Pavarotti, Luciano

Pavarotti, Luciano

 Luciano Pavarotti was born 12 October 1935 in Modena, Italy. An only child, he was a sport enthusiast growing up. He gained his first fame as a member of his town’s football (soccer) team.

Luciano’s father was an opera-lover and a talented amateur tenor. Luciano first sang with his father in the Modena chorus. When the chorus won an international competition, he knew he wanted to be a professional opera singer.

Luciano made his debut on 29 April 1961 as Rodolfo in LaBoheme. He began singing in various European cities, debuting in London’s Covent Garden in 1963. His US debut followed in 1965 in Miami. His international superstardom can be pinpointed to a performance on 17 February 1972 at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House. In La Fille du Regiment, Luciano sang an aria that contained nine effortless high Cs and the audience erupted. His reputation as one of the world’s greatest tenors was assured and no other opera singer in history has gained his level of international celebrity.

He has not only appeared in the world’s most famous opera halls, but on television, in movies and in arenas and stadiums. In 1993, he performed before 500,000 fans in New York City’s Central Park while millions more watched on television around the world. His recordings have sold in the millions, on par with the world’s most popular rock and pop acts.

Luciano is also dedicated to fostering the careers of young singers by conducting master classes and hosting international competitions. He has also performed concerts to benefit charities, including War Child. 

In 1996, Eric Clapton was invited to perform at the tenor’s War Child Benefit Concert in Modena to benefit the children of Bosnia. The two performed “Holy Mother” together and it was released on the benefit album and video. Eric was invited to participate again at the event in Modena on 27 May 2003

Luciano Pavorotti passed away on 6 September, 2007.