Andrea Bocelli sings at the empty cathedral of Milan. Photo: courtesy of Sugar Music

 Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gave a special performance on Sunday at Milan's iconic Duomo. While there was no audience present, across the globe people tuned in to watch his emotional performance by livestream, uniting the world at a time when many are still isolated at home.

This unique performance offered an uplifting message of love to all suffering from the pandemic as they celebrated Easter Sunday, one of the holiest days of the year for many.

Accompanied only by the cathedral organist, Emanuele Vianelli, Bocelli sung a carefully chosen selection of pieces, specially arranged for solo voice and organ. The songs included "Ave Maria" by Bach and Gounod, and "Amazing Grace."

Bocelli later said he considers the performance to be one of his dearest memories. 

"I will cherish the emotion of this unprecedented and profound experience, of this Holy Easter which this emergency has made painful."

He also thanked those who helped organize the performance. 

"My gratitude goes to all those who made this possible, the City of Milan and the Duomo, and to all those who accepted the invitation and joined in a planetary embrace, gathering that blessing from Heaven that gives us courage, trust, optimism, in the certainty of our faith."

The performance, promoted by the City of Milan and the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, was streamed live via YouTube and produced by Sugar Music and Universal Music Group.