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112-700: The first opera to be performed in Chicago was Bellini's La sonnambula , presented by a traveling opera company on 29 July 1850. Chicago's first opera house opened in 1865 but was destroyed in the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871. The second opera house, the Chicago Auditorium , opened in 1889. In 1929, the current Civic Opera House on 20 North Wacker Drive was opened, though the Chicago Civic Opera Company itself collapsed in

224-529: A nodule developed on his vocal cords , causing a "disastrous" concert in Ferrara , he decided to give up singing. Pavarotti attributed his immediate improvement to the psychological release connected with this decision. Whatever the reason, the nodule not only disappeared but, as he related in his autobiography: "Everything I had learned came together with my natural voice to make the sound I had been struggling so hard to achieve". Pavarotti began his career as

336-600: A scenario for a ballet-pantomime written by Eugène Scribe and choreographed by Jean-Pierre Aumer called La somnambule, ou L'arrivée d'un nouveau seigneur . The ballet had premiered in Paris in September 1827 at the height of a fashion for stage works incorporating somnambulism. The role of Amina was originally written for the soprano sfogato Giuditta Pasta and the tenor Giovanni Battista Rubini , but during Bellini's lifetime another soprano sfogato, Maria Malibran ,

448-492: A child, Pavarotti enjoyed playing football . When he graduated from the Scuola Magistrale he was interested in pursuing a career as a professional football goalkeeper , but his mother convinced him to train as a teacher. He subsequently taught in an elementary school for two years but finally decided to pursue a music career. His father, recognising the risk involved, only reluctantly gave his consent. Pavarotti began

560-531: A complete L'elisir d'amore with Sutherland. His breakthrough in the United States came on 17 February 1972, in a production of La fille du régiment at New York's Metropolitan Opera , in which he hit nine high Cs in the signature aria and had seventeen curtain calls. Pavarotti sang his international recital début at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri , on 1 February 1973, as part of

672-478: A little later than the original date. Its success was partly due to the differences between Romani's earlier libretti and this one, as well as "the accumulation of operatic experience which both [Bellini] and Romani had brought to its creation." Press reactions were universally positive, as was that of the Russian composer, Mikhail Glinka , who attended and wrote overwhelmingly enthusiastically: After its premiere,

784-666: A loss of sponsorship. The issue was resolved at the 11th hour for the October 21, 2006 premiere of Richard Strauss 's opera Salome starring Deborah Voigt . Syndicated broadcast of Lyric resumed in May 2007 on the WFMT network, which was included on XM Satellite Radio before it merged and became SiriusXM Radio. The company's permanent home is the Civic Opera House , sections of the building which it rented from 1954 until after

896-532: A mill in the background As the betrothal procession of Amina and Elvino approaches, the villagers all proclaiming joy for Amina, Lisa, the proprietress of the inn, comes outside expressing her misery: Tutto è gioia, tutto è festa...Sol per me non non v'ha contento / "All is joy and merriment... I alone am miserable". She is consumed with jealousy for she had once been betrothed to Elvino and had been abandoned by him in favour of Amina. The lovelorn Alessio arrives, but she rejects his advances. All assembled proclaim

1008-526: A new Zeffirelli production of Don Carlos , conducted by Riccardo Muti. Pavarotti became even better known throughout the world in 1990 when his rendition of the aria " Nessun dorma " from Giacomo Puccini 's Turandot was taken as the theme song of BBC 's coverage of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. The aria achieved pop status, became the World Cup soundtrack, and it remained his trademark song. This

1120-764: A production which was revived in Spring 2014 with Diana Damrau singing the role of Amina. A production was mounted by The Royal Opera in London in 2011, by the Salzburger Landestheater in Salzburg 2015, and by the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich in 2015/2016. The first mezzo-soprano to record the role was Frederica von Stade in 1980, followed by Cecilia Bartoli . Scene 1: A village,

1232-599: A record attendance of 150,000. In June 1993, more than 500,000 listeners gathered for his free performance on the Great Lawn of New York's Central Park , while millions more around the world watched on television. The following September, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, he sang for an estimated crowd of 300,000. Following on from the original 1990 concert, the Three Tenors concerts were held during

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1344-532: A sciatic nerve required two months of treatment. On 12 December 1998, he became the first (and, to date, only) opera singer to perform on Saturday Night Live , singing alongside Vanessa L. Williams . He also sang with U2 in the band's 1995 song " Miss Sarajevo " and with Mercedes Sosa in a big concert at the Boca Juniors arena La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1999. In 1998, Pavarotti

1456-412: A statement, "The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterised his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness". Pavarotti's funeral was held at Modena Cathedral . The then Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Kofi Annan attended. The Frecce Tricolori ,

1568-537: A subject for the following winter's opera became more urgent. That Pasta owned a house near Como and would be staying there over the summer was the reason that Felice Romani traveled to meet both her and Bellini. By 15 July they had decided on a subject for early 1831, but it was uncertain as to whether Pasta was interested in singing a trousers role , that of the protagonist, Ernani, in an adaptation of Victor Hugo's Hernani , later set to music by Giuseppe Verdi in 1844. With both men having various other commitments, by

1680-830: A tenor in smaller regional Italian opera houses, making his debut as Rodolfo in La bohème at the Teatro Municipale in Reggio Emilia in April 1961. His first known recording of " Che gelida manina " was recorded during this performance. Pavarotti's first of two marriages was to Adua Veroni which lasted from 1961 to 2000 and they had three daughters: Lorenza, Cristina, and Giuliana. He made his first international appearance in La traviata in Belgrade , Yugoslavia . Very early in his career, on 23 February 1963, he debuted at

1792-420: Is innocent because she did not come to his room awake – she is a somnambulist, a sleepwalker: (Duet, first Elvino Signor Conte, agli occhi miei / negar fede non poss'io / "I cannot deny, my lord, what my eyes have seen"; then Rodolfo V'han certuni che dormendo / "Certain people when they sleep go about as if awake".) Elvino refuses to believe him and calls upon Lisa to leave, but at that moment Teresa begs

1904-767: Is inscribed on Bellini's tomb in the Catania Cathedral in Sicily. Returning to Milan after the I Capuleti e i Montecchi performances in March 1830, little occurred until the latter part of April when Bellini was able to negotiate a contracts with both the Milan house for the autumn of 1831 and another for the 1832 Carnival season at La Fenice in Venice; these operas were to become Norma for La Scala and Beatrice di Tenda for Venice. Writing to his uncle in Sicily,

2016-489: Is not in doubt, and, as Weinstock comments, "he was as ready as most other composers of his era to reuse in a new situation musical passages created for a different, earlier one". During Bellini's lifetime another sfogato , Maria Malibran , was to become a notable exponent of the role of Amina. With its pastoral setting and story, La sonnambula was an immediate success and is still regularly performed. The title role of Amina (the sleepwalker ) with its high tessitura

2128-446: Is now administered by Dan Novak, director; Craig Terry, music director; Julia Faulkner, director of vocal studies, and Renée Fleming , advisor. Notes Sources La sonnambula La sonnambula ( Italian pronunciation: [la sonˈnambula] ; The Sleepwalker ) is an opera semiseria in two acts, with music in the bel canto tradition by Vincenzo Bellini set to an Italian libretto by Felice Romani , based on

2240-448: Is renowned for its difficulty, requiring a complete command of trills and florid technique, but it fitted Pasta's vocal capabilities, her soprano also having been described as a soprano sfogato , one which designates a contralto who is capable—by sheer industry or natural talent—of extending her upper range and being able to encompass the coloratura soprano tessitura . The opera's premiere performance took place on 6 March 1831,

2352-451: Is unable to tear her image from his heart: (Aria, then chorus: Ah! Perché non posso odiarti, infedel, com'io vorrei! / "Why cannot I despise you, faithless, as I should?") Scene 2: The village, as in act 1 Lisa, Alessio, Elvino and the villagers are in the square. Elvino declares that he will renew his vows and proceed to marry Lisa. She is delighted. As they are about to go to the church, Rodolfo enters and tries to explain that Amina

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2464-520: The "Freedom of London Award" and The Red Cross "Award for Services to Humanity" , for his work in raising money for that organisation, and the 1998 " MusiCares Person of the Year " , given to humanitarian heroes by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences . He was a National Patron of Delta Omicron , an international professional music fraternity. His first will was opened

2576-549: The 1990 FIFA World Cup before a global audience, Pavarotti became well known for his televised concerts and media appearances. From the beginning of his professional career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy to his final performance of " Nessun dorma " at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin , Pavarotti was at his best in bel canto operas, pre- Aida Verdi roles, and Puccini works such as La bohème , Tosca , Turandot and Madama Butterfly . He sold over 100 million records, and

2688-515: The BBC , Pavarotti rejected the allegation that he could not read music, although he acknowledged he did not read orchestral scores. His awards and honours include Kennedy Center Honors in 2001. He also holds two Guinness World Records : one for receiving the most curtain calls (165) and another for the best-selling classical album ( Carreras Domingo Pavarotti in Concert by the Three Tenors ;

2800-697: The Great Depression . The old Auditorium continued to produce stage shows and musicals until it closed in 1941. Resident opera companies began in Chicago in 1910 with the Chicago Grand Opera Company being formed from the remains of the Manhattan Opera Company, which had been founded by Oscar Hammerstein I, and had been squeezed out by the more financially sound Metropolitan Opera. Chicago had this first company for four seasons, then, after no season in 1914/15, it

2912-618: The International Eisteddfod in Llangollen , Wales. He later said that this was the most important experience of his life, and that it inspired him to become a professional singer. At about this time Pavarotti first met Adua Veroni. They married in 1961. When his teacher Arrigo Pola moved to Japan, Pavarotti became a student of Ettore Campogalliani , who at that time was also teaching Pavarotti's childhood friend, Mirella Freni , whose mother worked with Luciano's mother in

3024-664: The Italy-USA Foundation 's America Award in 2013 and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2014. In addition to his very large discography of opera performances Pavarotti also made many classical crossover and pop recordings, the Pavarotti & Friends series of concerts and, for Decca, a series of studio recital albums: first six albums of opera arias and then, from 1979, six albums of Italian song. The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by

3136-688: The Kennedy Center ; the Kennedy Center Honors , He was surprised by the appearance of Secretary-General of the United Nations and that year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize , Kofi Annan , who lauded him for his contribution to humankind. Six months prior, Pavarotti had held a large charity concert for Afghan refugees, particularly children in his home town of Modena, Italy. Other honours he received include

3248-674: The Metropolitan Opera in 1963, where the role become one of her most significant successes. While not part of the standard repertory, La sonnambula is performed reasonably frequently in the 21st century. It has been given three productions with Natalie Dessay , the first at the Santa Fe Opera in 2004, the second in Paris in January/February 2010, and the third at the Metropolitan Opera in 2009,

3360-659: The Nansen Medal from the UN High Commission for Refugees for his efforts in raising money on behalf of refugees worldwide. Through benefit concerts and volunteer work, he has raised more than any other individual. Also in 2001, Pavarotti was chosen one of that year's five recipients by the President and First Lady as an honoree for their lifetime achievements in the arts at the White House , followed by

3472-596: The PalaTrussardi in Milan, produced and wrote the television documentary The Best is Yet to Come , an extensive biography about the life of Pavarotti. Lara Saint Paul was the interviewer for the documentary with Pavarotti, who spoke candidly about his life and career. Pavarotti's rise to stardom was not without occasional difficulties, however. He earned a reputation as "The King of Cancellations" by frequently backing out of performances, and his unreliable nature led to poor relationships with some opera houses. This

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3584-704: The Salzburg Festival Hall flew black flags in mourning. Tributes were published by many opera houses, such as London's Royal Opera House . Pavarotti's one venture into film was Yes, Giorgio (1982), a romantic comedy movie directed by Franklin J. Schaffner , in which he starred as the main character Giorgio Fini. The film was a critical and commercial failure, although it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Music, Original Song. He can be seen to better advantage in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle 's movie Rigoletto , an adaptation of

3696-588: The Spice Girls , Sting and Barry White to raise money for several UN causes. Concerts were held for War Child , and victims of war and civil unrest in Bosnia, Guatemala, Kosovo and Iraq. After the war in Bosnia , he financed and established the Pavarotti Music Centre in the southern city of Mostar to offer Bosnia's artists the opportunity to develop their skills. For these contributions,

3808-943: The Vienna State Opera and La Scala . Vienna saw Pavarotti as Rodolfo in La bohème with Carlos Kleiber conducting and again Mirella Freni was Mimi; as Nemorino in L'elisir d'amore ; as Radames in Aida conducted by Lorin Maazel; as Rodolfo in Luisa Miller ; and as Gustavo in Un ballo in maschera conducted by Claudio Abbado. In 1996, Pavarotti appeared for the last time at the Staatsoper in Andrea Chénier . Throughout

3920-817: The Vienna State Opera in the same role. In March and April 1963 Vienna saw Pavarotti again as Rodolfo and as Duca di Mantova in Rigoletto . The same year saw his first concert outside Italy when he sang in Dundalk , Ireland for the St Cecilia's Gramophone Society, he was engaged by the Dublin Grand Opera Society to sing The Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto in May and June, and his Royal Opera House debut, where he replaced an indisposed Giuseppe Di Stefano as Rodolfo. In 1964, when Pavarotti

4032-670: The first Three Tenors recording became the best-selling classical album of all time. Pavarotti was also noted for his charity work on behalf of refugees and the Red Cross , amongst others. He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1988, and died from pancreatic cancer on 6 September 2007. Luciano Pavarotti was born in 1935 on the outskirts of Modena in Northern Italy ,

4144-436: The 1950s bel canto revivals up to the publication of his book in 1971. The opera was rescued from the ornamental excesses and misrepresentations more similar to the baroque style than the bel canto of Bellini when it was sung by Maria Callas in the now-famous 1955 production by Luchino Visconti at La Scala . Contributing to the revivals were Joan Sutherland 's taking the role of Amina at Covent Garden in 1961 and at

4256-450: The 1978 film of the same name directed by Robert Altman . It premiered during Lyric's 50th-anniversary season. During the 2015/16 season, the company premiered its latest commission, Bel Canto by Peruvian composer Jimmy López with a libretto by Nilo Cruz based on the novel by Ann Patchett . Lyric's productions were broadcast and nationally syndicated by WFMT Radio Network, from 1971 until 2001. The broadcasts ceased then because of

4368-577: The 1980s and 90s, promoters Tibor Rudas and Harvey Goldsmith booked Pavarotti into increasingly larger venues. In 1985, Pavarotti sang Radames at La Scala opposite Maria Chiara in a Luca Ronconi production conducted by Maazel, recorded on video. His performance of the aria "Celeste Aida" received a two-minute ovation on the opening night. He was reunited with Mirella Freni for the San Francisco Opera production of La bohème in 1988, also recorded on video. In 1992, La Scala saw Pavarotti in

4480-677: The 1993 renovations, when it bought those facilities. It is a 1929 structure with an Art Deco interior. Its 3,563-seat capacity makes it the second-largest opera auditorium in North America after the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The interior was named The Ardis Krainik Theatre in 1996 in honor of Ardis Krainik, the former General Director, who was responsible for its renovation from 1993 onwards. In 2017, Lyric Opera of Chicago as house manager of

4592-659: The Australia tour that summer, she recommended the young Pavarotti as he was acquainted with the role. Shortly after, on 28 April, Pavarotti made his La Scala debut in the revival of the Franco Zeffirelli production of La bohème, with his childhood friend Mirella Freni singing Mimi and Herbert von Karajan conducting. Karajan had requested the singer's engagement. During the Australia tour in summer 1965, Sutherland and Pavarotti sang some forty performances over two months, and Pavarotti later credited Sutherland for

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4704-533: The Balanchine technique. Because of Fox's illnesses and her refusal to lower her artistic standards despite Lyric's dire financial state in 1980, her resignation was sought and given. She died a few months later, survived by a daughter, Victoria. It was of Lyric's founder that Saul Bellow wrote in 1979 "Miss Fox will be remembered, together with Jane Addams of Hull House and Harriet Monroe of Poetry magazine, as one of Chicago's greatest women." Throughout

4816-591: The Count picks up. He sees the approaching phantom whom he recognises as Amina. She enters the room, walking in her sleep, all the while calling for Elvino and asking where he is. Realising that her nocturnal wanderings have given rise to the story of the village phantom, Rodolfo is about to take advantage of her helpless state. But then he is struck by her obvious innocence and refrains: (Scene: first Rodolfo: O ciel! che tento / "God! What am I doing?"; then, separately, Amina: Oh! come lieto è il popolo / "How happy all

4928-490: The Italian government more than $ 7.6 million in back taxes and penalties as a result of tax evasion charges that dated from 1989 to 1995. Pavarotti was subsequently fully acquitted by an Italian court of filing false tax returns in 2001. On 13 December 2003, he married his second wife and former personal assistant, Nicoletta Mantovani (born 1969), with whom he already had another daughter, Alice. Alice's twin brother, Riccardo,

5040-529: The Lyric Opera School by Carol Fox, is the professional artist-development program for Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Ryan Opera Center is considered one of the most prestigious vocal programs in America, and has produced notable singers, including: Approximately a dozen young singers are selected from the near 400 who audition annually, and they are in residence for twelve months. Over the course of

5152-502: The aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force , flew overhead, leaving green-white-red smoke trails. After a funeral procession through the centre of Modena, Pavarotti's coffin was taken the final ten kilometres (6 miles) to Montale Rangone, a village part of Castelnuovo Rangone , and was interred in the Pavarotti family crypt. The funeral, in its entirety, was also telecast live on CNN . The Vienna State Opera and

5264-520: The album as a wedding gift to Nicoletta Mantovani. That same year he was made a Commander of Monaco's Order of Cultural Merit . In 2004, one of Pavarotti's former managers, Herbert Breslin , published a book, The King & I . Seen by critics as bitter and sensationalistic , it is critical of the singer's acting (in opera), his inability to read music well and learn parts, and his personal conduct, although acknowledging their success together. In an interview in 2005 with Jeremy Paxman on

5376-533: The baton to Enrique Mazzola , Lyric Opera's current music director and principal conductor. Danny Newman was the company's long-time press agent from 1954 until his retirement in the 2001-2002 season. Newman is largely credited as the founder of subscription-based arts marketing, the standard economic model for not-for-profit arts organizations in the US. Philip David Morehead was head of music staff until his retirement in 2015. Anthony Freud became general director of

5488-489: The beauty of Amina: In Elvezia non v'ha rosa / fresca e cara al par d'Amina / "In Switzerland there is no flower sweeter, dearer than Amina". Then Amina comes out of the mill with her adoptive mother, Teresa, the mill owner. Amina thanks her, also expressing her thanks to her assembled friends for their kind wishes. (Aria: Come per me sereno / oggi rinacque il di! / "How brightly this day dawned for me".) Additionally, she thanks Alessio, who tells her that he has composed

5600-400: The breathing technique that would sustain him over his career. After the extended Australian tour, he returned to La Scala, where he added Tebaldo from I Capuleti e i Montecchi to his repertoire on 26 March 1966, with Giacomo Aragall as Romeo. His first appearance as Tonio in Donizetti's La fille du régiment took place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on 2 June of that year. It

5712-422: The castle, whose lord has been dead for four years. When Teresa explains that his son had vanished some years previously, the stranger assures them that he is alive and will return. As darkness approaches the villagers warn him that it is time to be indoors to avoid the village phantom: A fosco cielo, a notte bruna,/ al fioco raggio d'incerta luna / "When the sky is dark at night, and the moon's rays are weak, at

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5824-443: The cigar factory. Like Pavarotti, Freni went on to become a successful opera singer; they would go on to collaborate in various stage performances and recordings together. During his years of musical study, Pavarotti held part-time jobs in order to sustain himself—first as an elementary school teacher and then as an insurance salesman. The first six years of study resulted in only a few recitals, all in small towns and without pay. When

5936-401: The city in 1943. For the following year, they rented a single room from a farmer in the neighbouring countryside, where the young Pavarotti developed an interest in farming. After abandoning the dream of becoming a football goalkeeper , Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training. Pavarotti's earliest musical influences were his father's records, most of them featuring the popular tenors of

6048-424: The city of Sarajevo named him an honorary citizen in 2006. He performed at benefit concerts to raise money for victims of tragedies such as the Spitak earthquake that killed 25,000 people in northern Armenia in December 1988, and sang Gounod's Ave Maria with legendary French pop music star and ethnic Armenian Charles Aznavour . He was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales . They raised money for

6160-424: The college's Fine Arts Program, now known as the Harriman–Jewell Series. Perspiring due to nerves and a lingering cold, the tenor clutched a handkerchief throughout the début. The prop became a signature part of his solo performances. He began to give frequent television performances, starting with his performances as Rodolfo ( La bohème ) in the first Live from the Met telecast in March 1977, which attracted one of

6272-551: The company announced the appointment of John Mangum as its next general director, effective with the autumn of 2024. In addition to the standard operatic repertoire , Lyric also presents contemporary works. Recent productions have included Harbison's The Great Gatsby (2000–2001), Weill's Street Scene (2001–2002), Floyd's Susannah , Sondheim's Sweeney Todd (2002–2003), and John Adams ' Doctor Atomic directed by Peter Sellars. Composer William Bolcom wrote his most recent opera for Lyric, A Wedding , based on

6384-439: The company in October 2011. In September 2020, Lyric announced the election of Sylvia Neil as chair of Lyric’s board of directors, the first woman board chair in Lyric’s history. In December 2021, Freud's contract was extended through 2026. However, Freud concluded his tenure with the company at the close of the 2023-2024 season, two seasons earlier than the previously announced extension of his most recent contract. In July 2024,

6496-441: The composer reported that "I shall earn almost twice as much as if I had composed [only for the Venetian impresario]". However, there was also a contract for a second Milan house for the following winter season for as-yet an unnamed opera, but it had already been agreed that Giuditta Pasta , who had achieved success in Milan in 1829 and 1830 appearing in several major operas, would be the principal artist. Then Bellini experienced

6608-634: The day after his death; a second will was opened within the same month of September. He left an estate outside his native Modena (now a museum), a villa in Pesaro , his flat in Monte Carlo , and three flats in New York City. Pavarotti's widow's lawyers, Giorgio Bernini and Anna Maria Bernini, and manager Terri Robson announced on 30 June 2008 that his family amicably settled his estate—€300 million ($ 474.2 million, including $ 15 million in U.S. assets). Pavarotti drafted two wills before his death: one divided his assets by Italian law, giving half to his second wife, Nicoletta Mantovani, and half to his four daughters;

6720-425: The day— Beniamino Gigli , Giovanni Martinelli , Tito Schipa , and Enrico Caruso . Pavarotti's favourite tenor and idol was Giuseppe Di Stefano and he was also deeply influenced by Mario Lanza , saying: "In my teens I used to go to Mario Lanza movies and then come home and imitate him in the mirror". At around the age of nine, he began singing with his father in a small local church choir. In addition to music, as

6832-640: The distraught Elvino calls to her and she is taken into his arms. Rodolfo hands him the ring which he places on her finger, at which time she awakens and is amazed by what has happened. All rejoice. In an aria finale, Amina expresses her joy: Ah! non giunge uman pensiero / al contento ond'io son piena / "Human thought cannot conceive of the happiness that fills me". Notes Cited sources Luciano Pavarotti Luciano Pavarotti OMRI ( / ˌ p æ v ə ˈ r ɒ t i / , US also / ˌ p ɑː v -/ , Italian: [luˈtʃaːno pavaˈrɔtti] ; 12 October 1935 – 6 September 2007)

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6944-459: The elimination of land mines worldwide. In 1998, he was appointed the United Nations Messenger of Peace , using his fame to raise awareness of UN issues, including the Millennium Development Goals , HIV/AIDS , child rights , urban slums and poverty. In 1999, Pavarotti performed a charity benefit concert in Beirut , to mark Lebanon's re-emergence on the world stage after a brutal 15-year civil war . The largest concert held in Beirut since

7056-414: The end of November 1830 nothing had been achieved in the way of writing either the libretto or the score of Ernani but, by January, the situation and the subject had changed. Bellini wrote that "[Romani] is now writing La sonnambula, ossia I Due Fidanzati svezzeri ...It must go on stage on 20 February at the latest." That music which he was beginning to use for Ernani was transferred to Sonnambula

7168-410: The end of the war, it was attended by 20,000 people who travelled from countries as distant as Saudi Arabia and Bulgaria . In 1999 he also hosted a charity benefit concert to build a school in Guatemala, for Guatemalan civil war orphans. It was named after him Centro Educativo Pavarotti . Now the foundation of Nobel prize winner Rigoberta Menchú Tum is running the school. In 2001, Pavarotti received

7280-485: The filling of Lyric's Civic Opera House: in 1954, the season ran for three weeks; in 2007/08 Lyric had an almost six-month season. Fox also used her formidable persuasive powers on artists other than singers: she was able to bring Rudolf Nureyev to make his debut on an American opera stage at Lyric; Vera Zorina , Alicia Markova , Erik Bruhn and Maria Tallchief also danced at Lyric, and George Balanchine created choreography for Lyric. The Italian composer Pino Donati

7392-479: The gloomy thunder's sound [...] a shade appears." Not being superstitious, he assures them that they will soon be free of the apparition. Elvino is jealous of the stranger's admiration of Amina; he is jealous even of the breezes that caress her, but he promises her he will reform. (Duet finale, Elvino and Amina: Son geloso del zefiro errante / che ti scherza col crin e col velo / "I envy the wandering breeze that plays with your hair, your veil"). Scene 2: A room in

7504-502: The heart is everything!". (Elvino's aria, then Amina, then all express their love and their joy: Prendi: l'anel ti dono / che un dì recava all'ara / "Here, receive this ring that the beloved spirit who smiled upon our love wore at the altar".) The sound of horses' hooves and a cracking whip is heard. A stranger arrives, asking the way to the castle. Lisa points out that it is getting late and he will not reach it before dark and she offers him lodging at her inn. When he says that he knows

7616-415: The hospital in New York, forcing cancellation of concerts in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. On 10 February 2006, Pavarotti performed " Nessun dorma " at the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin , Italy, at his final performance. In the last act of the opening ceremony, his performance received the longest and loudest ovation of the night from the international crowd. Leone Magiera, who directed

7728-408: The inn Lisa enters Rodolfo's room to see if all is well. She reveals that his identity is known to all as Rodolfo, the long-lost son of the count. She advises him that the village is preparing a formal welcome; meanwhile she wishes to be the first to pay her respects. She is flattered when he begins a flirtation with her, but runs out at the sound of people approaching, dropping her handkerchief which

7840-584: The inn, all are surprised. (Rodolfo's aria: Vi ravviso, o luoghi ameni, / in cui lieti, in cui sereni / "O lovely scenes, again I see you, / where in serenity I spent the calm and happy days of my earliest youth".) The newcomer, who surprises the villagers by his familiarity with the locality, asks about the celebrations and admires Amina, who reminds him of a girl he had loved long ago. ( Tu non sai con quei begli occhi / come dolce il cor mi tocchi / "You can't know how those dear eyes gently touch my heart, what adorable beauty".) He admits to having once stayed in

7952-457: The largest audiences ever for a televised opera. He won Grammy awards and platinum and gold discs for his performances. In 1976, Pavarotti debuted at the Salzburg Festival , appearing in a solo recital on 31 July, accompanied by pianist Leone Magiera. Pavarotti returned to the festival in 1978 with a recital and as the Italian singer in Der Rosenkavalier in 1983 with Idomeneo , and both in 1985 and 1988 with solo recitals. In 1979, he

8064-493: The latter record is thus shared by fellow tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras ). Pavarotti began his farewell tour in 2004, at the age of 69, performing one last time in old and new locations, after more than four decades on the stage. On 13 March 2004, Pavarotti gave his last performance in an opera at the New York Metropolitan Opera , for which he received a long standing ovation for his role as

8176-823: The many years at Lyric, Carol Fox developed the confidence and authority to bring world-famous artists to Lyric: Luciano Pavarotti (56 performances in 7 roles), Tito Gobbi , Eleanor Steber , Jussi Björling , Birgit Nilsson , Renata Tebaldi , Giuseppe Di Stefano , Giulietta Simionato , Richard Tucker , Boris Christoff , Eileen Farrell , Dorothy Kirsten , Leonie Rysanek , Leontyne Price , Elisabeth Schwarzkopf , Geraint Evans , Mirella Freni , Nicolai Ghiaurov , Alfredo Kraus , Renata Scotto , Robert Merrill , Joan Sutherland , Christa Ludwig , Jon Vickers , Marilyn Horne , Grace Bumbry , Montserrat Caballé , Tatiana Troyanos , Sherrill Milnes , Plácido Domingo , Felicia Weathers , Vyacheslav Polozov and José Carreras . Anna Moffo also chose Lyric for her American debut. Fox

8288-424: The opening verses using extended vocal runs for di Capua's " O Sole Mio " and which was in turn perfectly repeated note-for-note by Domingo and Carreras. The recorded album sold millions of copies, and the first Three Tenors recording became the best-selling classical album of all time. Throughout the 1990s, Pavarotti appeared in outdoor concerts, including his televised concert in London's Hyde Park , which drew

8400-506: The opera of the same name also released in 1982, or in his more than 20 live opera performances taped for television between 1978 and 1994, most of them with the Metropolitan Opera , and most available on DVD. He received two Primetime Emmy Awards for his PBS variety specials Pavarotti in Philadelphia: La Boheme and Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto Great Performances . Pavarotti , a 2019 documentary film about him,

8512-799: The opera was performed in London on 28 July 1831 at the King’s Theatre and in New York on 13 November 1835 at the Park Theatre . Herbert Weinstock provides a comprehensive year-by-year listing of performances following the premiere and then, with some gaps, all the way up to 1900. Later, it was a vehicle for showcasing Jenny Lind , Emma Albani and—in the early 20th century—for Lina Pagliughi and Toti Dal Monte . Weinstock gave an account of performances starting in 1905. Stagings were presented as frequently as every two years in one European or North American venue or another, and they continued through

8624-494: The pain that I feel now!"; then the people and Teresa, the former proclaiming her treachery, Teresa pleading for her to be allowed to explain. Elvino then exclaims that there will be no wedding, and each expresses his or her emotional reaction to this discovery. Scene 1: A wood On their way to ask the count to attest to Amina's innocence, the villagers rest in the woods and consider how they will express their support to him: (Chorus: Qui la selva è più folta ed ombrosa / "Here

8736-767: The painter Mario Cavaradossi in Giacomo Puccini 's Tosca . On 1 December 2004, he announced a 40-city farewell tour. Pavarotti and his manager, Terri Robson, commissioned impresario Harvey Goldsmith to produce the Worldwide Farewell Tour. His last full-scale performance was at the end of a two-month Australasian tour in Taiwan in December 2005. In March 2005, Pavarotti underwent neck surgery to repair two vertebrae . In early 2006, he underwent further back surgery and contracted an infection while in

8848-701: The people are, accompanying us to the church"; then together.) Amina continues her sleepwalk and falls asleep on the sofa, but Rodolfo hears the sound of people approaching and, with no other way out, he climbs out of the window. Amina continues to sleep on the sofa as the villagers arrive at the inn. Lisa enters and points to Amina, who wakes up at the noise. Elvino, believing her faithless, rejects Amina in fury. Only Teresa, her adoptive mother, believes in her innocence: Ensemble finale, first Amina D'un pensiero e d'un accento / "In my thought or in my words never, never have I sinned"; then Elvino: Voglia il cielo che il duol ch'io sento / "Heaven keep you from feeling ever

8960-539: The performance, revealed in his 2008 memoirs, Pavarotti Visto da Vicino , that the performance had been recorded weeks earlier. "The orchestra pretended to play for the audience, I pretended to conduct and Luciano pretended to sing. The effect was wonderful," he wrote. Pavarotti's manager, Terri Robson, said that the tenor had turned the Winter Olympic Committee's invitation down several times because it would have been impossible to sing late at night in

9072-400: The re-occurrence of an illness which had emerged in Venice due to pressure of work and the bad weather, and which consistently recurred after each opera. The gastro-enteric condition—which he described as "a tremendous inflammatory gastric bilious fever"— resulted in his being cared for by friends. It was not until the summer, when he went to stay near Lake Como, that the pressure to decide upon

9184-462: The second gave his U.S. holdings to Mantovani. The judge confirmed the compromise by the end of July 2008. However, a Pesaro public prosecutor , Massimo di Patria, investigated allegations that Pavarotti was not of sound mind when he signed the will. Pavarotti's estate has been settled "fairly", a lawyer for Mantovani said in statements after reports of a dispute between her and his three daughters from his first marriage. He posthumously received

9296-555: The serious study of music in 1954 at the age of 19 with Arrigo Pola , a respected teacher and professional tenor in Modena who offered to teach him without remuneration. According to conductor Richard Bonynge , Pavarotti never learned to read music. In 1955, he experienced his first singing success when he was a member of the Corale Rossini, a male voice choir from Modena that also included his father, which won first prize at

9408-418: The sleeping Amina walking across the high, dangerously unstable mill bridge, warns that to wake her would be fatal. All watch as she relives her betrothal and her grief at Elvino's rejection, taking the withered flowers in her hand. (Aria: Amina Ah! non credea mirarti / sì presto estinto, o fiore / "I had not thought I would see you, dear flowers, perished so soon".) Then as she reaches the other side safely,

9520-401: The son of Fernando Pavarotti, a baker and amateur tenor, and Adele Venturi, a cigar factory worker. Although he spoke fondly of his childhood, the family had little money; its four members were crowded into a two-room apartment. According to Pavarotti, his father had a fine tenor voice but rejected the possibility of a singing career because of nervousness. World War II forced the family out of

9632-622: The subzero conditions of Turin in February. The committee eventually persuaded him to take part by prerecording the song. While proceeding with an international " farewell tour ", Pavarotti was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2006. He sought treatment following this diagnosis, undergoing major abdominal surgery and making plans for the resumption and conclusion of his singing commitments, but he died at his home in Modena on 6 September 2007. After his death, his manager, Terri Robson, noted in

9744-731: The theater announced that the Joffrey Ballet planned to move from its longtime performance venue at the Auditorium Theatre to the opera house in 2020. The announcement coincided with Lyric's presentation of a new production of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice by choreographer John Neumeier ; the production fused the musical and ballet elements of the opera and featured the Joffrey Ballet. The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center (formerly Lyric Opera Center for American Artists , 1981–2006), established in 1974 as

9856-644: The three subsequent FIFA World Cup Finals , in 1994 in Los Angeles, 1998 in Paris, and 2002 in Yokohama. In September 1995, Pavarotti performed Schubert's Ave Maria along with Dolores O'Riordan ; Diana, Princess of Wales , who attended the live performance, told O'Riordan that the song brought her to tears. In 1995, Pavarotti's friends, the singer Lara Saint Paul (as Lara Cariaggi) and her husband showman Pier Quinto Cariaggi, who had produced and organised Pavarotti's 1990 FIFA World Cup Celebration Concert at

9968-429: The villagers to be quiet, because Amina has at last fallen into an exhausted sleep. Learning of the impending marriage, Teresa confronts Lisa, who says that she has never been found alone in a man's room. Teresa produces the handkerchief Lisa had accidentally dropped in the Count's room. The Count is unwilling to say what he thinks of this, but continues to insist on Amina's virtue. Elvino demands proof and Rodolfo, seeing

10080-649: The visit, Pavarotti performed the inaugural concert in the Great Hall of the People before 10,000 people, receiving a standing ovation for nine high Cs. The third competition in 1989 again staged performances of L'elisir d'amore and Un ballo in maschera . The winners of the fifth competition accompanied Pavarotti in performances in Philadelphia in 1997. In the mid-1980s, Pavarotti returned to two opera houses that had provided him with important breakthroughs,

10192-454: The wedding song and organised the celebrations; she wishes him well in his courtship of Lisa, but Lisa cynically rejects the idea of love. Elvino arrives, exclaiming Perdona, o mia diletta / "Forgive me my beloved", and explaining that he had to stop on his way at his mother's grave to ask her blessing on Amina. As they exchange vows, the notary asks what she brings to the partnership: "Only my heart" she answers at which Elvino's exclaims: "Ah

10304-476: The winners in 1982 in excerpts of La bohème and L'elisir d'amore . The second competition, in 1986, staged excerpts of La bohème and Un ballo in maschera . To celebrate the 25th anniversary of his career, he brought the winners of the competition to Italy for gala performances of La bohème in Modena and Genoa , and then to China where they staged performances of La bohème in Beijing ( Peking ). To conclude

10416-406: The wood is thick and dark"). Amina and Teresa arrive and are on a similar mission, but Amina is despondent, although Teresa encourages her daughter to continue. They then see Elvino coming in the wood looking downcast and sad. He continues to reject Amina, even when the townspeople come in with the news that the count says that she is innocent. Elvino is not convinced and takes back the ring, though he

10528-562: The world's greatest opera singers, conductors, and directors, thus advancing the young artists’ professionalism. In 2005, author William Murray wrote a book about a year in the life of an entering class at the Ryan Opera Center. The first director of the Ryan Opera Center during its beginning years from 1974-1981, when it was renamed the Lyric Opera Center Center, and continuing until 1991, when he retired,

10640-442: The year they receive advanced instruction in numerous aspects of operatic performance, including voice lessons and coachings, language and acting training, and master classes with some of opera's most renowned artists. The singers gain valuable performing experience by participating in recitals and concerts at many Chicago-area venues. During Lyric's mainstage season, they perform and understudy roles at all levels. The singers work with

10752-512: Was stillborn after complications in January 2003. At the time of his death in September 2007, he was survived by his wife, his four daughters, and one granddaughter. In late 2003, he released his final compilation—and his first and only "crossover" album, Ti Adoro. Most of the 13 songs were written and produced by Michele Centonze, who had already helped produce the "Pavarotti & Friends" concerts between 1998 and 2000. The tenor described

10864-403: Was Lee Schaenen. Andrew Földi succeeded him as director of the Ryan Opera Center from 1991 to 1995. He was succeeded by Richard Pearlman , who was director of the program from 1995 until his death in 2006. Renowned soprano Gianna Rolandi , who had been the Ryan Opera Center's director of vocal studies and principal instructor since 2002, was appointed director of the program in 2006. The program

10976-672: Was a notable exponent of the role. The first performance took place at the Teatro Carcano in Milan on 6 March 1831. The majority of twentieth-century recordings have been made with a soprano cast as Amina, usually with added top-notes and other changes according to tradition, although it was released in soprano sfogato voice (not be confused with the modern mezzo , nonexistent at the time) who sang soprano and contralto roles unmodified. The phrase Ah! non credea mirarti / Sì presto estinto, o fiore ("I did not believe I would see you fade so soon, oh flower") from Amina's final aria

11088-460: Was an Italian operatic tenor who during the late part of his career crossed over into popular music , eventually becoming one of the most acclaimed tenors of all time. He made numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias , gaining worldwide fame for his tone, and gaining the nickname "King of the High Cs ". As one of the Three Tenors , who performed their first concert during

11200-565: Was brought into focus in 1989 when Ardis Krainik of the Lyric Opera of Chicago severed the house's 15-year relationship with the tenor. Over an eight-year period, Pavarotti had cancelled 26 out of 41 scheduled appearances at the Lyric, and the decisive move by Krainik to ban him for life was well noted throughout the opera world, after the performer walked away from a season premiere less than two weeks before rehearsals began, saying pain from

11312-602: Was directed by Ron Howard and produced with the cooperation of Pavarotti's estate using family archives, interviews and live music footage. Pavarotti annually hosted the Pavarotti & Friends charity concerts in his home town of Modena Italy , joining with singers from all parts of the music industry, including B.B. King , Andrea Bocelli , Zucchero , Jon Bon Jovi , Bryan Adams , Bono , James Brown , Mariah Carey , Eric Clapton , Dolores O'Riordan , Sheryl Crow , Céline Dion , Anastacia , Elton John , Deep Purple , Meat Loaf , Queen , George Michael , Tracy Chapman ,

11424-510: Was engaged by the Dublin Grand Opera Society to sing Rudolfo in Giacomo Puccini 's La bohème and Alfredo in Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata Reviewers favourably comment on his singing. While generally successful, Pavarotti's early roles did not immediately propel him into the stardom that he would later enjoy. An early coup involved his connection with Joan Sutherland (and her conductor husband, Richard Bonynge ), who in 1963

11536-530: Was followed by the first Three Tenors concert, held on the eve of the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final at the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome with fellow tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and conductor Zubin Mehta . The performance for the World Cup closing concert captivated a global audience, and it became the biggest-selling classical record of all time. A highlight of the concert, in which Pavarotti sang

11648-507: Was her artistic director. Bruno Bartoletti was principal conductor, but other conductors included Tullio Serafin , Dimitri Mitropoulos and Artur Rodziński . Christoph von Dohnányi and Sir Georg Solti chose Lyric for their American operatic debuts. Franco Zeffirelli staged operas as did Harold Prince . After retiring from dancing, Tallchief moved to Chicago where she served as director of ballet for Lyric from 1973 to 1979. In 1974, she founded Lyric Opera's ballet school, where she taught

11760-569: Was his performances of this role that would earn him the title of "King of the High Cs". He scored another major triumph in Rome on 20 November 1969 when he sang in I Lombardi opposite Renata Scotto . This was recorded on a private label and widely distributed, as were various recordings of his I Capuleti e i Montecchi, usually with Aragall. Early commercial recordings included a recital of Donizetti (the aria from Don Sebastiano were particularly highly regarded) and Verdi arias , as well as

11872-440: Was not the result of a long apprenticeship in opera production; Carol Fox, fluent in Italian and French, had studied opera singing for many years, culminating in two years of intensive work in Italy. However, when she realized that performance was not to be in her future, she decided that it lay in bringing the performances of the world's finest artists to her home town of Chicago. Her success can be measured in one statistic regarding

11984-426: Was presented by other companies on tour. Lyric Opera of Chicago was formed in 1954 and has continued uninterrupted except for 1967. Carol Fox, America's first female opera impresario at the age of 28, began her first season in 1954 by bringing Maria Callas for her American debut in the title role of Norma , the first of many electrifying Callas performances in Chicago. However, this first eight-opera season in 1954

12096-508: Was presented with the Grammy Legend Award . In 2001, Pavarotti was acquitted in an Italian court of a dispute concerning his official country of residency and taxable earnings. Pavarotti long claimed Monte Carlo in the tax haven of Monaco as his official residence, but an Italian court in 1999 had rejected that claim by ruling that his Monaco address could not accommodate his entire family. In 2000 Pavarotti agreed to pay

12208-488: Was profiled in a cover story in the weekly magazine Time . That same year saw Pavarotti's return to the Vienna State Opera after an absence of fourteen years. With Herbert von Karajan conducting, Pavarotti sang Manrico in Il trovatore . In 1978, he appeared in a solo recital on Live from Lincoln Center . At the beginning of the 1980s, he set up The Pavarotti International Voice Competition for young singers, performing with

12320-770: Was re-formed as the Chicago Opera Association . This lasted through 1921/22, when it became the Chicago Civic Opera from 1922 until 1932. After no season in 1932/33, the company was re-formed and again named the Chicago Grand Opera Company from 1933 to 1935. From 1936 to 1939, the company was called Chicago City Opera Company , and finally from 1940 to 1946 opera was presented by the Chicago Opera Company . There were no seasons from 1947 until 1953, so opera

12432-802: Was seeking a tenor taller than herself to take along on her 1965 tour to Australia. With his commanding physical presence, Pavarotti proved ideal. However, before the summer 1965 Australia tour Pavarotti sang with Joan Sutherland when he made his American début with the Greater Miami Opera in February 1965, singing in Donizetti 's Lucia di Lammermoor on the stage of the Miami-Dade County Auditorium in Miami. The tenor scheduled to perform that night became ill with no understudy. As Sutherland had plans to travel with him on

12544-533: Was succeeded at Lyric by her longtime assistant manager, Ardis Krainik (1981–1996), after whom the opera house was later named, and then by William Mason (1997–2011). From 1964 to 1974, Bruno Bartoletti , served as co-artistic director and principal conductor, and became sole director and principal from 1974 to 2000. Sir Andrew Davis was Lyric's music director and principal conductor, a post he occupied beginning in September 2000. Davis retired in June 2021 and passed

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