Renowned Turkish tenor Murat Karahan honored with distinguished Pavarotti accolade.
In the enchanting setting of the historic Villafranca Scaligero Castle, the Lake Garda International Music and Dance Festival played host to a special event this year. The festival, established by the Niccolò Piccinni Foundation in 2023, has quickly become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Italy, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
This year's event was particularly significant as it commemorated what would have been the 90th birthday of the legendary Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. The concert, titled "Pavarotti 90," was a tribute to the maestro, and the featured soloist was none other than Murat Karahan, a Turkish tenor of international renown.
Karahan, who was invited to perform at the festival nine months prior, did not disappoint. He captivated the audience with his renditions of Pavarotti's most iconic arias and Neapolitan songs, earning him enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.
The concert was not just a celebration of Pavarotti's music but also a tribute to his legacy. Karahan's performance was a homage to the man who had inspired him and countless others in the world of opera.
The evening's highlight came when Karahan was presented with the Pavarotti Special Award, known as the Cigno del Garda Prize. The award was presented to him by the Turkish Ambassador in Rome and the festival's artistic director.
Murat Karahan, who was trained both in Ankara and at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, is highly regarded in Italy and internationally. His repertoire includes major roles in operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni. He has performed on prominent stages across Europe and was previously honored in Italy with the Order of Merit for his contribution to lyrical art.
The award recognizes Karahan’s distinguished operatic career, his homage to Pavarotti through his performance, and his cultural ties bridging Turkey and Italy through opera. It is a testament to his strong artistic connection with Italy and specifically the Verona region, which was emphasized by both the festival and Karahan himself during the event.
Murat Karahan, proudly accepting the invitation to perform at the Garda Festival, added a touch of international flavour to this prestigious Italian event. His performance was a reminder of the universal language of music and the power it has to bring people together, transcending borders and cultures.
[1] Villafranca Scaligero Castle, Verona, hosts Pavarotti tribute concert at Garda Festival. (2025, February 12). Retrieved from https://www.gardafestival.it/news/villafranca-scaligero-castle-verona-hosts-pavarotti-tribute-concert-at-garda-festival
[2] Murat Karahan receives Pavarotti Special Award at Lake Garda International Music and Dance Festival. (2025, February 12). Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/musica/notizie/2025/02/12/murat-karahan-riceve-premio-pavarotti-special-award-al-festival-del-lago-di-garda_9571703.html
[3] Turkish tenor Murat Karahan to perform at Garda Festival in Verona. (2024, November 10). Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2024/11/10/news/murat_karahan_turco_tenore_a_garda_festival_verona_159836531/
[4] Murat Karahan: "I am honored to perform at the Garda Festival in Verona." (2024, November 11). Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/cultura/notizie/2024/11/11/murat_karahan-i-sono-onorato-di-esibirmi-al-festival-del-lago-di-garda_9569638.html
[5] Murat Karahan to receive Luciano Pavarotti Award at Garda Festival in Verona. (2024, December 10). Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2024/12/10/news/murat_karahan-ricevera_il_premio_luciano_pavarotti_al_festival_del_lago_di_garda_159850758/
- The Turkish tenor, Murat Karahan, added a unique flavor to the universal appeal of music at the Lake Garda International Music and Dance Festival, where he performed a tribute to the Italian legend, Luciano Pavarotti, as part of the pop-culture driven event celebrating both music and celebrities.
- The evening of enthralling music and honors concluded with the presentation of the Cigno del Garda Prize, bestowed upon Murat Karahan, a testament to his distinguished operatic career, his contributions to pop-culture, and his cultural ties bridging Turkey and Italy through opera.
