In a bid to bring some light in these dark times, Italian classical singer Andrea Bocelli delivered an internet-breaking performance at Milan’s historic Duomo cathedral.

The 61-year-old tenor performed his “Music for Hope” concert from the empty cathedral due to the global coronavirus pandemic which has made any social gathering fatal.

In his three-piece suit and black bow tie, Bocelli performed Bach’s “Ave Maria” and “Sancta Maria” by Pietro Mascagni amidst others. “On the day in which we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, I’m honoured and happy to answer ‘Si’ to the invitation of the City and the Duomo of Milan,” the star said in a message prior to the performance.

“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.

“Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth’s pulsing heart,” he added.

CNN reports that Bocelli was accompanied solely by the cathedral’s organist, Emanuele Vianelli.