Andrea Bocelli performing in Gibraltar in 2019. Photo Credit: InfoGibraltar
Internationally beloved tenor Andre Bocelli revealed in a recent Facebook post that he tested positive for – and fully recovered from – the novel coronavirus in March.
Through the mentioned Facebook update, the 61-year-old Italian stated that “the pandemic which has shaken the world has also affected – albeit mildly – me and certain members of my family.”
Out of respect for the many who’ve experienced substantial health complications as a result of COVID-19, and to protect his privacy, Bocelli previously refrained from announcing the diagnosis publicly. However, the Lajatico native indicated that he and his loved ones experienced a “swift and full recovery by the end of March.”
This timeline makes Bocelli’s touching Easter Sunday (April 12th) “Music for Hope” performance, which was filmed at the famed Milan Cathedral, even more impressive. Evidently, not even COVID-19 could keep him from delivering music (and much-needed support) to his fellow Italians and individuals around the world.
“Music for Hope” broke YouTube’s all-time live viewership record for a classical music performance.
Concluding his coronavirus-centered update, Andrea Bocelli noted that he also donated blood in an effort to help medical professionals and scientists more quickly develop a viable coronavirus vaccine: “A modest — but fundamental — gesture, through which I am playing my small part.”
On social media, a sizable number of fans have voiced support for Bocelli.
“I’m so sorry to hear this, it must have been such a worrying time for you all, but I’m so very grateful and glad you have all recovered,” wrote one individual.
“Thank you maestro for your amazing music which elevates our souls in difficult times…” tweeted another person.
Italian medical professionals have diagnosed over 231,000 COVID-19 cases to date, while more than 33,000 citizens have perished as a result of the disease’s complications.
On May 18th, following approximately two months of strict lockdown measures, Italian government officials rolled back a major portion of their country’s coronavirus-prevention measures. Over the weekend, many young Italians visited beaches and celebrated the relative return to normalcy.