Farewell to Tubby Tenor

Luciano Pavarotti, who turns 70 this October, has chosen Beijing to perform his last-ever concert on December 10.

“I well recall that audience of 10,000 singing along with us three (Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras), and ever since then, I have always thought that the Chinese audience was the greatest audience," Pavarotti reportedly told organisers of the Capital Gymnasium concert.

His farewell tour began in January this year. With his many appearances not only on the greatest international opera and concert stages, but also on television, in movies and in arena concerts, Luciano Pavarotti's impact on the world of music has been enormous, broadening the horizons of classical music and bringing untold numbers of new fans to his art.

His thrilling tenor voice and unique personality have touched countless audiences throughout the world, and he has become the personification of opera on television and recordings in our time. His recordings, each and every one, are best sellers. His frequent television appearances have added to his musical renown, and combined with his other interests including painting, tennis and horsemanship, to make him household name.

Born in Modena, Italy, on October 12, 1935, the first child and only son of a baker, Pavarotti first sang in the Modena chorus with his father, a fervent lover of opera and gifted amateur tenor. When the chorus won first prize in an international competition, the youngster was hooked.

His debut came on April 29, 1961, as Rodolfo in La Bohème, at the opera house in Reggio Emilia. That success led to engagements throughout Italy and the world, where he conquered audiences in Amsterdam, Vienna, Zürich and London. His American debut came in February 1965, in a Miami production of Lucia di Lammermoor with Joan Sutherland, the beginning of what would become their historic partnership.

But it wasn't until February 17, 1972, that the Pavarotti phenomenon was born, in a production of La Fille du Regiment at New York's Metropolitan Opera. Responding to Pavarotti's aria containing nine effortless high Cs, the audience erupted in a frenzied ovation, and the young tenor's reputation soared.

He consistently draws record-breaking audiences to sold-out arena concerts in many countries and shares his music with huge audiences in the great public parks of the world. Maestro Pavarotti is also dedicated to the development of the careers of young singers and conducts standing-room-only master classes at conservatories around the world.

 

Burning Down the House

After touring almost the whole world, Burn the Floor will visit Shanghai and Beijing in October, the last chance for Chinese audiences to witness this concept dance show.

The original idea for Burn the Floor came in a burst of colour and energy. Harley Medcalf witnessed a scintillating display of ballroom and Latin dancing at Sir Elton John’s 50th birthday celebration in March 1997.

Medcalf soon met and discovered the ballroom dance world, its people with their intensity, commitment, discipline and work ethic.

Another 18 months later, he a team of dancers and designers in a London workshop. The results were spectacular on film, creating strong images and magnifying personalities and bought a commitment from Universal to support the team for a full-length show.

The team toured Australia, UK and Europe, with their first US tour in March 2000. Jason Gilkison came to the forefront from dancer to associate choreographer and finally to artistic director and sole choreographer. His ideas breathed new life into the show. Under Gilkison’s guidance the show has continued to blossom in all directions. Audiences are growing and good critical reviews are now the regular thing.

After June 2006, the team will switch to Extreme Ballroom, a new show starring 16 international award winning ballroom dancers, two vocalists and eight musicians.

Time: October 14-16

Venue: Great Hall of the People

Admission (yuan): 120; 180; 380; 680; 980; 1,280

Tel: +86 10 6406 9999