Pavarotti’s widow livid after Italian city builds ice rink round statue of opera legend | EUROtoday

The mayor of an Italian city has apologised to the household of the late opera singer Luciano Pavarotti after an ice rink was constructed round a statue of the celebrated tenor, sparking fury from his widow and locals.

The life-size bronze statue of Pavarotti together with his arms outstretched and sporting his conventional tailcoat was unveiled final yr within the city sq. of Pesaro, the place he had lived.

However, native authorities determined to construct a winter ice rink across the statue, successfully locking Pavarotti knee-deep within the ice on the nook of the rink. Ice-skaters have been inspired to “high-five” the statue as they went previous.

Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, has expressed dismay on the state of affairs, which she stated was “ridiculing” his reminiscence, and that it was altogether a “terrible thing”, native paper the Resto del Carlino reported.

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“I’ve seen the images, and it seems like a poorly executed, absurd decision on the part of the administration,” she stated. “On the one hand, they want to pay homage to him, on the other, they’re ridiculing him. It’s not right.”

She added: “It’s also dangerous. If they really wanted to build the [ice rink] there, they could have moved the statue or put it somewhere else.”

The report added that the statue was inaugurated in April 2024 within the presence of Ms Mantovani herself, amid applause “and a sincere sense of homage”.

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Locals have described the tenor and his outstretched arms as trying “like a stage character who fell into the wrong place and now finds himself directing the traffic of skaters”.

Daniele Russo, who lives in Pesaro, advised The Independent: “There are many conflicting opinions here in Pesaro. Many residents are outraged by this, while others, supporters of the mayor, think it’s not a serious matter, arguing that there are bigger problems in life.”

Andrea Biancini, the mayor of Pesaro, threw petrol on the fireplace after sharing {a photograph} of the statue encased within the ice and alluring skaters to “give Pavarotti a high-five”.

He later apologised, admitting “we made a mistake”.

“I’m disappointed, angry, and sorry. I’m sorry the city council allowed something like this, because it affects Luciano’s image and the respect he deserves,” he stated.

Despite the apology, it seems the statue remains to be within the ice rink.

Ms Mantovani stated she is going to ask the town council for an evidence. “We started with a tribute and ended up ridiculing Luciano. It’s not right. It’s just not right.”