The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli was kneeling in prayer inside the Saint Anastasia Basilica in Verona when the cameras were rolling. It was not a candid moment of piety but the opening for a music video: a fresh remake of Bocelli’s “Ave Maria Pietas.” The opening verse is familiar:
Ave Maria (Hail Mary) Gratia plena (Full of Grace)In this version, Bocelli is joined in the second verse by a warm, crystal-clear female voice—leading star of the opera world, the elegant Russian soprano Aida Garifullina. She is donning a sparkling white gown, echoing his words and gestures of devotion.
Aida Garifullina and Andrea Bocelli perform as part of the 2017 Celebrity Fight Night in Italy. ©Getty Images | Jonathan Leibson
