and the love that protects it. The songs I will sing (along with some amazing guests, the choir and the orchestra, and with the invaluable assistance of Franco Dragone, who will imbue every note with pure theatrical enchantment) serve to underline one thing: life triumphs. It’s my way of embracing you, one by one, and wishing you, once more, 'Merry Christmas.'
How to Watch and Stream Andrea Bocelli's Christmas Concert
Bocelli's Easter concert shattered records because it was free and able to be streamed long after the original recording. This time around, they took a more exclusive approach: To watch "Believe in Christmas" on December 12, you had to buy a ticket on Ticketmaster and watch the concert at a specific time.
As of right now, "Believe in Christmas" isn't available for streaming following the live event, but there's a chance that they will release more clips on Bocelli's YouTube channel in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
