By the end of last week, the news traveled straight from Modena, Italy across the world. Luciano Pavarotti was more than well known for his rich ringing voice that set a standard for opera tenors worldwide. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Pavarotti underwent surgery last year and did not make any public appearances since then. However, it was until August 25th of this year that he was hospitalized again, and consequently ended with his death, last Thursday in his home in Italy at the age of 71.
Starting his career in the early 70's, he quickly established himself as one of the greatest operatic voices of his generation. Later on in the 80's Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Pavarotti set up the "The Three Tenor" project, that once again helped increase opera's popularity among popular culture. Then in the 1990's, he set up charity concerts with stars like Elton John and Bono. Not only did he set a standard in the opera world, but he also gave much of his time and money to help refugees, donated to the Red Cross, as well as other charity causes. Through his career, he was able to maintain a strong and rich voice, and always identified himself with the opera world.
It was to my surprise, however, how little attention the media in this side of the world, gave to this news. I did not hear about Pavarotti's death until I turned on the 10 o'clock news on Friday night and saw a short presentation about his career and life. I believe that such an iconic man in the arts should receive further acknowledgement and praise for his life's work, and the give that he gave the world, his powerful voice.
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