Life of The Great Tenor, Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti (October 12, 1935 – September 6, 2007) was a celebrated Italian tenor and one of the most popular vocal performers in the world of opera and across multiple musical genres. Known for his televised concerts, media appearances, and as one of The Three Tenors, Pavarotti was also noted for his award-winning charity work, raising money on behalf of refugees, the Red Cross and other worthy causes.

Pavarotti began his career as a tenor uneventfully. He sang opera in obscurity throughout Europe, but broke out after a performance with soprano Joan Sutherland, who invited the young tenor to join her in touring internationally. By the 1970s, Pavarotti had become known worldwide, famed for the brilliance and beauty of his tone especially into the upper register.[1] His "high C" would be one of his trademarks.

Pavarotti was launched into popular culture after a performance of Nessun Dorma for the opening ceremony of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. The first of the famed The Three Tenors concerts was held on the eve of the final match of the tournament in which Pavarotti performed together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. Through these performances, Pavarotti brought hits previously confined to the opera world to a much wider audience; Pavarotti further spread his influence with appearances in advertisements and concerts with pop stars. Unlike many crossover artists, Pavarotti always maintained his identity as an opera star.

Key dates in Luciano Pavarotti's life




• Oct. 12, 1935: Pavarotti born in Modena, Italy.

• 1961: Wins a local competition and with it a debut as Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Boheme," in Reggio Emilia, a city not far from his native town.

Marries Adua Veroni, with whom he will have three daughters.

• 1963: Appears at Covent Garden in London, where he stands in for tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano as Rodolfo.

• 1965: Appears at La Scala theater in Milan.

• 1968: Appears at New York's Metropolitan Opera House and in San Francisco.

• 1981: Takes part in film "Yes Giorgio."

• 1982: Takes part in film "Rigoletto."

• 1982: First sings in Aida for the San Francisco Opera.

• 1986: Travels to China.

• 1987: Sings for the first time in Buenos Aires.

• 1988: His recording of "Volare" goes platinum.

• 1989: Debuts as director in "La Favorita."

• 1990: Performs in Hyde Park, London, to celebrate 30 years of his career.

• 1990: Performs with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, on the final weekend of the World Cup. The trio was dubbed "The Three Tenors," and they sang together at three more World Cup finals.

• 1993: Recording of the "Pavarotti & Friends" charity concert in Modena featuring Sting, Lucio Dalla and Zucchero.

• 1994: Tours Asia.

• 1995: Sets up "Pavarotti International" concert for Bosnia, tours South America.

• 1996: Is accused of filing false tax returns for 1989-91.

• 1997: Performs in Moscow's Red Square.

• 2000: Agrees to pay nearly 25 billion lire (roughly US$12 million) to the Italian state after he had unsuccessfully claimed that the tax haven of Monte Carlo rather than Italy was his official residence.

• December 2003: Marries his longtime companion, Nicoletta Mantovani.

• March 2004: Gives his final performance in staged opera at New York's Metropolitan Opera House and announces that he will begin a 40-date farewell tour around the world.

• September 2005: Receives a medieval British honor in recognition of his fundraising and humanitarian work with the Red Cross.

• February 2006: Performs "Nessun Dorma," from Puccini's "Turandot" at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

Is also declared honorary citizen by Sarajevo's authorities because of his support for Bosnia during the 1992-95 war.

• July 2006: Doctors discover a malignant pancreatic mass as Pavarotti is preparing to leave New York to resume a farewell tour. He has surgery.

• August 2007: Undergoes further treatment at a hospital in Modena.

• Sept. 6, 2007: Dies at his home in Modena.