PAVAROTTI 90: Il Volo Honors the Maestro in an Unforgettable Tribute
On the evening of November 5, Italy came together to celebrate PAVAROTTI 90 — a spectacular television event honoring what would have been the 90th birthday of legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
Recorded at the historic Arena di Verona on September 30 and broadcast nationwide on Canale 5, the event united some of the world’s finest voices for a night of music, memory, and emotion.
Hosted by Michelle Hunziker, the show carried the same warm and generous spirit as Pavarotti’s iconic “Pavarotti & Friends” charity concerts. It was a true celebration of music’s power to connect hearts — a theme Pavarotti embodied throughout his career.
Il Volo’s Stunning Performance
One of the evening’s most breathtaking moments came from Il Volo — the beloved Italian trio known for bringing classical crossover music to a new generation.
Introduced with glowing admiration by Hunziker, Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone, and Ignazio Boschetto took the stage alongside sopranos Marion Battistelli, Carmen Gianatasio, and Giulia Mazzola for a magnificent performance of “Capolavoro.”
Their harmonies filled the Verona night air, blending passion and precision in a way that honored Pavarotti’s spirit. The audience, visibly moved, responded with thunderous applause.
A Heartfelt Exchange
As the applause subsided, Hunziker joined the group on stage for a lighthearted and touching conversation. She reminisced about their early days performing together and congratulated Ignazio on becoming a new father — a moment that drew smiles from both the singers and the crowd.
When asked about performing in Pavarotti’s honor, Gianluca responded with heartfelt sincerity:
“It’s a great privilege for us. It all started with Pavarotti, who brought this music out of the theater to the people. We’re proud to keep his legacy alive for new generations.”
Piero added with emotion:
“We never had the chance to meet Maestro Pavarotti, but he inspired everything we do — always with love and passion.”
Conducted by a Legend: Plácido Domingo
The most emotional highlight of the evening came when Il Volo performed “Granada” under the baton of the legendary Plácido Domingo.
Taking the podium to lead the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra, Domingo brought an aura of reverence to the stage. The performance that followed was nothing short of electrifying — a flawless blend of technical mastery and heartfelt tribute.
Each note soared across the Arena with the kind of passion that defined Pavarotti’s career.
As the final chord faded, the audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation — a collective expression of admiration, gratitude, and timeless respect.
A Night to Remember
After the show, Il Volo shared a message of gratitude on social media:
“It was a great honor for us to pay tribute to Maestro Pavarotti. Thank you.”
From start to finish, PAVAROTTI 90 was a night of goosebumps, nostalgia, and pure artistry — a celebration that captured the very soul of Italian music. It was not just a concert, but a heartfelt reminder of the voice that transformed opera and touched millions around the world.