Date: 2007-12-11
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. I thank my good friend from New York. I am pleased that today the House of Representatives is considering House Resolution 708. honoring the life and accomplishments of Luciano Pavarotti. As the sponsor of this legislation. I would like to thank the Committee on Foreign Affairs. especially the chairman. Mr. LANTOS. for his assistance in -December 11. 2007 CO bringing this before the end of the year. the year 2007. the year in which Mr. Pavarotti died. He was born on October 12. 1935. and he died on September 6. 2007. in Modena. Italy. I know. because I was in the Veneto that day when his death was announced by his family. And during his life. Mr. Pavarotti shared his incredible talent and passion for opera with the entire world. During his life. he actually began as a second grade teacher before he decided to turn to his pursuit of music full time. After devoting himself to serious voice training for over 7 years. Mr. Pavarotti made his operatic debut in the role of Rodolfo in Puccinis "La Boheme." From that initial performance. Pavarotti continued to follow his dream of performing opera around the world. And after many years of hard work. of course. he became really one of operas premier performers. But in addition to his incredible voice and his talent on stage. Mr. Pavarotti made frequent television performances. and as a result he really opened up the world of opera to a whole new audience. Mr. Pavarotti. with Placido Do-. mingo and Jose Carreras. entered into one of the most famous collaborations in music. and The Three Tenors continued to bring opera music to more and more people around the world. As an established opera star. he decided to use his talent and his connections to benefit charities. and he began hosting the annual Pavarotti and Amici. or Pavarotti and Friends. concerts in Modena. Italy. to raise money for worthy United Nations causes. Mr. Pavarottis appeal to opportunities. he got an opportunity to see things that are rarely enjoyed by most of us. He earned five Grammy Awards and a Orammy Legend Award. and he became the first and so far the only opera singer to perform on "Saturday Night Live." Mr. Pavarotti also received numerous honors for his charitable work including being named the United Nations Messenger of Peace and receiving the Nansen Medal from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in honor of his efforts to raise money on behalf of refugees around the world. Mr. Pavarottis career is an inspiration to aspiring young artists around the world. and it encourages them to continue to go after their dream. In addition. Mr. Pavarottis commitment to charitable causes provides an important example of how artists can raise awareness in funding for people in need. Mr. Speaker. since his death. the world has missed his talent and his passion. And although we will always have recordings of his beautiful music. we will continue to miss his presence and his love for life. And I know that in the last 10 years of his life he filled his life and was very fulfilled. But we should remember that Mr. Pavarotti once said: "A life in music is a life beautifully spent. and this is what I have devoted my life to." Mr. Pavarottis life was indeed a life beautifully spent. and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 708 to honor his life and his achievements.