City Rolls Out Red Carpet for Tenor Luciano Pavarotti Opera Star Receives Honorary Degree, Horse and Artwork From Local Fans

The red carpet was rolled out for famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti Wednesday evening at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

The Italian singer was the guest of honor at a dinner given by Dr. and Mrs. Nazih Zuhdi and Mr. and Mrs. James P. Linn.

Pavarotti will give a recital Friday at the Civic Center Music Hall to benefit the Cardiovascular Institute at St. Anthony Hospital. The 8:15 p.m. concert is sold out with the exception of a few remaining $350 patron tickets.

More than 150 people anxiously awaited Pavarotti's arrival during the cocktail hour at the black-tie event.

Applause and muffled cheers greeted the stately tenor who arrived dressed in a navy suit with a woolen muffler wrapped around the vocal chords which have been said to have been kissed by God.

"It took us two years to get Pavarotti here and we are very happy he finally made it," said Zuhdi, who acted as master of ceremonies while seated at the head table.

The Linns, who are in California on personal business, were represented by their son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lee Linn.

Awards were presented to Pavarotti between servings of the six-course meal. The first came from Gov. George Nigh.

"We appreciate your generous donations of your time and your talents to come to Oklahoma City," the governor said before proclaiming Friday Luciano Pavarotti Day in the state.

"So I say live it up; it's only one day," the governor said with a laugh.

Mayor Patience Latting presented the opera star with the traditional, but unique, key to the city. Designed by David Goodman and executed by Treasures Inc., the key was made of 10 ounces of 18 karat gold. It rested on a lucite sculpture created by Lee Norwood.

The mayor said she had been asked whether every visiting dignitary would receive an identical token. "I should say not," has been her reply, she told the group. "This is the one and only designed for Pavarotti."

An honorary doctorate of music degree was conferred upon the tenor by Dr. Jerald Walker, president of Oklahoma City University.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sias announced their gift of a registered half Arabian halter champion mare. Norman artist Mitsuno Reedy presented two pastels and four charcoal portraits of the singer.

While the accolades were made, the world-renowned singer listened with head and eyes lowered like a shy school boy. He seemed genuinely moved by his Oklahoma reception.

"I think by Friday I'll be so scared to sing for you," he said at one point during the dinner.

"I am very touched," Pavarotti said to the group before he left.

"I will come back anyway. With tonight you have made a 10-year subscription."

Pink and white place settings adorned the dining room tables. Three tall, pink tapers lighted each table and an arrangement of pink roses, yellow roses and white iris filled the center. A ring of lemon leaves, ferns, pink and yellow satin ribbons and flowers circled the candles.

Guests were served a creme of leek soup, lobster in sauce cardinale, lemon ice, tournedos of beef, white beets, carrots and potatoes parmentier, a mixed salad and white wine pudding.

Party favors included a cassette tape of one of Pavarotti's recordings and a silk-screened Pavarotti poster.

Saturday the Sisters of St. Francis, who attended the dinner, will unveil the Luciano Pavarotti Pavillion at St. Anthony Hospital. BIOG: NAME:

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