Andrea Bocelli to sing at World meeting fo Families in Dublin

The internationally-famous Italian tenor last lent his voice to a World Meeting of Families in 2015, in Philadelphia. This time he will sing at Croke Park in Dublin, using music to help communicate the message of the event and to allow families, as he says, “to take home a beautiful memory”.

Personal expectations

News of Bocelli’s participation at the World Meeting of Families created a lot of excitement among his fans and some high expectations among the organizers. But the artist also has some personal ideas about what it means to be part of this event. 

“When you go up on stage”, says Bocelli, “there’s a lot of give and take”. When a performing artist succeeds in giving the best of themselves, “the audience reacts with an affection and gratitude that is extremely satisfying”.

Bocelli says he hopes this will be the case in Ireland, of which he is particularly fond, and where he has a strong fan base.

Faith and music

Pope Francis has often challenged families to be a source and an example of joy in the world. Andrea Bocelli believes that music and singing can contribute to that example. In his case, the aim and purpose of song, he says, “is to give joy, to provide a moment of lightness during which the spirit can fly and reflect and meditate on the meaning of life, on the things that are really important”.

The clearest connection between faith and song was probably expressed by St Augustine, in his famous quote: "Whoever sings prays twice".