ITALY: LUCIANO PAVAROTTI PREPARES FOR SEVENTH PAVAROTTI AND FRIENDS CONCERT IN AID OF CHARITY

Record ID: 389461

  • Title: ITALY: LUCIANO PAVAROTTI PREPARES FOR SEVENTH PAVAROTTI AND FRIENDS CONCERT IN AID OF CHARITY
  • Date: 4th June 2000
  • Summary: SLATE INFORMATION
  • Embargoed: 19th June 2000 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: MODENA, ITALY
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Entertainment,General
  • Reuters ID: LVA5BG80TV295DZXN7V5G665ANA7
  • Story Text: Modena, a small town in the rich agricultural region of Emilia Romagna in northern Italy is renowned for many things. It is the home of Ferrari, site of Italy's finest military academy and produces some of the best balsamic vinegar in the world, but for one week a year all that pales into insignificance as Luciano Pavarotti returns home to host a glittering star-studded concert.
    As Italy wilts under a stifling summer heatwave, some of the biggest names in music were turning up the heat in the Northern Italian town of Modena. They have gathered for the seventh Pavarotti and Friends concert, and this year's lineup is an especially eclectic group of bands and artists.
    Past concerts have raised money for countries such as Bosnia, Kosovo and Guatemala. This year the beneficiaries will be the countries of Cambodia and Tibet. The concert will be performed in the presence of his Holiness the Dalai Lama, something that will make the evening extra special for the maestro.
    " The specialty of this year is because we have the Dalai Lama with us. It is very special. Ten years of these shows, they fly away and you don't even realise it. It's a commemoration but the real reason is for the Dalai Lama."
    It's a cause also close to the heart of one of the concert's star attractions, Eurythmics' Annie Lennox.
    Among the other acts are alternative British rock band Skunk Anansie, Enrique Iglesias, George Michael, The Eurthymics and Tracy Chapman.
    All will perform one of their own songs, as well as a duet with the great tenor. For many of them it will be the only time they sing with the Maestro himself, its something American singer Enrique Iglesias is looking forward to.
    " I never grew up listening to opera much, apart from being one of the best singers in the world, he's got something unique in his voice, whenever you hear his voice, you know its Luciano Pavarotti, I think that is a gift."
    Pavarotti's duet with Danish pop act Aqua promises to be one of the more unique pairings of the night. They will perform the Italian classic 'Funiculi Funicula'. Despite their very different sounds, leader singer Lene Nystrom is confident it will work.
    " I think this is very exciting because we love contrast.
    Pavarotti does his opera and we do our pop thing. There should be more of that I think."
    The highlight of the evening is tipped to be the duet between Pavarotti and George Michael. Michael is refusing to give interviews , but made up for it with a remarkable rendition of Elton John's famous song 'Don't let the Sun go down on me.' 30 children from Cambodia and Tibet have spent three weeks in Modena preparing for the concert. They have combined with an Italian youth choir and will support many of the artists. During their time in Italy, the children visited the sea for the first time , but undoubtedly the chance to sing alongside Pavarotti is what they are looking forward to the most.: " I like to sing with Pavarotti.
    I happy to be in Italy and I am so happy."
    Preparations for the concert took place amid local rumours that this may be the last time it is held in Modena. Papers are reporting that organisers were considering moving the event to Monte Carlo or the United States. However the shows producer and Pavarotti's long time girlfriend, Nicoletta Mantovani denies that any definite decision has been made.
    " Its already seven years that we are doing Pavarotti and friends in Modena. But we have been asked in so many different countries like Monte Carlo or the states or another European country, we say why should we move, when we can go to so many other cities but nothing is planned.We want to do this show then plan for next year."
    Funds raised from the concert and subsequent CD and video will be distributed to two projects. The first is a Cambodian initiative to help children in desperate need. The second is extending the work of the Tibetan children's village. As well as The Dalai Lama there are reports long time Tibetan supporter Richard Gere may also make an appearance. The artists continued their rehearsals late into the night, the children of Cambodia and Tibet at the forefront of their minds.
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