Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is to perform at the historic Duomo Cathedral in Milan after accepting an invitation from church leaders.
 
"On the day on which we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, I'm honored and happy to answer 'Sì' to the invitation of the City and the Duomo of Milan," he said. 

There will be no audience present but the concert will be streamed live on YouTube.

Bocelli will be joined only by the cathedral's organist Emanuele Vianelli.

Milan, and its surrounding areas, has been particularly affected by coronavirus. The whole city is in lockdown as authorities attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Announcing the concert, Monsignor Gianantonio Borgonovo, Archpriest of the Duomo of Milan said: "Our 'Hallelujah' is an invitation that we placed in the ark forty days ago and that the flood, which has overwhelmed us all, almost made us forget the joy of expressing it on the day of Easter. 

"The voice and word of Andrea Bocelli reminds us that the reason for our hope does not come from us but it is a gift that comes from God. 

"This is what it means to promote, from our Duomo - the home of the people of Milan - and through the voice of Bocelli, the confidence that the Spirit of the Risen Crucifix will help us shape the days granted to us in the Kingdom of the One who wanted a new humanity, united and fraternal."

Bocelli is hoping the concert will generate prayers for his homeland from across the world.

He said: "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, this wonderful international forge that is reason for Italian pride."

It's hoped those who watch the concert online will give to Bocelli's charitable work which is currently supporting those working against coronavirus.