Andrea Bocelli, Matteo and Virginia ‘astonished and overwhelmed’ to perform at White House | Music | Entertainment | Express.co.uk

2021-12-22 06:41:08 By : Ms. Grace Xiao

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Andrea Bocelli has managed to continue singing all over the world. The 63-year-old has been performing with his talented children, rising stars Matteo Bocelli and Virginia Bocelli. And now the three have been invited to perform for a PBS special airing tonight called The White House: Spirit of the Season.

Taped from December 11-14, the special performance featuring President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden will be hosted by Jennifer Garner.

Alongside the three Bocellis, the other performers include Camila Cabello, Eric Church, the Jonas Brothers, Norah Jones, Pentatonix and Billy Porter.

Plus the Northwell Health Nurse Choir, Voices of Service and The President’s Own United States Marine Band.

Andrea has shared pictures of him and his family meeting the Bidens at the White House and in the Oval Office, as Virginia recreated a famous JFK photograph with the president.

READ MORE: Matteo Bocelli performs beautiful acoustic White Christmas: New video

Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music!

A post shared by Andrea Bocelli (@andreabocelliofficial)

The Italian tenor’s 9-year-old daughter was seen sitting at the Resolute desk, which was gifted from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B Hayes in 1880.

Virginia was also captured crawling through the kneehole, reenacting the famous Stanley Tretick photo of John F Kennedy Jr doing the same as his father President JFK worked in 1963.

The kneehole’s panel was installed at the request of World War II President FDR, who hid his paralytic illness from the public eye. However, it wasn’t installed until after his sudden death in 1945.

On the honour of performing at the White House for the 46th president, Andrea wrote on his Instagram a touching tribute.

A post shared by Matteo Bocelli (@matteobocelli)

The Italian tenor said: “As an artist, a father, and a close friend of the United States, I am happy and grateful to have received an invite that honours myself, my family and above all my beloved Italy. Thank you to President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for inviting us to the 2021 edition of Spirit of the season.

“Another dream of mine has become a reality in this great earthly adventure that began in a small town in the Tuscan countryside. Alongside my extraordinary colleagues and children Matteo and Virginia, I’ll be wishing the world a peaceful Christmas and a bright future full of love and hope.

“Taking part in such a vast tribute to beauty at the White House, a place so rich in meaning, replenishes me, reminding me that art is always a gift from the Heavens to elevate the spirit. Miracles come from on high, but good works and virtuous choices come from the efforts of humanity. By helping us to imagine the kind of ideal world we’d all like to live in, art can be an invaluable advisor and a great source of support. We must all do our part to make that world a reality.”

His son Matteo, who has released his debut single Solo, has also said how amazing an opportunity it was to perform at the White House.

DON'T MISS Andrea Bocelli son Matteo Bocelli 'overwhelmed’ recording debut single [MATTEO] Andrea Bocelli gives goosebump-inducing rendition of The Prayer WATCH [ANDREA] Matteo Bocelli sings Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called to Say I Love You [MATTEO]

Matteo wrote on his Instagram: “The White House is the most iconic building in the world, representing the United States and its values. When I received this invitation I was astonished and overwhelmed with joy. It took my breath away.

“Visiting the White House and performing along with my father Andrea Bocelli for the President of the United States and the First Lady was a one-of-a-kind opportunity that I will never forget.

“I want to thank all the people involved in the making of this fantastic event PBS, Ken Enlrich and above all the President of the United States and the First Lady for welcoming me and my family to the White House.”

The White House: Spirit of the Season is broadcast in the US on PBS tonight at 8pm EST.

See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.