Italy paid tribute to one of its greatest musical legends on November 5 with “Pavarotti 90,” a special television event broadcast on Canale 5 and recorded earlier on September 30 at the iconic Arena di Verona. The evening celebrated what would have been Luciano Pavarotti’s 90th birthday, bringing together distinguished artists from around the world—including the internationally acclaimed trio Il Volo, who delivered two remarkable performances.
Hosted by Michelle Hunziker, the event echoed the spirit of the historic “Pavarotti & Friends” concerts, which from 1992 to 2003 united artists of all genres to raise funds for humanitarian causes. This year’s tribute embraced the same energy: a fusion of classical excellence, heartfelt memories, and cross-genre collaboration.
A Powerful Ensemble: “Capolavoro” Opens the Night
Hunziker introduced one of the most anticipated moments of the evening: a six-voice rendition of “Capolavoro.”
Joining Il Volo on stage were sopranos Marion Battistelli, Carmen Giannattasio, and Giulia Mazzola, forming a vibrant musical sextet that earned thunderous applause from the audience.
After the performance, Michelle invited the trio to the front of the stage, sharing warm memories of seeing them perform as children on the German show Wetten, Dass..? in 2013. Now, years later, one member, Ignazio Boschetto, has become a father.
“I don’t sleep anymore,” he joked, “but every sacrifice is worth it when you hold your child. It’s wonderful.”
Il Volo Reflects on Their Musical Roots
When asked about singing in honor of Pavarotti, the trio expressed sincere gratitude.
Gianluca Ginoble highlighted Pavarotti’s global impact:
“He brought this music out of the theater and into the world. He showed that classical and popular music can coexist, and he paved the way for artists like Andrea Bocelli. We’re proud to bring this music to younger audiences and to carry it with us throughout our lives.”
Piero Barone added:
“We never met Maestro Pavarotti, but he inspired us profoundly. Everything we do, we try to do with passion, love, and a smile—just as he did.”
A Grand Finale Under Maestro Domingo: “Granada”
For their second performance, Il Volo delivered a thrilling rendition of “Granada,” conducted by none other than Maestro Plácido Domingo, who stepped onto the podium to lead the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra.
Domingo embraced the trio warmly before raising his baton, and the resulting performance filled the Arena with electrifying energy. The crowd rose in a long, heartfelt applause as Il Volo and Domingo bowed together—a moment of artistry, legacy, and shared admiration.
Il Volo later reposted the performance, writing:
“It was a great honor for us to pay tribute to Maestro Pavarotti. Thank you.”
Backstage: Personal Reflections on a Legendary Figure
Following the event, the trio offered intimate comments about what Pavarotti means to them:
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Ignazio: “It was a deeply emotional evening. Pavarotti taught us never to set limits on music or taste.”
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Gianluca: “We must remember the man who moved the world. With our voices, we will continue carrying this music to future generations.”
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Piero: “He brought opera to the general public. Thank you, Luciano.”
The Sopranos Share the Moment
Soprano Carmen Giannattasio also reflected on the evening while performing Tosca in Berlin:
“His art, his humanity, his voice continue to accompany us and inspire us, uniting worlds and generations.”
She praised the trio warmly:
“Il Volo were impeccable—talented, elegant, charismatic. They truly know how to shine on the most important stages.”
A Tribute Worthy of a Legend
“Pavarotti 90” was more than a commemorative event—it was a living testament to the Maestro’s enduring impact on music and culture. With performances that blended tradition and modern artistry, the evening reaffirmed Luciano Pavarotti’s unparalleled legacy.
Il Volo, once child prodigies and now global ambassadors of Italian music, proved once again that they are among the brightest torch-bearers of the classical-crossover genre.
As the applause faded into the Verona night, one sentiment remained clear:
Pavarotti’s voice continues to echo—not just in memory, but in the artists he inspired and the generations still discovering him today.
