As part of a larger endeavor to raise awareness around social issues with the visual album “24,” composer and pianist Fabio D’Andrea partnered with The Salvation Army USA for the music video “PACE,” featuring the voice of opera singer Freddie De Tommaso and starring reality TV’s Bear Grylls. The video highlights the homelessness epidemic, specifically “hidden homelessness,” with lyrics inspired by the famous Prayer for Peace. 

Fabio is a renowned musician who’s performed and had his music premiered all over the world in many prestigious venues, such as The Paris Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall, and with many leading orchestras and Grammy-winning singers. He began learning the piano at the age of five, and used the skills and discipline acquired through practice in “every other area of learning.” Fabio cites studies from MIT that show music education strengthening brain function and being associated with better academic performance, higher literacy rates, and improved graduation outcomes.  

“That certainly reflects my own experience growing up,” Fabio said. “Beginning musical training at an early age was fundamental. Unlike many academic disciplines where students can start with little prior experience, music requires years of preparation before reaching a professional level. Developing technique, musical understanding, and artistic discipline takes time, so starting young provided the foundation that ultimately made a professional career possible.” 

Evidenced by his efforts with the “24” visual album, Fabio also sees music as an effective tool for change. “Music communicates emotion in a way that transcends language and culture,” he said. “Two people from opposite sides of the world— speaking different languages and coming from entirely different backgrounds — can still experience the same emotional response to a piece of music. That universality makes music one of the most powerful forms of communication we have, particularly when it is used to highlight a social issue or inspire collective action.” 

The Salvation Army, both an agent of social action and no stranger to the power of music, was an easy choice to feature in the video for “PACE.” Fabio noted The Salvation Army’s record as one of the largest providers of homeless services in the United States, as well as their “extraordinary” work in supporting vulnerable communities. He added that it felt entirely natural to involve a Christian organization whose mission reflects the spirit of the lyrics drawn from the Prayer for Peace attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. “[The Salvation Army’s] presence in the video connects the message of the music with the real work being done to help people experiencing homelessness.” 

Fabio hopes that “PACE” and the rest of the visual album “24” inspire people to action. “The words of Jesus in Matthew 26:11 remind us that poverty will always exist in some form,” he said. “While homelessness may never be completely eradicated, it can certainly be reduced. Meaningful change begins when individuals choose to act — however small that action may seem. When those individual efforts accumulate, they have the power to create genuine change within communities.” 

“24” started as just a series of musical and visual works but quickly grew into an expansive project with many moving parts. As it developed, opportunities to address significant social issues through the music videos presented themselves. It was something Fabio didn’t expect when he started, but it ultimately gave the project a far deeper sense of purpose. “It has been both emotional and immensely rewarding.” 

The album was designed to have a visual component so it could be experienced in the most accessible format for the majority of people. “We experience most media through our handheld devices, and it is overwhelmingly visual,” Fabio said.“We no longer simply watch video — we communicate through it every day, whether through video calls, messages, or sharing moments of our lives online.” 

“24” draws on the classical tradition of composing a cycle of 24 piano works across all major and minor keys. By presenting it as a visual album, Fabio aimed to reinterpret that tradition for a modern audience. The added element of social issues gives that audience even more to resonate with. The issues explored in some of the videos are topics that often exist beneath the surface of society — important realities that are present but not always visible. 

One example of such issues that Fabio wanted to highlight in the album is smartphone and social media addiction, which is addressed in the song and video “Another Way.” Fabio acknowledges the many benefits that technology has provided, but the downsides are becoming increasingly prevalent over time. “We often overlook their darker side,” Fabio said.” He noted the worrying numbers of young people struggling with serious mental health challenges, and the added pressure brought on by social media. Fabio also shared that he’s spoken with parents who have tragically lost children in situations involving social media since releasing the video for “Another Way,” and that such stories make it clear that society must take this issue far more seriously and do more to protect future generations. 

With “Another Way,” “PACE,” and the entire “24” album, Fabio hopes listeners connect with the music on an emotional level. Particularly with “PACE,” where Freddie De Tommaso’s voice brings the Prayer for Peace to life in a remarkable way. “There is both strength and deep humanity in his performance,” Fabio said. “If the music and the film inspire people to go into their communities and make even a small difference, then the project will have achieved something meaningful.”

Many of the videos in “24” feature celebrity talent. Notably, “PACE” stars Bear Grylls of reality TV fame. “I’ve spent much of my life surviving in some truly wild places, but the truth is that some of the toughest survival battles happen quietly in our cities every day,” Bear Grylls said. “When Fabio told me about the idea behind ‘PACE’ — highlighting hidden homelessness amongst former military personnel, and the reality that many people are struggling just out of sight — it really resonated with me.” 

Bear Grylls stated that his favorite aspect of “PACE” was the simple human story behind the video. He went on to say that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to help people see something differently. “If this helps shine a light on an issue that affects so many people and supports The Salvation Army who are doing incredible work, then that feels like a worthwhile adventure to be part of.” 

In “PACE,” Bear Grylls portrays a modern version of the Good Samaritan. He’s someone who chooses to stop, notice another person, and help in whatever small way they can. Noticing, choosing to acknowledge another’s suffering, that’s how change begins. “I think the first step is awareness. Many people facing homelessness aren’t always visible in the way we expect. The second step is simple compassion. Taking a moment to notice someone, talk, or help connect them with organizations that support people in crisis.” 

Bear Grylls added that supporting those that are already doing this work on the ground, like The Salvation Army, can make a real difference. “They are there every day helping people rebuild their lives with practical support, dignity and hope. Often it’s these quiet acts of compassion that help someone find their footing again and change the direction of their life.” 

You can watch and listen to “PACE” and the rest of the “24” visual album on Fabio D’Andrea’s YouTube channel.