We’re not showing you a preview of Pharrell Williams’ upcoming Voices of Fire concert in Vatican City on September 13, 2025. Today’s video is a Paris production. In Rome, Pharrell will co-direct with Andrea Bocelli the ‘Grace for the World’ closing celebration of the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity. The “landmark cultural and spiritual event” will take place in St. Peter’s Square and will stream live on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. ET.

According to a press release, the concert will “bring together music, reflection, and visual storytelling in a singular live experience,” and feature live performances by Bocelli, Williams with the Voices of Fire Gospel Choir, Teddy Swims, John Legend, a 250-person international choir and more talents. There will also be an aerial drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, including imagery inspired by the Sistine Chapel.

Pharrell called the upcoming gathering “a rare cultural moment where the world stops and collectively tunes in. It is a message of unity and grace for all of humanity”.

The Vatican event also dovetails beautifully with Williams’ new role for the Paris-based U.N. cultural agency. His appointment involves promoting initiatives including the protection of indigenous cultures, the advancement of education and health care for women and raising awareness about genocide prevention and safeguarding cultural heritage.

"Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one," Williams, said in accepting his UN appointment. Pharrell said by taking up the role he hoped to "deepen that sense of unity and togetherness" by doing work that "evens the odds for marginalized communities."

Notre Dame Reopening Concert in Paris, December 7 2024

Notre Dame Cathedral reopening Concert in Paris, December 7, 2024.

Below is Anne’s favorite Norfolk-Virginia Beach dose of morning joy singing at the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris last December 7, 2024.

The star-studded concert included performances both inside and outside the cathedral, a stunning light display on the façade, and a commemorative service attended by international dignitaries. The concert marked the culmination of a five-year restoration effort after a devastating 2019 fire — in which the Notre Dame bees lived on the roof throughout the blazing inferno.

With LVMH being a key financial backer in the restoration of Notre Dame, donating approximately $226 million, the survival of the bees cannot be ignored. Before writing, I queried to be certain that the bees remain on the roof of the Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris. Confirmed.

Louis Vuitton has been harvesting honey from these hives since 2009, bottling it under the "La Belle Jardinière" label. The honey is not for sale, but is given as gifts to friends of the company.

Beekeeping worldwide is also a core plank of LVMH’s Guerlain business sustainability efforts. That initiative is led by Guerlain ambassador Angelina Jolie. The article below is focused on 2023 operations in the Yucatan. In 2025, the Guerlain #WWomenforBees project is operating in the Xishuangbanna Biosphere Reserve in China, along with other continuing programs in UNESCO biosphere reserves and with local NGOs globall

An Ode to Unity, Art and Culture at Notre Dame Event

Pharrell’s message at the reopening of Nortre Dame was an “ode to unity, art, and culture”.

I’m not certain the the performers of Voices of Fire ever dreamed their lives could change so dramatically with Pharrell’s appointment as Creative Director of Louis Vuitton Men.

AOC is sharing Voices of Fire and their sound with the world at every opportunity. Their positive, enthralling call to joy — no matter what danger or evil or corruption or adversity is facing us — is both inspiring and soul-nourishing.

Voices of Fire is my biggest dose of standing tall and facing reality head-on in today’s complex world, eyeball to eyeball until I stare them down, they take me out, or we reach a shared understanding of the situation before us and how to proceed.

Meanwhile, more big news for Pharrell and the entire Louis Vuitton executive team concerning a major project in Los Angeles. Will Voices of Fire open that dream-come-true mega store and cultural center? I’d take that prediction to the bank.

Related and posted today Sept. 1, 2025: 2024 Rumor Confirmed: Louis Vuitton Is At Bat for Beverly Hills Cheval Blanc Axed Property AOC Daily