Tribute concerts mark first anniversary of Luciano Pavarotti's death

A series of concerts, an exhibit and other events are scheduled to mark the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti. The celebrated tenor died September 6, 2007, at age 71, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Among the tributes planned are three concerts: New York's Metropolitan Opera House on September 18; in Petra, Jordan, on October 12; and in Paris, France, on January 27, 2009. Pavarotti's longtime conductor Leone Magiera planned all the memorial events.

An exhibit on his life, which will include photographs, films and costumes collected by friends and colleagues, opens in Rome on October 17.

"Luciano had a great love for life, joy and cheerfulness that we all miss," said his widow Nicoletta Mantovani at a meeting at the culture ministry in Rome, where the world tributes were announced. "He was able to thrill everyone in the world."

Metropolitan Opera House Music Director James Levine, who worked with Pavarotti in 139 performances, will conduct the September 18 performance of Verdi's "Requiem Mass." Soprano Barbare Frittoli, mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, tenor Marcello Giordani, and bass James Morris will take part in the free performance.