The Thrill of ‘Three Tenors’ Live in L.A.

I am one of those that did not opt for the living room to enjoy “Encore! The Three Tenors” at Dodger Stadium. Instead, I was treated to the greatest thrill of my life as an opera fan: a live performance by Luciano Pavarotti and company (“Greatest Tenor Show on Earth,” July 18).

True, I could not afford a front-row seat, but that did nothing to diminish my entertainment: By arriving on time I was also treated to some pre-concert rehearsals by Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Pavarotti.

It should be obvious to everybody that Dodger Stadium does not have the sound of La Scala, but Martin Bernheimer’s expectations were once again wilted. Here are some suggestions for the critic from a humble but faithful fan:

I can distinguish between Puccini and Massenet just fine, no program needed (so could the people around me in our economy $75 seats). Furthermore, I learned from Pavarotti and company the joy and thrill of opera, a world I was little aware of before the 1990 concert in Rome.

Finally, I would suggest that Bernheimer admit the general public into the once-exclusive world of opera: Three famous singers and one recognized conductor have done so, and the world, including this still-giddy fan, are grateful.

MARINA E. FREEMAN, Long Beach

*

Midway through the “Three Tenors” concert, I looked around Dodger Stadium and reflected on how very fortunate I was to be there. As a concert and opera singer for a number of years, I admit to approaching the concert with a rather jaundiced eye, sure that it would fail to impress me artistically. I had heard that the elaborate, Hollywoodesque set and sound system created for the occasion would likely be unsatisfactory, even offensive. I was, however, curious.

How thankful I am to know that, now and again, I can still be swept away by the magic of a moment. It should be said that, despite artistically difficult conditions, the singers showed their true greatness as performers. Although the evening admittedly was short on subtlety, it was both moving and exciting to witness a rare musical phenomenon as three premier singers and one of the great conductors of our age abandoned caution and performed their hearts out for us.

What a wonderful stroke of good fortune to have such an event in our beleaguered city! How marvelous that national and international attention were once again focused on Los Angeles in an entirely positive and uplifting manner.

SUSAN SHEPARD, Los Angeles

*

Beautiful! Beautiful!

The world’s three leading tenors.

But where are the world’s three leading sopranos? Or is this, like soccer, an all-male province?

FRANK GLASS, Lakewood

*

“Encore! The Three Tenors” was for many a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear the legendary tenors perform together. By and large it lived up to the expectations of fans who purchased tickets many months in advance to be part of this special occasion. Thanks to Tibor Rudas, the artistry of the three tenors and Zubin Mehta and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the event will linger in our memories for many years.

However, many of us were annoyed and embarrassed by the rudeness of so many of the patrons who came in after the 8 p.m. starting time. The repeated entreaties of the announcer for all to be seated were ignored for nearly 40 minutes. To make matters worse, the same problem persisted after the intermission. Most of the offenders seemed to be those in the high-priced seats in the playing field.

The management should have closed the door and barred them entry until after intermission, as is the practice in most concert halls.

FLORA YAMANAKA, Torrance