The current COVID-19 pandemic is prompting musicians to sing songs of hope and perseverance. On Easter Sunday, Andrea Bocelli offered a live-streamed performance on Youtube from the Duomo Cathedral in Milan, Italy.

The live stream, which has since been seen by over 36 million viewers, featured Bocelli singing inside the Duomo, which is closed to the public. The performance featured well known sacred repertoire such as "Panis Angelicus" from César Franck's Messe Solenelle and "Ave Maria" arranged by Charles-François Gounod.

"I believe in the strength of praying together; I believe in the Christian Easter, a universal symbol of rebirth that everyone, whether they are believers or not, truly needs right now."

Italy is among the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With nearly 169,000 cases and over 22,000 deaths, Italy's troubles seem far from over. Lockdown is still in effect and doesn't show signs of abating any time soon.

It is in this stark reality that Bocelli lept at the chance to offer hope and inspiration. In a brief statement before the performance, he says that the music is merely a medium for expressing a prayer that could be embraced by all people in this time.