The maestro will dedicate his performance to the memory of Adele

Pavarotti's spokeswoman

He will spend time with his father, Fernando, his sister and his daughters - but has promised to return to sing his role of Cavaradossi in Puccini's Tosca.

A spokeswoman for the singer said his family had urged him to go ahead with his performance, as it would have been what his mother would have wanted.

"The condition of his mother, who had been very ill for some time, deteriorated last night and she died early this morning," said the spokeswoman.

Four performances

"He will return to London later this evening and the maestro will dedicate his performance tomorrow to the memory of Adele Pavarotti."

The Royal Opera House artists and staff have sent their "sincere condolences" to Pavarotti and his family.

Pavarotti, 66, is due to give four performances of Tosca at the Royal Opera House on 11, 15, 18 and 21 January.

In 2001 he celebrated 40 years in opera

The much-awaited appearance is likely to be one of Pavarotti's last appearances in the classic tenor roles, certainly in the UK.

In recent years Luciano Pavarotti has been troubled not only by tax demands - he was cleared of tax evasion in October - but by the gradual diminution of one of the most amazing voices ever heard.

Pavarotti was unable to hit a high C during a 1995 performance of Donizetti's La Fille du Regiment, and there were decidedly mixed reviews for Ramades in Aida in New York in 2001

But his every performance is still an event - and even his critics accept that his voice can still display something of the ringing perfection of his glory years.