Column: Luciano

We now know that Italians are a proud people. And that pride is reflected in all facets of the country. Whether it's the great cuisine of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy, the art treasures of Tuscany or the design of Lombardy. Italians are proud.

And then there's that other phenomenon: the Italian star. Movie stars, writers, poets, painters and… singers.

And I want to talk about this last category today: the singer. Not just any singer, but today I'm writing about the best tenor singer this world has ever known. And he was honored. On September 6, 2017 in the Arena of Verona. the man who made it Nessun Dorma immortalized and organized mega concerts that sometimes attracted more than half a million people.

The man recognized for his generous nature, whose mission was to give the opera back to the people and raise millions of euros for children and refugees in need through huge crossover concerts.

September 6 2007

Luciano Pavarotti, who else can I talk about, passed away on September 6, 2007 in his hometown of Modena. A funeral followed, which almost resembled a state funeral. Broadcast live worldwide and commented with many a lump in the throat. An event where many a star made an appearance and even the President of the Republic came to pay him a last tribute.

While it Nessun Dorma blaring from the boxes across the square in front of the Duomo of Modena, the Frecce Tricolori and the sky colored the Italian green, white and red. An Italian hero was no more.

The heritage of Luciano Pavarotti

His team is now working hard to honor and uphold the Pavarotti Heritage: a private foundation, his house has been transformed into a museum where the Pavarotti energy can still be felt and various activities and competitions are held every year.

Ten years since Pavarotti could not pass unnoticed. The Pavarotti family went big with an immense tribute in which his colleagues set the Verona Arena on fire with him.

You understand that the undersigned, as a fan of the first hour, had to be there. Before traveling to Verona for the concert, Pavarotti's pilgrimage site in Modena was first visited, namely: his home.

Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Today his house is no longer inhabited by the family and it has been transformed into a museum where you can view his entire heritage while walking through the different rooms.

Whether it's his dress suit in the living room or his impressive collection of prizes on the first floor: Luciano is still present. And not only himself, but also his family. Nicoletta Mantovani, daughter Alice and granddaughter Roberta also walked around the house for the occasion.

Un'emozione senza fine

Back to the pride and honor of Luciano. The Verona Arena was the setting for the kick-off of several Tribute Concerts to Luciano Pavarotti. And it was not the least that came to perform.

Placido Domingo and José Carreras paid an impressive tribute to the maestro by opening the performance with Sinatra's My Way. After a standing ovation of several minutes they could finally start and they were supported by the impressive voice of Pavarotti himself.

The first handkerchief moment was after exactly two minutes when the voice of the voices Yes there were times started and a shudder went through the crowd. That voice: so full, so round. Goosebumps all the way.

così celeste

Of course Zucchero and Bocelli couldn't stay away on a night like this. Zucchero, the tenor's best friend; Bocelli discovered by Pavarotti. Memories were recalled about the early years of the Pavarotti and Friends -concerts, the close friendships that Pavarotti maintained with all his colleagues and his inexhaustible energy to bring the opera to the people and to be ready for people (mainly children) in need.

Cos Celeste, Miserere, Caruso, Granada, it was written by himself Ave Maria Dolce Maria, and many other classics made for a colorful and dazzling evening. Eros Ramazzotti's was special See a song that the singer sang live with Pavarotti behind him. In one of the first editions of the & Friends-concerts that was the hit. And this time it was overwhelming again.

Stage for the new generation

Luciano's heritage would not be his heritage if he did not provide a stage for the new generation of opera singers and singers. What beautiful talents there were again. A reassurance in absolute form: the heritage will continue to exist.

It was special written especially for the evening Luciano a musical tribute to Pavarotti that brought a small tear down the cheek of many Italians. And understandable. When I was talking with my Italian 'grandstand neighbours' during one of the breaks, they couldn't help but talk about their Luciano very emotionally and passionately.

'You know, sir', said the lady diagonally behind me, 'Luciano is a legend because he never lost sight of Italy. He was a proud Italian and knew how to convey that to the whole world in his own charismatic and cordial way. He was our ambassador, but above all the paragon of an Italian who can mean something for the whole world.'

Non ti scordar di me (don't forget me)

Well, what else can I add to that? I believe I spent a whole day in the epicenter of a very important piece Italian history and have been able to refresh myself with special artistic and cultural resources.

I am not alone in this: Italians are extremely proud of 'their' stars who have put Italy on the map worldwide. Whether it's Pavarotti or Bellucci, Fellini or 'La Loren', they are hailed as heroes. Even though some have been out of the picture for years, when they show their faces during a premiere, they are just back where they always were.

Lest we forget

I think that's the strength of the Italian heritage. Continuing to honor and adore times that have passed in order to use those times as a source of inspiration for the future. Or as my neighbor in the Arena aptly said: 'Lest we don't forget that we are a great country.'

Image: YouTube