Tens of thousands of people gathered in the northern Italian town of Modena to say their final farewells to tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who passed away earlier this week, aged 71.

The world-renowned tenor passed away on Thursday, after losing his prolonged battle against pancreatic cancer.

Bulgarian soprano Rayna Kabaivanska performed the Ave Maria aria from Verdi's Othello before the service, at the end of which the audience were treated to a recording of the Nessun Dorma aria from Puccini's "Turandot", the piece he was most famous for.

The service was attended by state dignitaries, artists and fellow musicians, while the Italian air force's jets left trails in the three colours of the Italian flag, an occurrence usually reserved for state funerals.

Close to 100 000 people are estimated to have come to Modena since Pavarotti's coffin was placed in the town's cathedral on Thursday night, many of them signing the books of condolences left next to vases of sunflowers, Pavarotti's favourite flower.

The world-renowned tenor started his spectacular career in 1961 in his native Modena, northern Italy, and enjoyed 40 years on the world stage, becoming one of the world's biggest-selling artists and a household name.

In 1990 he teamed up with the Spaniars Domingo and Carreras to perform at the football World Cup in Italy. The Three Tenors, singing at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome before some 6,000 people, drew 20 minutes of applause.

James Brown, Sting, Bono, Zucchero, Stevie Wonder and Elton John were among the stars sharing the stage with the opera legend during his annual charity concert "Pavarotti and Friends".

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!