Luciano Pavarotti has cancelled what was to have been his first public appearance since being treated for cancer, sparking fresh concerns about his health.
The 71-year-old tenor was to have attended a concert in the northern Italian city of Bergamo, and was set to receive an award named after 19th century composer Gaetano Donizetti.His non-attendance has led to speculation in the Italian media about the state of his health. Pavarotti is still recovering after having surgery for pancreatic cancer four months ago. All 2006 tour dates were subsequently cancelled.
A statement from a spokeswoman denied that the non-attendance is related to the singer's health. She said that Pavarotti "recently completed his medical treatment and couldn't be happier with his results and progress."
She went on to say that his first public appearance will be for a charity event in 2007, and that he will be returning to performing next year as scheduled.
