The ROF celebrates Luciano Pavarotti

Rossini Opera Festival President Daniele Vimini, Deputy Mayor of Pesaro, and General Director Cristian Della Chiara participated, along with Mayor Matteo Ricci, at the Dedication of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Luciano Pavarotti.

Luciano Pavarotti has played a fundamental role in the history of the ROF on more than one occasion. He inaugurated the renovated Teatro Rossini in April 1980 after a 14-year closure, and it was that happy occasion that gave further impetus to a project, that of a Rossini festival in Pesaro, which had just been approved by the city council and was born a few months later. It was him again, in 1986, who enchanted the ROF audience with a historic concert in Piazza del Popolo, Pesaro's central square, for once the city's theatrical venue par excellence. Finally, in 1996, the extraordinary singer inaugurated the arena that, years later, would become the second venue for our Festival's performances: the current Vitrifrigo Arena, in which the Festival has staged some of its most recent masterpieces.

But the importance of Pavarotti's presence in Pesaro went beyond these very important events: his human and artistic qualities made him a reference point for many young singers who, in his home on Mount San Bartolo, received many advices and teachings from an exceptional maestro as he was. For this reason, too, Pavarotti will never be forgotten in Pesaro.

Pavarotti’s daughter Cristina and Los Angeles Opera Music Director James Conlon, who had a long professional relationship and friendship with the artist, were present at the ceremony at 7065 Hollywood Boulevard. The City of Los Angeles and Councilman Joe Buscaino - LA 15th Council District presented the "City Resolution" in memory of Luciano Pavarotti for his artistic, philanthropic and humanitarian merits. This is the most prestigious official recognition that an American city can bestow.