Published : 2025-06-23
On June 23, 2001, the world's three great tenors, Placido Domingo, José Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti, held a concert in front of the Meridian Gate (or Wumen午門) of the Forbidden City in Beijing, performing several world-famous songs passionately.
The usually silent Forbidden City was brightly lit and bustling on that evening. In the vast U-shaped square, a giant stage with a total area of nearly 700 square metres and a span of 38 metres, along with over 35,000 seats was set up.
Six giant screens around the venue continuously switched between live scenes and the dazzling presence of political dignitaries, business elites, and sports and entertainment stars attending the event.
In a heated and enthusiastic atmosphere, the world's three great tenors, Placido Domingo, José Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti, took turns to perform their signature songs. The classic melodies echoed through the Forbidden City tonight.
The moving voices of the world's three great tenors were further amplified and enriched by a unique sound system designed by renowned acoustician Alexander Thornton, covering every corner of the Forbidden City with their beautiful voices.
Besides the audience on site, many more audiences watched the concert through the live broadcast on China Central Television, Hong Kong Dongfang Network Television Holdings Limited, Beijing Arts Radio, and 23 other FM stereo radio and television stations across China.
