South African-born opera singer Pretty Yende has done it again with another breathtaking performance, this time at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The popular French landmark – fondly known as “Our Lady of Paris” – was gutted in a fire in 2019. It has since been restored after more than 2000 days of work
On Saturday, 7 December, the church opened its doors to a star-studded reception, which included French President Emmanuel Macron, incoming US President Donald Trump, and Prince William.
PRETTY YENDE PERFORMS AT REOPENING OF NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
As she did at King Charles’ coronation last year, Pretty Yende performed at another historical event: the reopening of Notre Dame.
The 39-year-old, who was born in Mpumalanga – sang Amazing Grace – alongside the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
She shared of the special occasion on her Instagram account: “A divine moment that still heavily resonates in every fiber of my being on this monumental night in the inner court of Notre Dame.
“Its Warmth, Peace, Unity, and Holy Spirit leave a divine mark.
“The Holy Walls of Her Majesty Notre Dame resonated in my gift, a duet perpetuated in the acoustics of my heart and this divine place”.
Pretty Yende said of the refurbished Notre Dame: “It is abundant, available for all.
“Communion, fellowship, peace, joy, a celebratory resurrection, and a new leaf of life for our lady in the heart of Paris.”
Watch the angelic performance below…
SPECIAL SERVICES
According to CNN, the Notre-Dame hosted its first mass since its reopening on Sunday, 8 December. The service will be by invitation only and will include a blessing by the Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich.
A second service – open to the public – will take place on Sunday evening. In the days that follow the church will host two daily services, with a special concert on 17 and 18 December.
IS PRETTY YENDE ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST OPERA SINGERS?
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