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Recognizing and honoring 14 year-old Bobby Hill for stunning the world with his impromptu, a cappella rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu" for Pope Francis at the recent Festival of Families concert in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Bobby Hill resides in the 4th Councilmanic District. He is presently a freshman at Central High School, where he plays on the varsity golf team. In addition to his love for music and singing, Bobby also enjoys math and social studies. Bobby dreams of headlining at the Met, as well as other nationally renowned venues, such as Broadway; and
WHEREAS, Bobby's love for singing began at home. He started singing in the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia Children's Choir when he was just three years old. At age seven, he joined the Keystone State Boychoir, who was invited to sing for the Pope at the Festival of Families event; and
WHEREAS, With five minutes notice, Bobby was asked to cover an unexpected set change with Webber's beloved piece from his Requiem. With poise beyond his years, Bobby sang on the live telecast for the Holy Father and the millions watching all around the globe. Webber himself called Bobby's rendition, "absolutely stunning." Mark Wahlberg, the event's emcee, declared Bobby to have "the voice of an angel." After the outstanding solo, Bobby confidently presented the Pope with a gift from the Keystone State Boychoir, a stone known as "the rock of Peter," brought back from Antarctica; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Keystone State Boychoir, Bobby sang in the Opera Philadelphia's production of La Boheme at the Academy of Music as a featured performer, as well as appeared as part of the urchin chorus in a one night benefit concert of the musical Oliver at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway, with Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchel. Beyond the Boychoir, Bobby has enjoyed other amazing opportunities to sing in his favorite genre of opera. He had the honor of interpreting the role of "Little Joe...
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