Pavarotti thanks public

Stars perform a memorable show

Music, great emotion and teamwork. Even though Pavarotti and Friends has used this recipe for success for over ten years, not only does it still seem to have all the characteristics necessary to grab the spectator's attention, but also, and more importantly, to keep him involved. This is certainly the case for the present edition, which as far as acts and program are concerned, is certainly one of the top three shows up to this point.
All the great stars taking part were on stage last night to each put out one of the ten respective Friends candles. Even Liza Minnelli, from her hospital bed at Rizzoli di Bologna Hospital, who, kept from the concert due to a fracture, wanted to attend via telephone to say hello and make a gesture by singing an excerpt from "Liza with Z," which was sung on key without musical accompaniment. This was just one of the many surprises during the show, which compared to previous shows seemed to have had more elaborate musical work done on it.
Pavarotti, accompanied by the loyal Milly Carlucci, again did the house honours for those who, as self-confessed back stage, consider themselves to be more friends than colleagues of the great tenor.
The show began with Bono Vox, who gave one of the special performances of the evening asking in his rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria": "Mother, where has justice gone in this world when the wicked act with such uproar. The just oddly remain silent..." This was one of his two duets performed with the maestro just after an intense performance of "One" sung practically in unison with the 20,000 young people who filled the stadium. Both Pavarotti as well as Bono were visibly moved while singing the "Ave Maria" as was the audience who gave a well-deserved standing ovation.
"When there's a war, when people need help to return to their homes: Luciano Pavarotti and his friends are there, this is a wonderful example of global solidarity. Bravo and good luck."
It was with these well wishes that Kofi Annan formally opened the show. Queen then warmed up the audience with its lengthy performance of "We will rock you." The unmistakable rhythm of the tune was enough to throw the park full of young people into raptures. A show within a show, as were the images on the mega-screen on stage. Then it was the beaming Pavarotti's turn to take the stage alongside his friend, and co-creator of the event, Zucchero and perform "Cosi celeste."
The show took off quickly with an enthusiastic Martin, the smooth sound of Richie's "Easy," the sublime "Miserere" sung in Italian by Bono, who was visibly moved, and who transfixed the audience by his singing. The show kept moving with the drawn out rhythm of Manà's "Corason Espinado" and Clapton's flawless blues. On stage, completed projects were also noted and requests for donations were made.
After a few words from Liza: "I'm being detained here by my new friends at the hospital. I would really love to be there to sing for the kids. Luciano if you were to visit me at the hospital, I would have the courage to go ahead with the operation," the show takes off again with the tenor team of Bocelli-Pavarotti. Followed by Martin's free and easy "Vento," the hurricane of energy still emanating from Deep Purple's "Smoke on the water," which was so well received the audience straightaway called for an encore during the final part of the show.
A small flight of steps that glides away is fitting in the midst of all the successful steps taken throughout the show. A few interruptions in the show at times run the risk of breaking the mood.
The unforgettable moments: Bono with the great "One," the touching "Ave Maria," Queen's "Radio Gaga" and the mythic "We are the champions." The enthusiasm is exuberant: the 20,000 attendees at Novi Sad Park are swept away by the music.
We arrive at the grand finale with the cheery notes of the "Traviata." Everyone is happy and it is hoped thousands of Iraqi refugees will be a little happier soon.

Publication Date: 2003-11-02
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3323