6 days ago
Andrea Bocelli sings Ave Maria during Mass in Capri
Worshippers attending Mass on the island of Capri on Sunday were treated to a surprise live performance by Andrea Bocelli, the legendary Italian tenor.
The 66-year-old appeared unannounced during an evening service at the Church of Santo Stefano, Capri's oldest place of worship.
Bocelli, holidaying on the island with his wife, stepped into the former cathedral and sang Schubert's Ave Maria, stunning the few dozen people in attendance, including Don Pasquale Irolla, the parish priest.
He gave a soaring 90-second rendition that brought the congregation to their feet. A video of the moment has since gone viral, reaching hundreds of thousands on social media.
He was accompanied by Margherita D'Agostino on the organ and flautist Vladislav Topa, who were both as surprised as everyone else.
'When I saw Bocelli I couldn't believe my eyes,' Mr Topa told La Repubblica. 'I often play in church on Saturdays and Sundays, but doing it with a personality like that was a new and priceless emotion.'
The Church of Santo Stefano is not only a house of worship but also a historical treasure. Overlooking the Piazzetta in the heart of Capri, it is a cornerstone of the island's spiritual and cultural identity.
Earlier this year, Bocelli sang Ave Maria in Lourdes during Holy Week, lending his voice to another sacred setting.
With more than 90 million records sold worldwide, including the multi-platinum Romanza and the best-selling classical album Sacred Arias, he continues to move audiences – whether they've paid for a concert ticket or just happened to pop into church.
