Legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti dazzled 70,000 fans on Saturday with a spectacular“Picnic in the Park”concert in London's Hyde Park that he called one of the most memorable he had ever given.
Celebrating his 40th year in the business, the portly superstar showed what a master he is at bringing opera to the masses.
The concert was in sharp contrast to his last Hyde Park appearance in 1991.
On that occasion, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana were soaked to the skin but transfixed by his singing as Pavarotti performed in a downpour.
“I was so happy it didn't rain. I just can't believe it,”the 65-year-old tenor said as the sun set over the magnificent park in the heart of London that was packed for his only appearance in Britain this year.
Pavarotti, who has sung around the world from New York's Central Park to Olympic stadiums in Barcelona and Berlin, was rich in praise of the British audience.
“In no other country would 70,000 people be so quiet during the singing,”he said.
And London always brings back happy memories for Pavarotti -- his career took off in 1963 when he stepped in to perform Rodolfo -- at Britain's Royal Opera House. |