Juanes, Andrea Bocelli & The Philadelphia Orchestra to Honor Pope Francisco at the Festival of Families in Philly
How do you welcome his Holiness Pope Francisco to the United States for the first time during his papacy?
You invite world-class acts such as Latin Grammy and Grammy Award-winning Colombian superstar Juanes and highly acclaimed Italian vocal powerhouse Andrea Bocelli, as well as one of the most renowned ensembles in the world, The Philadelphia Orchestra.
This talented trifecta will perform for Pope Francisco and the thousands of fans and supporters and millions of viewers at The World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia at the Festival of Families on Saturday, September 26.
During a press conference in Rome, it was announced that Juanes, Bocelli and The Philadelphia Orchestra are the first officially confirmed artists by the Festival of Families, which will take place on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. In the coming months, other major artists will be added to the stellar line-up.
"The most important mission we have in this journey of life is to learn to love, and what better way than through the family. I am deeply honored by the invitation to sing for Pope Francisco," Juanes said.
Juanes will perform for His Holiness in Philadelphia when he is fresh off his "Crazy Love Tour," which is scheduled for Europe and the United States.
Join us with @AndreaBocelli @Juanes and @PhilaOrchestra for the #WMF2015 #FestivalOfFamilies in #Philly on Sept. 26! pic.twitter.com/O4hIBbveYw
— World Meeting 2015 (@WMF2015) June 23, 2015
Other artists who have performed for the Pope include Gloria Estefan, for Pope John Paul II in 1995; Argentina's Diego Torres, for John Paul II in 2003; and Mexico's Lucero, also for Pope John Paul II in 1997; according to Billboard. In addition, Argentine Martina Sotessel, who plays Violetta in the popular music-minded Argentine soap opera, sang for Pope Francis in Rome in 2014.
It's a great honour to be performing for .@Pontifex in Philadelphia .@WMF2015! #WMOF2015 #FestivalOfFamilies
— Andrea Bocelli (@AndreaBocelli) June 23, 2015
"When we were planning the Festival of Families, we wanted to make sure to bring together artists that represented the world," said Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015. "Having the privilege of Andrea Bocelli, one of the best singers in the world; and Juanes, one of the most popular artists in Latin America, come to Philadelphia for the Festival of Families is a great gift. Having the honor of these incredible artists presented together with our local gem, The Philadelphia Orchestra, makes this event spectacular."
We are humbled & honored to join @WMF2015 for Festival of Families. See you on the Parkway! #PopeInPhilly #WMF2015 cc @Pontifex
— Phila Orchestra (@PhilaOrchestra) June 23, 2015
"Undoubtedly, these actions not only captivate the hearts and imagination of millions of attendees who will enjoy live entertainment on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, but also millions of people around the world can enjoy the concert on television and online," Farrell added.
"This event will be a very special time and we are deeply grateful to Andrea Bocelli, Juanes and the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, being part of this unique event in life."
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