Translated by Cara Steenstra

Words by Chou Zhong-You

Pictures by Lin Jun-Liang

The world's most famous tenor Pavarotti will be holding his worldwide farewell celebration concert tour, dedicating his final stop in Asia to Taichung city. Taichung city mayor Jason Hu expressed that Pavarotti's visit to Taiwan is an opportunity not to be missed. Mayor Hu promised to hold this concert even before any sponsors were found, which is why Pavarotti’s only performance in Taiwan is not in Taipei nor in Kaohsiung but in Taichung city.

The concert is to be held on December 14 at the Taichung City Stadium; Pavarotti will be performing operatic arias, Italian folk songs and others. Since this will be his last concert in Asia, and his only performance in Taiwan, it is expected that people from Taichung city and neighboring counties and countries would flock to Taichung for a glimpse of the great tenor.

Mayor Hu expressed that he had promised to support this concert even before he had secured any sponsors because his first thought was that the people of Taichung city should have the rights to enjoy a performance by the great Pavarotti. Mayor Hu believes that if Taiwan were not included in the list of stops in Pavarotti's concert tour, it would not only be Taichung’s loss, but also Taiwan’s great loss.

Mayor Hu also emphasized that after a 15-year absence, inviting Pavarotti has always been his dream. Tenor José Carreras, cellist Yo-yo Ma and the Vienna Philharmonic have all been to Taiwan. The only great star missing on Mayor Hu's list was Pavarotti. Therefore Mayor insisted on signing the contract even before he secured sponsors, because he believed that if they cannot invite Pavarotti to do his farewell concert here, there would not be another opportunity.

Pavarotti's concert will take place on December 14 at the Taichung City Stadium. Audiences will have the opportunity to bid farewell to the greatest tenor of the 20th century. Tickets available from Era Ticketing from October 25 onwards, or call (02) 8712 1986.