In 1997, Pavarotti was recognized with an award for raising almost $9 million with pop musicians Bono and Brian Eno to establish a music therapy center for children affected by the war in the southern town of Mostar.
"It is our honor to host Luciano Pavarotti, one of the rare artist who have done a lot for Bosnia and promoted it throughout the world," Sarajevo sports and culture minister Ivica Saric (himself a bass) said in a news conference, according to Reuters.
The legendary tenor, who turned 70 last October, is completing a worldwide farewell tour, expected to last at least another year. Pavarotti has said that the tour may end in Milan, London, Vienna, or the Metropolitan Opera in New York.