Days after the news of Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti's death reached China, a dozen of the country's top tenors gathered in Beijing on Monday to bid farewell to the industrial icon.

Top Chinese tenors perform "Nessun Dorma," a signature aria of the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti at a tribute concert for Pavarotti in Beijing, on Monday, September 10, 2007.

The night opened with performances by Dai Yuqiang, Pavarotti's first Asian student.

A number of the singers were on their overseas tours, and flew back to China as soon as they received the invitation to sing for the tribute concert.

Performers staged Pavarotti's best-known arias from "Nessun Dorma" to "Torna A Surriento." During the breaks, videos of Pavarotti were screened. Images of the passionate singing Pavarotti drew tears from many audience members.

Pavarotti died at 71 on September 6 at his home in Italy, leaving the world a legend of his much-celebrated career.

He had visited China for three times, in 1986, 2001 and 2005, through which time he developed a deep friendship with the Chinese people.

The tenor also gave a farewell concert in Beijing during his last visit.

Chinese people from all walks of life have expressed their grief over the star's death.

Chinese tenor Dai Yuqiang sings at a tribute concert for the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti in Beijing, on Monday, September 10, 2007.

Chinese singer Wei Song shows a photo of him with the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti at a tribute concert for Pavarotti in Beijing, on Monday, September 10, 2007.

(CRI.cn September 12, 2007)