Photo: Wikimedia CommonsThe Three Tenors in Concert 1994
That Night, We Were All There
In the summer of 1994, our old TV had a blown speaker.
But when Pavarotti sang the first note of “Nessun dorma,” the distortion didn’t matter. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but I remember the image: three men in tuxedos standing in the middle of a baseball stadium, the Los Angeles twilight behind them, 56,000 people in the seats before them. And a number I couldn’t comprehend at the time: 1.3 billion. All watching the same thing at the same time.
It was the night before the World Cup final. It was an age before the internet ruled everything. It was the moment the Three Tenors proved that Rome 1990 was not a fluke.
From Rome to Los Angeles
Four years earlier, at the Baths of Caracalla, they had made history. The album sold ten million copies — the best-selling classical recording of all time.
The hardest thing about a miracle is doing it twice.
No one knew if they could.
They chose Dodger Stadium.
Three Voices, One Night
Carreras went first. He sang Massenet’s “O souverain, ô juge, ô père” from Le Cid — his voice as clear as a man who had stared down leukemia and won. Every note was a declaration: I am still here.
Domingo followed with “Granada.” His voice is warm, like Spanish afternoon sun. He sang each high note not as a conquest, but as a gift.
Then Pavarotti. He sang “Non ti scordar di me” — “Don’t forget me.” How fitting. His voice rose from somewhere deep inside him, through the Dodger Stadium night, through the television signal, through our blown speaker, and into me.
Around the World
The second half was a seventeen-minute medley arranged by Lalo Schifrin — a journey from Hollywood to Brazil, from French chanson to Italian folk songs.
They sang “My Way.” They sang “Moon River.” They sang “Singin’ in the Rain.” Three opera tenors singing Broadway and pop standards. On paper, it sounds absurd. But in that stadium, with 56,000 people cheering and 1.3 billion watching, it made perfect sense.
Because music isn’t about categories. It’s about connection.
The Encore
They came back to sing “Nessun dorma” together.
Pavarotti began. Domingo joined. Carreras followed. Three voices, weaving together, rising to that final high B. Dodger Stadium’s roof didn’t exist anymore — there was only a dome of sound, covering the entire planet.
After
Pavarotti left us in 2007. Domingo’s later years have been complicated. Carreras still sings.
And sometimes I think about that old TV with the blown speaker. About the kid who didn’t understand Italian, or French, or Spanish — but understood everything in the music.
1.3 billion people that night.
But in the end, it was just my memory.
About the Performer
Italian tenor (1935–2007), renowned as the 'King of High C' for his bright, powerful, and penetrating voice. One of the most famous operatic tenors of the twentieth century.
Spanish-American tenor (1941–), celebrated for his warm, rich timbre and profound dramatic expression. A versatile artist active as both singer and conductor across the world's leading opera houses.
Spanish tenor (1946–), known for his clear, lyrical tone and sensitive musicianship. Alongside Pavarotti and Domingo, he formed the legendary Three Tenors. He also founded a leukaemia foundation in his own name.
Indian-American conductor (1936–), former music director of the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Renowned for his rich orchestral colour and operatic conducting.
About the Composer
American composer and conductor (1918–1990), best known for West Side Story and Candide, a pioneer in blending classical, jazz, and Broadway.
French composer (1842–1912), a master of lyric opera whose principal works include Manon, Werther, and Le Cid.
Italian opera composer (1813–1901), regarded as the supreme representative of Italian opera, with iconic works such as La Traviata, Aida, Rigoletto, and Otello.
American songwriting duo (Rodgers 1902–1979, Hart 1895–1943), creators of numerous Broadway classics.
Mexican composer (1897–1970), widely regarded as one of the most popular composers of his era, best known for 'Granada.'
Italian composer (1875–1937), famous for Neapolitan songs including 'Non ti scordar di me' and 'Torna a Surriento.'
Franco-American songwriting team, co-creators of the timeless standard 'My Way.'
American lyricist-composer duo, winners of the Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'Moon River.'
French-born British composer (1858–1936), known for art songs, most famously 'Because.'
American songwriting duo who created enduring MGM musical standards, including 'Singin' in the Rain.'
Spanish composer (1891–1982), celebrated for his zarzuelas and guitar works.
Austrian composer (1797–1828), a towering figure of early Romanticism, master of the art song, composer of 'Ave Maria.'
Italian opera composer (1858–1924), whose masterworks include La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot — celebrated for their unforgettable melodies and intense dramatic power.
Italian opera composer (1857–1919), a leading figure in the verismo movement, best known for Pagliacci.
English musical theatre composer (1948–), creator of The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Italian composer (1846–1922), best known for the Neapolitan song 'Funiculì Funiculà.'
French composer (1874–1952), prolific creator of light music and chansons, including 'Sous les ponts de Paris.'
Brazilian composer (1903–1964), internationally renowned for 'Aquarela do Brasil.'
American songwriting duo, best known for 'Be My Love,' famously recorded by Mario Lanza.
Italian composer (1846–1916), renowned for his elegant art songs and Neapolitan melodies.
Hungarian composer (1870–1948), master of operetta, with beloved works including Das Land des Lächelns and Die Lustige Witwe.
Italian songwriter (1884–1961), best known for the Neapolitan classic 'Santa Lucia luntana.'
American folk singer and songwriter (1909–2004), famous for his English adaptation of the Russian song 'Those Were the Days.'
Mexican composer and conductor (1885–1951), the first Mexican woman to achieve international success in Hollywood, best known for 'Te Quiero Dijiste' (Magic Is the Moonlight).
Argentine-American composer and arranger (1932–), famous for film and television scores (Mission: Impossible theme) and arranger of the Three Tenors medleys.
Taiwan Performance History
The Three Tenors never performed together in Taiwan, but each member has visited Taiwan multiple times: Pavarotti in 1990 and 2005 (his final public performance); Domingo in 2002, 2009, 2011, and other occasions; Carreras has also given solo recitals in Taiwan on several occasions.