Carly Paoli — Music for Mercy, Roman Forum, Rome, 2016

In 2016, during the Jubilee of Mercy called by Pope Francis, British mezzo-soprano Carly Paoli gave the “Music for Mercy” concert at the Roman Forum in Rome, an ancient site turned for one summer evening into a monumental stage. The classical crossover programme grew out of the Holy See’s choice of the “Ave Maria” performed by Carly Paoli as the song of that holy year. Under the baton of maestro Gianluca Marciano, the singer shared the bill with prestigious guests: tenor Andrea Bocelli, producer and pianist David Foster, singer Elaine Paige, singer-songwriter Giovanni Caccamo and the group The Tenors. This live capture documents a meeting of art music, international song and spiritual fervour in an exceptional heritage setting. An ideal live filmed concert for discovering classical crossover and the voice of Carly Paoli, this 2016 Roman event blends grand melodies, emotion and religious symbolism. A rare full concert, captured in the heart of ancient Rome.