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Grazie Luciano
Metropolitan Opera Guild Annual Luncheon
March 8, 2004
By Charlene Frank
Musical Tribute by Juan Diego Flórez
I was in the second balcony but it didn't matter even a little. Well, I would have preferred sitting next to Luciano Pavarotti, but I found myself sitting with people who were just as excited to be there as I was, and they had great stories. Stories of kissing Pavarotti, stories about seeing him sing on the beach in Florida, about seeing him in 1968. It was great. And I had a perfect view in a room that was full of love for the man who gave so much love.
Divas told stories at the dais about him nibbling on their ears when he sang to them. Joe Volpe told us about his wonderful humanitarian side. Rise Stevens, who told us that she'd be turning 91 this year (hard to believe, she is so beautiful) said never had the privilege of having her ear nibbled by him, but she did have the privilege of being in the house to hear the voice of an angel. And that voice was from Luciano Pavarotti. She added that everyone compared him to Caruso, but said Luciano has something when he sings that Enrico Caruso did not. Sex appeal. The voice of a very sexy angel. Yep. You've hit the nail on the head Ms. Stevens.
Then came the musical tribute. We were told that when Luciano was asked who he would be his choice to sing the tribute, he answered without hesitation, "Juan Diego Flórez of course". The perfect choice. He started with "Allego io son", then went to the beautiful "Una Furtiva Lagrima". Luciano raised his hands above his head to applaud in joy. Then came the topper, "Ah! mes amis" and those incredible high C's. It was so perfect that Luciano got out of his chair, walked to the stage and they embraced. Then he held Juan Diego's face in his hands and smiled, raised his arms up in the air in victory and walked back to his seat. It was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes.
The final speaker, was Luciano Pavarotti himself. He stood full of emotion at the microphone and told us that to see a very large old man cry was a bit pathetic, so he did all his crying at home so we would not have to see it. But he did cry, and there was nothing pathetic about it. He is a man of passion and love and that was what he gave us today, and that is what he has always given us.. We all wish you nothing but love, health and happiness.
Grazie Luciano
