PAVAROTTI'S PARADISE
“This place is enchanting, it is paradise here.”
1994
With the opening of the second phase of the iconic Pangkor Laut Resort, Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh of YTL Hotels—an ardent admirer of Luciano Pavarotti—invited the world-renowned tenor to the island for a singular performance. In March 1994, Pavarotti sang for an exclusive audience that included the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had officiated the launch.
Pavarotti was instantly captivated by Pangkor Laut: “This place is enchanting, it is paradise here. This morning when I wake up, I went out, I was really moved, almost crying to see how beautiful things has done God. Because this is really paradise.” Moved by its beauty, he dedicated the song ‘O Paradiso’ to the island.
From that moment, a warm friendship blossomed between YTL and the great tenor, and together they wove many treasured moments into the fabric of YTL’s most cherished places.
2002
A man of grand presence, profound voice, and immense heart, he was described by Ron Howard thus: “His artistic ambition, propelled by his massive talent, and his deep love for humanity drove his career and the powerful bond with his audiences, but they also fuelled his other life as a world philanthropist.”
True to this spirit, the United Nations Ambassador for Peace dedicated his talent to humanitarian causes, returning to the award-winning Pangkor Laut Resort eight years later to perform a Concert of Peace for the Asian Global Peace Forum. In a moving final encore, he dedicated “Torna a Surriento” to the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir, and his wife—a heartfelt surprise for the distinguished guests.
During that same visit, he also officially opened the Spa Village Pangkor Laut. Upon experiencing it, he later declared the award-winning sanctuary “a miracle.”
2003
On a balmy, enchanted September evening in 2003, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, and Plácido Domingo—the legendary Three Tenors—took to the stage for what would become one of their final collective performances, and their first and only complimentary concert.
Sponsored by YTL Corporation Berhad, the event was arranged for the residents of Bath to mark the opening of the new Thermae Bath Spa and the acquisition of Wessex Water. The evening also featured the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, which presented a medley of Malay melodies.
~ For me, music making is the most joyful activity possible, the most perfect expression of any emotion. ~
In celebration of the Maestro Luciano Pavarotti, a musical legend, a beloved memory, a dear friend.
