Brian Large, the legendary BBC producer and opera director who brought the Three Tenors to a global audience at the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on May 26, but the news has only recently become public.
Early Career at the BBC
Large joined BBC2 at its inception in 1965, initially directing sports events as well as concerts, opera, and ballet. He told El País that his music background often led to him being chosen for concert direction. The then BBC controller David Attenborough later recalled: "We were all young ... and there wasn't a question of getting anybody who was experienced in opera production because there weren't any."
Large admitted he was "scared stiff" during his first music broadcast in September 1965, which featured Igor Stravinsky conducting his score for The Firebird with the New Philharmonia Orchestra. Despite his nerves, he made an impression, and in 1970 he was appointed chief opera producer. A decade later, in 1980, he declined a role in higher management and left the corporation to go freelance.
The Three Tenors and Global Fame
One of Large's most famous projects was the Three Tenors concert on July 7, 1990, at the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome, on the eve of the World Cup final. The event featured Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras and became a television and music milestone. Although intended as a one-time classical event, the broadcast attracted an estimated 800 million viewers worldwide, turning the trio into an overnight pop-culture phenomenon and sparking an album and further performances.
Reflecting on the concert, Large said: "We created on that day a monster which could not be tamed." Three years before his death, he remarked: "I've always maintained that one of the greatest things music can do is to bring harmony and peace and respect for human life. And I hope every concert I did, every piece of music I did, was with that intention of being able to make people feel happy, at peace, content with the world and grateful to be able to live on this wonderful planet."
Tributes and Legacy
Tributes have flooded in for the legendary star. One friend wrote on Facebook: "I am heartbroken by the passing of Brian Large - legendary director and producer of hundreds of televised operas and classical music performances, a giant of our art and my beloved friend. Rest in peace, dear Brianino. You will remain in my heart forever."
Another added: "Saddened to have learned about the passing of Brian Large. What an amazing collaborator and broadcaster BBC has. Innumerable and magnificent performances from the Royal Ballet and Opera as the chief opera producer since 1970. Also directed the broadcast of the first ever 3 tenors in Rome's famous Caracalla terme in 1990. Rest in peace, my friend."
A third chimed in: "The world has lost a great man, and he will be greatly missed. He had such an impact on the world, not only by his art but by his presence. He will be greatly missed. Much love to his beloved Jack and family, and friends." A fourth shared: "Grateful to Brian Large's TV direction and taping of so many of Maestro Domingo's performances that have become benchmarks. Mr Brian Large RIP."
