Luciano Pavarotti’s remarkable legacy continues to resonate with music lovers as recordings from his 1995 concert in Llangollen, Wales, have been released by the Decca record label. This release marks what would have been Pavarotti’s 90th birthday and commemorates the 70th anniversary of his first major achievement in singing—winning the prestigious competition at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod as a 19-year-old in 1955.
In 1955, Pavarotti traveled to Wales with his father, Fernando Pavarotti, and a small group of amateur singers from Modena, Italy. Despite their humble background and lack of expectations, they claimed first place, setting Pavarotti on a path to becoming one of the most celebrated tenors of all time. His victory not only solidified his passion for music but also ignited his ambition to pursue a career in opera.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Nicoletta Mantovani, Pavarotti’s widow, emphasized the deep significance Llangollen held for him. “The win was a turning point for him,” she explained. “He thought if we were able to win as a small choir from a small town in Italy, maybe I can have a chance to have my own career.”
A Return to Roots
Fast forward to 1995, and Pavarotti returned to Llangollen, a gesture that required years of negotiation with festival organizers. He was appointed president of the eisteddfod for one day, a role he insisted on sharing with his father, who had inspired his musical journey from an early age. During his address to the audience, Pavarotti fondly recalled the day that changed his life, stating, “When they ask me what is a day more memorable in my life, I always say that it is when I won this competition.”
In a heartfelt performance, Pavarotti sang alongside the Corale Rossini, the same choir that had accompanied him decades earlier. The concert attracted an audience of 4,500 people, with an additional 3,000 watching via a screen in Llangollen. The event was further broadcasted outdoors in nearby Swansea, bringing in tens of thousands more viewers.
The newly released album, titled The Lost Concert (Live at Llangollen, 1995), also includes two recordings from the original 1955 performance by Corale Rossini. Mantovani expressed her gratitude for the inclusion of these early recordings, noting, “If we have to imagine the first time we hear Luciano, it is there, even if he’s among the choir.”
Connections and Memories
Pavarotti’s relationship with Llangollen extended beyond his initial triumph. His fond memories of the town and its people remained a cherished part of his life. “He received such a welcome because they were hosted by local families,” Mantovani recalled. “It was really a great experience from a human point of view.”
Despite never learning any songs in Welsh, Pavarotti made attempts to master the pronunciation of Llangollen, often playfully trying to teach his wife the intricate sounds of the name. “It was so much fun together trying to teach me,” she laughed.
This summer, Mantovani visited Llangollen for the first time, where she presented the Pavarotti Trophy to the winners of the Choir of the World competition, alongside the Pendine Trophy in the International Voice of the Future contest for soloists. “It was really special for me because through the memories of Luciano, I found exactly what he told me about the people, about the places,” she reflected.
The release of the concert recordings not only pays tribute to Pavarotti’s extraordinary career but also re-establishes his connection to Llangollen, a town that played a crucial role in shaping his future as one of the greatest tenors in history. As fans around the world celebrate Pavarotti’s legacy, the 1995 concert serves as a reminder of the profound impact of his early experiences and the music that defined his life.
