Luciano Pavarotti
Biography
Born in Modena, Italy in 1935, Luciano's first musical experience was as a singer in his city's chorus alongside his father. A trip to Wales with the Gioachino Rossini chorus for The Llangollen International Singing Competition, where they won first prize, spurred on his ambition to become a tenor.
After briefly training to become a teacher, the lure of opera was too great and after winning the prestigious Concorse Internazionale in 1961 he made his operatic debut as Rodolfo in 'La Boheme'.
Dedicated to developing the careers of young singers, Pavarotti established the 'Pavarotti International singing competition', which launched the careers of many singers today including Roberto Alagna. His annual charity concert Pavarotti & Friends brought together artists from a diverse range of musical backgrounds.
He was joined by well-known names in pop, rock and jazz including Bryan Adams, Jon Bon Jovi, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Bono & The Edge of U2, Elton John, Tom Jones, BB King, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Sting, Stevie Wonder and even the Spice Girls, raising millions of dollars for charities in Bosnia, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
In September 2007, after years of ill health and a series of cancelled tours, Pavarotti died at the age of 71.
Music
Pavarotti, recognised as one of the most popular classical artists in the history of the recording industry, performed with some of opera's most illustrious stars on the world's major opera stages including the Metropolitan Opera in NY, Bastille & Garnier in Paris, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and La Scala.
In 1990 he became inextricably linked with football when he performed 'Nessun Dorma' at the opening of the World Cup. Shortly afterwards, his album,'The Essential Pavarotti' became the first classical album to reach No. 1 in the UK pop charts.
He has also recorded 'The Verdi Requiem' and the 'Rossini Stabat Mater', as well as many best-selling solo discs of recitals, aria collections, Neapolitan and Italian songs.
Discography
2007 - Luciano Pavarotti: The Man and his Music
The Pavarotti Story
The Ultimate Collection
Verdi - Il Trovatore
Verdi - Luisa Miller
Verismo Recital
2006 - Essential Opera 2006
Greatest Moments Ever
Mama
The Three Tenors: Opera's Best Ballads
The Three Tenors: Romantic Arias
Verdi: Don Carlo
Pavarotti has an extensive number of recordings. To browse collection click here
