Gheorghiu Tribute In Petra, Jordan: Luciano Who?

One week from now the Pavarotti Tribute extravaganza with Andrea Bocelli, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Sting, Cynthia Lawrence, José Carreras, and Italian pop artists Jovanotti, Zucchero and Laura Pausini will take place in Petra, Jordan (at least the venue's really , really, really cool).

Opera Chic's love for the memory of the great man forbids her to elaborate much further.

Comments

[Bec]

Yes, I agree with you OC, even though I am a Bocelli fan, I think this "tribute" is not fitting for such a great icon of classical music. This group of "singers" could do a much larger tribute by continuing Pavarotti's charitable "pop" concerts in Modena.

Bec

[Willym]

We visited Petra twice when we lived in Jordan - its an incredible experience and a great site but a bit isolated. Mind you since the 75 couples - what if I'm a single who wanted to go????? - are being flown in from London. Still not too sure what the purpose of it is though.

[CrewMantle]

Perhaps I will pick up the thread...

Personally I see nothing wrong with has-beens performing at Petra; it is the next best thing to the provincial arenas where such persons are as common as their talent..

[Willym]

Sorry CrewMantle I beg to differ - Petra is one of the great sites of the Middle East what is making it provincial in this instance is the "array" of talent.

[Baratone Performer]

Agreed that Luciano stands head and shoulders above the rest, but if we can't diversify then our love for the opera will remain stable and never grow.

[Donna Anna]

Petra is a spectacular site, literally breathtaking. I don't recall concerts of this ilk taking place there--anyone out there know? It's also a strange place to honor LP's memory. As you wrote, Modena would be the place or at least, somewhere in the Italian heartland. And if the promoters truly wanted to honor LP's memory, the proceeds would benefit the causes he supported so generously. Sounds like the only beneficiaries will be the performers.

[CrewMantle]

Willym.. I haven't commented on here for months because I got tired of those sanctimonious individuals who felt it was their right to 'beg to differ' with what other commentors had to offer.

Ur no one special, so leave other individuals to speak with the same courtesy they apply to you.

(Note to OC... this is BS)

[Willym]

Sorry Crew Mantle it has never been my intention to give offense nor was I aware I was doing so. And I don't ever recall at any point claiming to be anyone special in any way nor have I been sanctimonious in any of my postings. Simply my opinion that one of the great world heritage sites is not exactly the same as a provincial arena but that the group gathered for this concert are making it so.

[sidney orr]

Honoring Maestro Pavarotti is ALWAYS worthwhile!! And, Petra of course is one of the wonders of the ancient world. The problem I have is with JORDAN, especially the condescension of letting Mr Kohn in, as an exception to the government's usual fanatic antisemitism. Have no doubt that that the Jordanian government is typical of those wealthy and spoiled leaders across the Islamic world, trembling for their continuing royal perquisites, who COULD CARE LESS ABOUT OPERA AND WESTERN CULTURE - ITS SIMPLY THEIR
EGOS AND PRETENTIOUS DISPLAY OF THEIR OIL MONEY: http://www.paulasays.com/articles/on_anti-semitism/2008_anti-semitic_attacks/jordan_anti-semitic_attacks_in_2008.html

PS Hereditary monarchies where the aristocracy actually leads and legislates
have been discredited for 1000-2000 years, depending on your perspective, or depth of knowledge. Of course there are exceptions, but the current "King" and "princess" of
Jordan are off the map in terms of quality leadership.