TRAGEDY was averted during the Three Tenors concert on Sunday night when 3000 fans were moved out of two stands which were at the point of collapsing. An estimated 35 000 people, including President Nelson Mandela, heard Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo deliver a fine performance in the gardens of the Union Buildings, despite Domingo’s slight cold. The trio were backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marco Armiliato, and a 300 strong choir. The three tenors received a standing ovation for their performance and the show ended with a fireworks display. Those moved by security staff from their original seats in shaky stands to more stable seating will have seen the show for free: organiser Hazel Feldman says they will be offered ticket refunds.