In a stunning 1999 performance at Vienna’s Konzerthaus, José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti brought their legendary voices to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)”. With a perfect blend of operatic power and heartfelt emotion, the trio transformed this holiday classic into a moving tribute to peace and hope.
Surrounded by the grandeur of the Vienna concert hall, their rendition became a timeless reminder of the spirit of Christmas and the universal yearning for a harmonious world.
CARRERAS, DOMINGO, PAVAROTTI (THE THREE TENORS) – “Happy Christmas” (Konzerthaus Vienna 1999)
In 1999, the legendary Three Tenors—José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti—delivered an unforgettable Christmas performance at the Konzerthaus in Vienna. The concert featured a stirring rendition of “Happy Christmas (War Is Over),” a song originally written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, which became a symbol of peace and goodwill.
The Three Tenors, known for their incredible vocal power and emotive delivery, brought a unique operatic touch to the festive song, turning it into an epic expression of hope for the world. Their voices blended harmoniously, with each tenor bringing his own distinctive style to the piece, while the orchestra added an elegant backdrop, amplifying the grandeur of the performance.
The choice of “Happy Christmas” for the concert was poignant, as it served as both a celebration of the holiday spirit and a call for peace. The audience, seated in the grandeur of Vienna’s Konzerthaus, was enveloped in the powerful atmosphere created by the trio. As they sang, the song’s message of peace, unity, and love resonated deeply, particularly during the festive season.