Luciano Pavarotti, a heartfelt lesson: "This is how he continues to help young talents."
Bologna, October 27, 2025 - The Great Voice is alive, it seems we can hear that overwhelming “...I will win....” that Luciano Pavarotti spread in the main opera houses from one side of the globe to the other, resonating endlessly.
The tenor, who would have turned 90 on October 12, was remembered with concerts in Verona , Modena , and his hometown of Shanghai . His memory, but above all his mission to young artists , are at the heart of the work of the Foundation that bears his name and is led by his wife Nicoletta Mantovani , with whom he shared his personal life and artistic projects.
Nicoletta Mantovani, how did the public respond to the sequence of celebrations?
"In Italy and abroad, he demonstrated the great affection he always showed Luciano. The three concerts were a success, the audience was wonderful, and all the invited artists responded with passion."
When was the Foundation founded?
“In 2008, a year after Luciano's passing, and since then it has grown with the staff of friends and long-time collaborators who have been part of the organization in the editions of Pavarotti and Friends in Modena, such as Luca Lelli, Stefania Verzoni, Serena Belladelli, Franco Collina and among the newcomers Cecilia Cioce”.
What are your goals?
"It also preserves Luciano's memory through the Birthplace Museum located in Modena, organizes concerts around the world, and supports deserving opera singers. This was a project the Maestro supported throughout his life. Offering young people the opportunity to sing before a large audience also means introducing them to record companies and agents."
Is the Museum working?
It hosts a flow of 50 thousand visitors a year, half of them foreigners and many of them are young”.
What advice did the Master give to the young people he himself assisted?
"One in particular: one sings for passion and to spread opera to the general public. He taught many of them for free."
A patron.
“More than anything, he was a big-hearted person who loved to work for others. It was his life discipline. He always repeated that each of us, using our own abilities, if we take care of others, we can build a better world. Through music, he spread the concept of love for others.”
Was he a champion of charity?
Many of his events have helped support organizations and associations. Part of the proceeds from the Verona concert (which will soon be broadcast on Canale 5, ed.), for example, went to the Antoniano in Bologna, which Luciano has always supported, for the 'Operation Bread' project aimed at Franciscan soup kitchens, and part to the Pavarotti Foundation to assist opera singers.
Operation Bread reminds us that Luciano was the son of a baker.
“In fact, he was convinced that bread as such should include the concept of hospitality.”
A few words about Luciano in private?
“He had a great listening ability and at the same time was a great motivator. If I had an idea and seemed unsure, he'd say, 'Shut up or go...'”
He was a pioneer and brought opera out of the theatres.
“He said that opera is a popular asset, and bringing it out into the world is a way to make it known to everyone. He performed concerts at Madison Square Garden in Hyde Park in the rain, and at Novi Sad Park in Modena with Pavarotti, Friends, and many other rock artists.”
Why did the Foundation take over the management of the Laura Betti Theatre in Casalecchio?
"The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra, conducted by Luciano Parmeggiani, is based there. It focuses on both classical and pop repertoire. This is Luciano's idea. The season of events in Casalecchio aims to promote opera, but the program also includes prose performances, dialect theater, music workshops, and podcast production."
İl Resto Del Carlino
