Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris hosted its first concert on Saturday since the devastating fire that damaged the building almost 18 months ago.
The concert, which was recorded, featured 20 singers, a soprano soloist, a violinist and a rented organ. The show is set to air on Christmas Eve, The Associated Press reported.
The performers were at a social distance during the show to adhere to the necessary internal COVID-19 security measures of France.
In a statement to the AP, the diocese called the show an “extremely symbolic concert” that was “marked by emotion and hope” and a celebration of the “musical heritage dating back to the Middle Ages.”
Notre Dame usually organizes 60 concerts throughout the year, although the church has given up its normal program since the April 2019 fire.
The disastrous fire consumed the roof of the cathedral and destroyed its tower. It also damaged the church’s 8,000-pipe organ, which will be cleaned in the next four years, but is expected to be operational again in a day, ABC reported in August.
Earlier this month, the church was stabilized, and workers were able to begin some repairs to the buildings.