Today, we are sad. . .

Mom, Dad and I saw the Maestro a few years ago, and I have never seen anyone command a stage like Pavarotti. The entire atmosphere changed when he stepped onto the stage. As I recall, the tickets cost a fortune and we had terrible seats, but it was the opportunity of a lifetime and we weren't about to miss it! Afterall, how often does the greatest opera singer in the world come to Kansas? Well, Placido Domingo came the next season, but he's the second greatest, so he doesn't count. Plus, there was an audience participation portion of the evening (a piece from La Traviata) so I can honestly say that I sang with Luciano Pavarotti (and 7,500 of my closest friends). Opera isn't my favorite genre (though I do like it), but I was in awe of the master at work. This morning, I fired up my iPod and played the only Pavarotti piece I have on it - Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) as a tribute to the Maestro. . . even if you don't particularly enjoy opera, seek out some Pavarotti today and listen to a true master.