Donna Franca Vacations

I was once contacted by an organizer of an opera society who was aware that I had the privilege of personally knowing Luciano Pavarotti. The director of the opera society wanted to satisfy the curiosity of his clients by bringing his members to visit the Pavarotti’s estate in Modena, where, at that time, the late maestro lived with his family.

I managed to get permission to enter the estate with our large motor coach; however, I did get in a little bit of trouble because one of the tour participants decided to take a photograph of Pavarotti’s father carrying the daily trash. A day later, I  received a call from Pavarotti’s wife, asking me: “Donna Franca, what is the matter with your clients… don’t they know that we are human beings and we also have trash to dispose of…why would they have to take a photo of this simple chore”.

How did I have the fortune of meeting personally Maestro Pavarotti…well, let me tell you another of my wonderful experiences. In December of 1985, I was invited by my good friend the Countess Maria Teresa Maschio of Bologna to a private party which a local bank was hosting at the local opera house in honor of Pavarotti’s success and many years of dedication to music.

I flew to Bologna, and participated to this private ceremony where I met his wife, two daughters, and his former music teacher, an elderly Sicilian gentleman who, when I entered the box, stood up and offered me his front seat. During the intermission, Maestro Pavarotti came up to the box to greet his family and then shook hands with me. It was at that moment, I asked him if I could talk to him in private and so he invited me to visit with him at his home over the weekend.

I did not want to lose this great opportunity. The following Sunday, there I was, sitting in Pavarotti’s living room, sipping Frangelico with the great Maestro. During our conversation, he asked me why I wanted to meet him in private: My answer was: “Maestro, you represent the voice and soul of Italy. As you know Americans are afraid to travel to Italy because of the recent terrorism attack at the Rome airport (it had occurred the previous year) and I would like you to do something special and address this issue with the Americans. With your voice, tell them that Italy is still a great, safe and beautiful country to travel to”. The Maestro looked at me and said; “Scatenata (unchained) Donna Franca, even our President Pertini asked me the same question and I don’t want to get involved with politics. But, I have a suggestion…why don‘t you sponsor one of my special recordings which will be yours for ever and then, you will be able to offer it as a token of appreciation to all your clients who purchase your tour arrangements to Italy”.

Today all my groups who visit my villa in Tuscany for a special wine tasting and a delicious lunch receive this great musical gift as a souvenir of their wonderful vacation and in memory of the great Maestro’s voice.