Andrea Bocelli, Kenny G, other artists surprise girl in piano recital
World’s beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli was just among a handful of musicians and artists who surprised a 14-year-old girl during her Hannukah piano recital.
Dvora Polak, who performed for children’s health organization Chai Lifeline’s Global Gala, has been unable to leave her home for years due to a rare health condition, according to a representative of the organization as reported by People Magazine on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The global gala is a virtual event that aims to support children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses.
As per Chai Lifeline’s video of her performance, Polak believed she was performing solo, unaware of the surprise the organization had arranged for her.
In the beginning of Polak’s performance, she could be seen playing the piano alone. Seconds later, however, musicians joined in to back her, including saxophonist Kenny G, violinists Joshua Bell and Caroline Campbell, 13-year-old drummer Jacob Velasquez of “America’s Got Talent” fame, cellist Sophia Alexandra and pianist Chloe Flower, among many others.
After her performance, Bocelli appeared in the video to deliver a short and sweet message to the girl.
Article continues after this advertisement“My dear Dvora, I know that you love very much music and I know also that every musician loves you, as you know, and I really hope to meet you as soon as possible,” Bocelli said.
Article continues after this advertisementPolak, who dreams of becoming a pianist and singer, was over the moon about the surprise.
“While I was excited to perform before a large virtual audience at Chai Lifeline’s Gala, I was not expecting this wonderful surprise,” she told People. “Having the opportunity to play the piano with all of these amazing musicians is something my family and I will never forget. Music is what gives me strength and always helped me feel happy.” Cody Cepeda /ra
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