Notre Dame’s re-opening on December 7, 2024 marked not only the restoration of a historic monument, but the reaffirmation of a global symbol of perseverance - an inspiring reminder that beauty and faith endure. A highlight of the ceremony was the performance of the timeless hymn Amazing Grace by South African soprano Pretty Yende, accompanied by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. Opening a cappella, Yende’s luminous voice resonated throughout the newly restored cathedral. As the orchestra entered under Dudamel’s expert direction, the music evolved into a moment of profound reflection and unity. One year on from this momentous performance, the live recording is released on the Platoon label.
On December 12, Platoon announced the release of Amazing Grace, featuring soprano Pretty Yende and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France led by Gustavo Dudamel, recorded live from Notre Dame's reopening on December 7, 2024.
Pretty Yende said “Amazing Grace has travelled through centuries of suffering, hope, repentance, and renewal. To sing it beneath the restored vaults of Notre-Dame — a cathedral that itself has known fire, silence, and resurrection — was an experience beyond words. In that moment, the music did not belong to me. It belonged to memory, to faith, to humanity."
Gustavo Dudamel added “The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris was a profound moment of unity, a message of rebuilding and hope. I have always believed that music is more than just entertainment - it can heal, comfort, and bring us closer together, and it was deeply meaningful to reopen the Cathedral with music after such a tragedy. To be able to now share this hymn of faith and resilience, sung by the miraculous Pretty Yende, is truly a gift."
