Last week I was speaking with a friend about the new European Tour and the first thing that struck me was six concerts in Milan! WOW! Who would have thought back in the beginning that the guys would do a tour in Italy, no less six concerts in Milan. Their lives changed in 2015 but they changed even more after the pandemic. Italy finally opened its eyes and gave these three amazing guys the recognition they truly deserve.
Of course, there are those who are always going to be blind towards them because they are also deaf and dumb. Mostly dumb! When I think about where the guys are today, I have to say they’ve all worked so hard to get here. I think after the pandemic they took a new direction, one that opened new doors. It’s like they started all over. I remember Ignazio saying, “We started all over on a stage in Italy.” Yes, that’s what happened. The joy they got standing on that stage in Verona, restarting the music industry, was their new beginning The Second Time Around! They were starting again but this time it was in Italy.
The above words were part of a message that I sent to a friend. After I wrote those words I said to him, “I’m writing this and I’m thinking this is what I should be writing in my column. It’s the story of how these guys reached stardom not once but twice.” Thanks to my friend, I was suddenly very inspired! I came to life! I said, “This will be next week’s column!” Thanks, my dear friend, for the inspiration!
In 2020, like most of us, the one thing the guys wanted more than anything was to get back to work. Well they did have the commitment with Dolce & Gabbana which gave us a spectacular Sunday event. And there was the concert in Monte Carlo but, something was missing.
One Saturday night in September 2020 they showed us what was missing!
But before they got to that Saturday, they took an unusual journey.
Some stories just write themselves and the author stands by with pen in hand, looks down at the paper and says yes, yes that’s exactly what I wanted to say! And you can’t even remember writing it but it’s there and it’s so spot on!
Life writes its own stories! Certainly, life wrote this one about three teenage boys. Teenagers! Think of your kid outside playing basketball or soccer. Could you imagine that he would walk off the court and into the limelight? I think your fondest hope would be that he would clean up his room.
How do you explain three amazing voices coming together on the same stage, at the same time? I have only one explanation. La Forza del Destino! It was fate! It was a plan! It was God’s plan!
Watching the guys on the stage in Milan for the beginning of their European Tour brought back fond memories of their beginnings. Before Ti Lascio una Canzone, before Sanremo, before they turned the music back on! In the real beginning….
In the beginning there were three guys named Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca. They were ordinary guys!
Piero loved his motorbike! “When I arrived at the roundabout in the center of the city, voom, I did a wheelie with the motorbike.”
Ignazio loved to play soccer. “My main project when I went to school was to get home and spend the afternoon playing football.”
Gianluca, also, loved to play soccer! “How did I play soccer? I was good, come on, I did not like losing, I wanted to score goals by force, I never passed the ball, and when I had the ball, I scored.”
So, yes, they were ordinary kids but, they all had something special. They had a special gift from God. Their voice!
What was it that made them different? What was it about this baritone and two tenors that was different from other tenors or baritones? First and foremost, the delivery of these three voices was equal. The crispness and clarity in each voice was defined. They were alike but they were different. They were balanced! Roberto Cenci recognized these exceptional qualities and understood that they could blend into one beautiful voice, so he decided to put the three voices together. The result was they were an immediate sensation and they caused important people in the industry to stop and listen!
Each one separately was captivating, together, they were a gift that God gave to humanity!
Where did it all begin?
We have to keep in mind that in the beginning the guys were underage so any negotiations and plans for their future was handled by their parents. It was only after the parents first meeting with among others, Michele Torpedine, that the guys were informed that plans were being made for them. After this meeting the parents met again a month later and signed a contract for the guys to record with Universal.
I think Piero put it best when he said, “The day before, I went to my uncle’s workshop and the next day I signed a millionaire contract with an American label.”
Yes that’s how it happened. They stepped on the stage at Ti Lascio una Canzone sang one song together and their fate was sealed. Immediate stardom! But a stardom that would not take them around Italy, no! It was a stardom that took them around the world! They were an immediate success in America. They appeared on every morning and night show. Every station you turned on spoke of three Italian teenagers who were stealing the hearts of the American people! They certainly stole my heart!
But what about Italy. Let’s listen to what Ginauca had to say about that….
Before Sanremo, we lived two lives, two completely different lives. Abroad we were stars and, we came to Italy to rest. I took refuge in Montepagano, Piero in Naro, Ignazio in Marsala. It was nice to come back to a ‘normal’ life. But… we felt that something was missing, that it was bad to be so successful outside of our country and not be able to have it in Italy.
This was what they suffered in the early years. More than anything they wanted to be recognized in Italy! They never even hoped for the success they had in other countries, they just wanted to be recognized.
So now I will flash forward eight years and tell you about The Night the Lion Roared….
We know 2014 started out as a bad year for the guys but suddenly things were happening. They signed a new recording contract. They were invited to sing at the Italian Senate. This was an event of immense importance for them. It said Italy was finally noticing them so, it only made sense that it was time to take a giant step!
Time to go to Sanremo!
But this story doesn’t start with Sanremo, nor does it end there! Sanremo was the door opener!
The Decision to go to Sanremo was a difficult one!
So where do you begin to make the decision. Well, you have to start with….
Who’s in and who’s out!
Who’s in?
From day one, Gianluca wanted to go. He was so convinced that they would win that he never backed down from it. He had no doubt in his mind that they would win.
Who’s out?
Always the pessimist, Ignazio. He said “No, we can’t win. It’s too hard.”
So that leaves Piero! Piero at first was not on board but Gianluca persuaded him. Gianluca said, “No one trusted, no one believed it. It was I who persuaded Piero to persuade Ignazio to go to Sanremo. Because I told them: ‘Guys, if we go, we’ll win it, I’m sure, I’m sure’”.
Piero said, “We said to ourselves: ‘Guys, make it or break it, in the end, we were not anyone here in Italy, at most we would not be anyone even afterwards.’”
Decision made! It’s official the guys go to Sanremo!
Then there’s the second problem, the song! After much searching, its Grande Amore!
The Win
Ignazio:In short, the final evening arrives, February 14th. I realize from my shirt that in a week we have eaten more than we sang. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I’m a boy who does not say cat if I do not have it in the bag, then until Carlo Conti said…. ‘The winner of the Sanremo Festival 2015 is … Il Volo!’
So what did the win at Sanremo do for them with the press? As I said before they are “deaf, dumb and blind!” Mostly dumb!
But this win set the guys on a new path. They began to do concerts and tour around Italy. They began to feel like they were finally home. The Italian people loved them. They always loved them.
And then, One Saturday night in September 2020 the guys showed us what was missing!
Pandemic!
It’s 2020 what was going on in the world? Literally in the World!
We started hearing about a pandemic. And it seemed the worst of it was in Italy. The guys began to worry. And then, no it was time to leave. Leave now or get stuck in America! It was time! They turned off the lights and went home!
The first message from the guys on the Covid situation was sent when they were still on tour in America.
The last three concerts would be cancelled, and Il Volo will go home!
They canceled their last three performances and the next thing we knew they were on their way home. But being true to form, like good children, they checked in with us as soon as they got home and told us they were safe and they needed to be with their families now.
As you know the guys went into quarantine and stayed there for three and a half months.
Then the quarantine was over and, they left their houses. And something amazing started to happen!
The one thing they wanted more than anything was to get back to work. Well, they did have the commitment with Dolce & Gabbana which gave us a spectacular Sunday event. And there was the concert in Monte Carlo but, something was missing.
At Verona, they showed us what was missing!
Let’s start with September 11th 2020, the Friday afternoon before the performance, we watched the guys at sound check give a performance to the people who were scattered around the Verona Arena that would rival most concerts. And then later in the evening they returned to the Arena for light check.
Ignazio and Gianluca were making videos with their phones, while Piero was wandering around.
Ignazio get’s Piero’s attention.
Ignazio: What are you doing?
Piero shakes his head and asks. What are you looking at?
Ignazio (points): The light that is there.
Gianluca: It’s Beautiful.
Ignazio: The gorgeous light. Gorgeous! Gorgeous!
Of course, Piero pulled out his phone and started to video.
But what was it about the lights that got Ignazio’s attention? Well, they were as Ignazio said, “La Luce Stupenda!” “The lights were gorgeous,” but I think he was thinking about the last lights that he saw on stage.
That Saturday night when the guys were entering the Arena before the show they were stopped and asked this question by a woman reporter:
Reporter: You are International entertainers therefore you know how much the live dimension is missing. But above all you have defined the stage as your natural element. So, how is it for you to return to a live performance tonight?
Ignazio: It’s like giving candy to a baby. We are happy because we missed it. We missed it to die for but not only for our personal thing but because this is to me the music slowly restarting with safety measures. But we are restarting it all with Italian music. It’s like I am starting again to grow up on stage and hope that it can be a message of hope for the groups, in the cities, in the emerging local areas who want to start making music. We have to continue making music and we hope for full concerts and full live by 2021.
It was an absolutely beautiful statement that said it all! What I liked best about this statement was Ignazio saying “It’s like I am restarting it all with Italian music. I’m starting again to grow up on stage…” What did he mean? This time he is starting in Italy not America. It was their rebirth! He finally feels like he is at home! Bravo Ignazio! You are home.
When the guys arrived on stage, they had a message for the world and all the people in the industry:
Ignazio: 2020 will be remembered as the year where the world would be constrained to be turned off.
Gianluca: For the music employees the verb “turn off” means the end of the show, when the curtains close and it is the waiting moment for the next show, but this time the waiting lasted more than expected, the silence was unavoidable.
Piero: Now, the world is getting ready to start again! Now the moment has arrived to raise the curtain! Now, we will turn on the music!
This beautiful statement was followed by the performance of the evening. Their choice of “Nessun Dorma” sent an even stronger message. It’s says we may have to perform under these new world conditions, but we don’t have to change who we are or why we’re here. In this ancient Arena we look to the past while following the path to the future.
From their first note the whole arena lit up. Their voices were clean and crisp. Their presence was illuminating. Their notes rose above the Arena into the night sky to let the world know music is back! The final note of their song sent the final message. All three voices rose in unison and their voices sent forth a note that took our breaths away! It said We Have Returned! “Turn on the Lights!”
What is so amazing about this is, over the months since they had left quarantine, they had almost single handedly brought back the music industry in Italy. All the work they’ve did after they left quarantine had been to move things forward in Italy. This includes their most important project the concert in Tribute to Ennio Morricone and the recording of their album by the same name.
Listening to them sing “Your Love,” at Sanremo, even under trying circumstances, gave us hope for the future. This preview gave us a look into the new album which we are all anxiously awaiting. But above all, the guys Hit the Restart Button! They played a major part in the restart of the music industry In Italy!
Now they are on a new journey! A new direction which led them to the stage in Milan where six concerts would be performed buy three amazing guys who only a few short years ago thought that Italy was only a place to rest their heads after a long tour abroad.
TheSecond Time Around in Verona led to a new adventure which included a new direction with their music. They came back this last season and introduced us to the new Il Volo. The three teenagers who stole our hearts in 2009 have now become three young men who are showing us their hearts in their music. They are opening up their hearts and showing us their emotions. Individually and together, they are the greatest singers in the world!
For your listening pleasure.
Concert in Verona 2015
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
It’s that time again…. just about a year ago now, we were all getting ready for their US tour! Now, the folks in Milan are enjoying 6 concerts in a row! How I wish I could have been at all 6, I’d even take one! Oh well, maybe next time!
Our Ignazio is approaching that hill now and will be 29 soon!
So, it’s time to send in your wishes and SONG to go with the video. Advice to follow:
`1. please do not submit songs that they already sing
2. limit your songs to 3 choices
3. please do not suggest songs for them to sing – we have no direct contact with them
4. please send to: ilvoloflightcrew@gmail.com. I know it is easy to just reply to this posting, but it’s easier for me if everything is sent to the gmail account.
5. please do not post any wishes on FaceBook, I will not see them
6. please send your wishes and song choices separately. If together, I may accidentally delete it after the song choice. Please put song or wish in the subject line.
7. apologies in advance if I miss anyone’s wishes – I try my best and it’s purely by accident if anyone gets missed! Sometimes it is a cyber error, beyond my control…
A special thank you to Rose Marie P. for letting me use her photo above! 🙂
In June 2020, the local TV station in Rosteo degli Abruzzo, Roseto TV interviewed Gianluca. Since this was the first time that such an event was taking place since the lockdown, it was decided that the interview would take place at Cabana Park overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
The segment was entitled “Gianluca Ginoble: Il Lockdown, Le Passioni, L’Abruzzo, La Musica, Il Volo,” (Gianluca Ginoble: The Lockdown, the Passion, Abruzzo, the Music and Il Volo). Or simply The Lockdown and Passion of Gianluca.
You might ask yourself what does lockdown have to do with passion. Just consider, everything that Gianluca does is a passion and all that he gained from this time at home became another passion.
Gianluca was quite comfortable with the interviewer, Luca, an Abruzzo native that he knows well, and that is obvious in the fact that he was very willing to talk about his non-professional life. At times, the friends seem to complete each other’s sentences.
In this beautiful interview, Gianluca talks about his passions and his great opportunity to spend time at home with his family. He talks about all the things he would love to do every day but cannot do because he is away eight months out of a year.
It isn’t very often that we get to see Gianluca so relaxed and having fun during an interview. But, of course, being with his friend on the beach at his beloved Roseto degli Abruzzi makes it all special.
Let’s stop a moment and listen to what Gianluca has said about his country, his home….
The accents are beautiful, the dialects are beautiful, but I can say that what I prefer is the Abruzzese? I am very proud to be from Abruzzo. I love everything about this region. And I like to bring Abruzzo around the world and keep it high.
I am right at the sea. I’m relaxing, I’m calm! There is a sea breeze and nothing else. It’s Thursday and I am practically alone on the beach. I’m fine, from God! I’m fine because I’m home.
When I come home, I relax and I am calm, as I cannot be anywhere else in the world. And now, I can say I’ve seen a lot of places in the world. Coming home to Abruzzo, I feel like I am on vacation. Montepagano is right on top of the hill facing the sea, it seems to look like a postcard. It is here that I can get away from everything and everyone and stay in peace. Montepagano is a perfect place, a kind of paradise.
When Gianluca is at home he likes to spend lots of time with his family and friends.
The video of the interview with Roseto TV is no longer available but below you will find the English translation from the video. The interview was translated by Giovanna.
Giovanna said, as she listened, she realized that Luca wasn’t always asking questions. He was pontificating, with pauses for answers, and as soon as Gianluca started speaking in the pauses, Luca would cheer him on, finishing Gianluca’s sentences, talking at the same time. If you’re Italian or have been around Italians, you know that’s normal.
Daniela commented that during COVID, of the three, Gianluca was the most active on social media.
Ignazio preferred not to post a lot of images, but rather, occasionally used Instagram as a form of musical airtime. You may have noticed that during COVID, he was posting tantalizing clips and snippets of his vocals, accompanying himself on piano or guitar, or singing with other performers.
Piero protects his privacy and home life more than Gianluca does, but still posted shots and videos of his workouts at home, in the gym, or outdoors in the sand. And who can forget his daily vocal lessons.
Before beginning the interview, Luca explains it’s June 3, 2020, and he’s with Gianluca Ginoble, an internationally known artist, a Rosetano from their beloved Montepagano.
Luca begins his interview by asking: How have you spent the quarantine period for the COVID19 Coronavirus emergency?
Gianluca: Despite all the negativity of the situation, I have tried to find positive things. For example, I have re-discovered passions that I haven’t exactly abandoned, but, well….
For one thing, I have started playing the piano. I became passionate about books and literature, about being with my family, things that you well know get set aside when we are away eight months per year on tour. You could say that this quarantine hasn’t really been completely negative, because I have been close to my family and have rediscovered passions that I didn’t even know I had.
After COVID we noticed that Gianluca was never without a book or two in hand.
Luca:That’s an interesting reflection because I think that the issue of rediscovering one’s roots and one’s family, and having personal time, is an important message.
Luca then asked Gianluca how he spends his days, in the so-called Phase 2, where there’s some freedom to go out (still respecting social distance) with masks no longer constantly required. He asks what Gianluca’s up to now that he’s free to get out and do some things.
Gianluca:Because of the COVID we’ve had to cancel our series of concerts through October. So, for this time I’ll still be at home. We of course have some filmed interviews and televised get-togethers, as we’ve done during the quarantine. But I’ve been relaxing. I’ve started playing tennis. I’m enjoying the seashore at Roseto d’Abruzzi. I don’t go to other places, even if you can go outside the region from today on. So, I’m staying here. Yesterday we were at Rocca Calascio. Every week my family has a regular date to go hiking in the mountains.
Luca:That’s also a wonderful lead in, because I remember that for several years you’ve been an official ambassador both of Abruzzo, and of Roseto d’Abruzzo, your great love. Yesterday, I saw the photos of you at Rocca Calascio, where they filmed “Ladyhawke,”so this in itself is a great way to inspire future tourism.
Gianluca:Look, Luca, with you, apart from the relationship of respect and friendship we have, going beyond this interview, I’ll tell you as a friend. You have to have the ability, how can I say it, to set and achieve goals, even when you’re as young as I am. But at the same time, I’m trying to maintain my roots, and my connection to that normal guy I used to be, who wanted to live a normal life. It’s like I’m on a train track and every now and then I can jump from one rail to the other. It’s really great to be able to live life like this. I can always return here, stay home, and enjoy my family and my hometown.
I think what Gianluca is really saying is, at times, they (Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio) feel like they would like to toss it all aside and just remain at home with their family and friends. I know many people think their lives are exciting and glamourous and to some degree they are, but in reality they have very difficult lives. During COVID they got to go back to their real lives. Lives they never knew existed, because they left when they were teenagers, and now they got to reconnect with their families in a special way. This family life was new to them. The departure after COVID had to be very difficult for all of them.
Luca: Those who know you also know that one of your trademarks, one of the things that makes you very much loved, is that you have remained humble. The world of concerts, as you already said, is on hold. How much do you miss that world, given that on an international level, for 10 years Il Volo made world tours, virtually continually for the entire 10 years since you started? How much do you miss that life, since it has been such a fundamental part of you?
Gianluca: I miss all the people, our fans. I miss tour life. And above all, I miss singing. When I’m on a bicycle I’m singing. When I’m in the shower, I’m singing. When I’m in bed, I’m singing. When I work out, I’m singing. When I’m on the beach I’m singing. Because that’s my life. It’s my relief valve. It’s the way . . . it’s something that truly makes me feel good. Fortunately, this passion is one of those things that you can do anywhere, even while you’re eating!
Luca:During this break, as we noted, you’re thinking about your roots, and things you put aside. What makes you keep giving your best? Despite the fact that you’re only 25 years old for one thing and have already won Sanremo on the first attempt; you’ve won the Latin awards. You’re Il Volo everywhere. In Tokyo you’re Il Volo; in NY you’re Il Volo; In Texas you’re Il Volo. What do you do to always have that grit that for 10 years has kept you at the world-class level? I can imagine that even with this planetwide success, when you sit down, or try to sit down, what is it that keeps you from really sitting down? [That’s an Italian expression for laying back, taking it easy or giving up].
Gianluca: Truly, you need to have the awareness, the slight fear, that it could all end. You really don’t recognize the value of certain things unless there’s some risk you could lose them – not just in the work environment, but in relationships with people. Truly, life has granted me so many things, emotions and experiences, at such an early age. When I was still so immature, at 14 years old, I already started to travel, to be familiar with marvelous places and sights, to meet people, to sing in front of the president of the Republic, and in front of the Pope, for example. Because it all started at such a young age, I didn’t have to make any great sacrifices to achieve success. Really, the success and the emotional experiences came over me like a tsunami. Surely, the part [of me] I need to cultivate is to restore that little boy who dreamed of becoming someone but knew it would take perseverance, who knew that at times the effort was going to be more important than talent itself.
Luca:As they say in Russia, talent is like a basket of diamonds in the rough. Without hard work they don’t become diamonds. You spoke earlier about Pope Francis, about [Sergio] Mattarella President of the Republic, and I could add, Bill Clinton, Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, who helped create the phenomenon of Michael Jackson. You don’t have to mention Quincy Jones to anyone who loves music. There would be too many anecdotes to recount from what I’ve heard about, but the most relevant since we are in Abruzzo, if you want to tell us about it, is when you had the assignment to traipse Woody Allen all over Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Gianluca: [Laughing] I would have wanted to speak in different dialects. Every now and again I get to speak in other languages: Chinese, American, it’s lots of fun. But that time though, we chose not to, because we were at dinner with other people. Next time, though, I’ll do that.
Giovanna’s Note: Can you imagine Gianluca and Woody Allen swapping languages and mimicking accents together? I’d be in pain from laughing.
Luca: Yes, I saw you with the nice soldiers in the Galleria in Houston [apparently joking in English].
Gianluca: I did get to explain to him [Woody Allen] some things about Montepulciano. I asked him ‘Do you like wine? In my native region, Abruzzo, we have the best wine in the whole world, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.’ He told me ‘Montepulciano, I know it, I love it.’
Giovanna’s Note: I know every Italian thinks the best wine in the world comes from his own specific region of Italy, but Gianluca is telling the truth about Abruzzo’s fine specialty red – the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It competes with the Barolo from the Piedemonte and the Brunello di Montalcino as one of the top reds in all of Italy and the world.
My personal Note: Not because my family is from Abruzzo but Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is my favorite wine!
Luca:That was more valuable than a thousand ad campaigns. Like when Lebron James shared some of his favorite wines several months ago on Instagram and generated a hundred thousand “likes” for a local winemaker in Abruzzo. How lucky that winemaker was.
Luca continues:You’ve talked much about how important your hometown is to you, but I know you also like the ancient village of Montepagano. I’ve seen you walking around now and then taking photos. I know you live in a marvelous place where you can even enjoy the view of the sea from above. I know you’ve never wanted to lose connection with your roots, and this, I imagine, gives you strength. But if you had to describe this to someone who doesn’t know you, what would you want to say?
Gianluca: Every young person, every child, needs to grow up with the knowledge that their roots are the most important thing: like their family, their dialect. We need to raise children this way, and young people my age, especially those who already have children, need to teach real values, including their own dialect. I’m ashamed that I even see people who are actually embarrassed to speak their own dialect, as if it were a bad thing, instead of a fine thing. Even if you only speak it to make jokes or when you get angry. Without it [understanding your own dialect], you make no sense. So, I am really proud to be Paganese, Rosetano, and Abruzzesse. “Abruzzo Forte e Gentile” [“Abruzzo strong and kind” is the local byword]. Every time I go to Belvedere [another historic spot inland from Pescara, Abruzzo], it’s emotional for me. When I’m on tour, I show pictures of Montepagano and Roseto to everyone. Because look, [he turns around to show the seashore behind him] this is maybe one of the most beautiful places on the entire Adriatic coast. You have to be really proud.
Note: I agree with Gianluca that it is important to remember your dialect. My grandparents spoke Italian but when the relatives from Abruzzo were visiting, they always spoke Abruzzese. It’s different and at times we kids laughed at the strange words, but it was what made my grandparents stand out. They left Abruzzo behind, but they did not leave the language behind. Also, the fact that the beautiful family traditions have not been lost. When I write about Gianluca at Christmastime or Easter, I could be writing about my own family. Our traditions are similar and in some cases the same. Traditions make families!
Luca joked a little bit about local dialect and that when you teach the hidden meaning of some expressions, to a Milanese or to an American, how wonderful it is when you see them explode into a smile. He also added that there are some things, expressed between locals with one word of dialect, that would otherwise take an Italian five minutes to hatch (explain).
Luca:What projects do you have? We know your passion for tennis, know you are practicing the piano, and like to draw. Talk to me though about your desire to act. [Gianluca responds about music right here, and about acting further on].
Gianluca: My musical tastes vary. I rarely listen to opera, because I like great musicians, guitarists like John Mayer, and great singers. I’m glad you asked, because I want people to know that I like the full 360-degree range of musical styles. And you know that I have a passion for all genres of music, including the type our group sings in concert, but in the future, who knows. Il Volo is the main priority, but I adore artists like Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra. I even like Led Zeppelin, a fact that unfortunately was mis-represented by journalists who sometimes write anything to get “clicks” and “likes” in the media. I like them all: Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, I like this music. Another thing that really moves me is the music of Georgio Gaber, of Fabrizio De André. Dad passed on to me a passion for these singers.
We can see in the answer to the last question some hints of what their music would be like in the future. The idea that each man would find the music that speaks to his soul was already in play. The soul searching became a reality! The idea came to light! Together they continue their musical journey but with their own musical passions.
Luca:Your father has very refined taste even in songwriters. This is a Gianluca that has never come out, so it’s right to emphasize this, and I’m happy you brought it up with us, because you’ve often been misunderstood before. So, you love music in the fullest sense.
Gianluca: On Facebook I published a list of the songs I like best with text, like the French song interpreted by Franco Battiato, a song about old lovers that melts you, it’s so heartbreaking in parts. So, there are so many projects. I’d like very much to act, I’d like very much to be an actor, maybe to go to Rome to study; I don’t know. There are so many projects, and for this year that we are inactive, I’m focusing mostly on improving myself.
Luca: Days off are constructive time.
Gianluca:Then, with Il Volo there are so many projects. We have a very beautiful musical project we’re working on, but for now I can’t tell you too much about it. In the future, we’ll see.
I believe Gianluca was referring to the Morricone project!
Luca: Of course. But I’m happy to assure the many fans of Il Volo that, as soon as the situation allows it, you’ll return stronger than ever. So, you’re working on this project; and it’s something important. It’s also important that you miss your fans and, as you’ve said, you’ll be back with them as soon as you can.
Luca continues:One last thing. What is your idea of happiness? What is happiness for this 25-year-old who has remained humble? Define happiness for Gianluca Ginoble.
Gianluca: That question was certainly profound enough.
Luca:The tough one came last.
Gianluca:Happiness for me is to live my passions, “mano a mano” all my life. To have a wonderful family, to have friends you can talk to about things, to let your problems out. Even when there are problems, knowing that there’s someone you can vent your problems to, who listens and understands. For me that’s happiness, knowing that I don’t feel alone. It’s also the feeling [I get] when I’m on the stage and sing for thousands of people. For me that’s also happiness.
Luca: So, with this beautiful reflection on happiness, which I really appreciate, I thank you Gianluca Ginoble of Il Volo. Thanks, Gianluca, and obviously, I wish you a great and successful life with the many things we talked about, and with your many projects.
Gianluca: For doing this interview, Luca, you’re number one. I said it to you and I’m saying it even looking into the camera.
Luca: Thank you. You’re too good. Thank you also for your friendship.
Gianluca was so open and forthcoming in this interview. I think this was one of the best interviews Gianluca ever did. It brings out the real Gianluca. The passionate young man who loves his family, his country, his music and while he was in lockdown he found some new passions like piano and reading. Gianluca doesn’t read books he devours them. We come away from this interview with a passion of our own. A passion for all that Gianluca feels is important in his life and shares with us in our lives. The Lockdown and Passion of Gianluca brought out a new level of awareness for Gianluca. He reached new levels of achievement and expanded his intelligence.
For your listening please, Il Volo Sings Morricone Verona Arena June 5, 2021.
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
Leafing through Facebook, I came across this beautiful article posted on this blog THE DIGITAL MOON.
As I read, I thought, finally, beautiful and appropriate words, exactly what all of us Il Volo fans think.
I later discovered that the article was written by the daughter of a Volo-friend, Cinzia, whom I met at an instore for the CD signing, and whom I always meet on these occasions or at concerts.
Congratulations, Laura Schena, you really did a great job (the article is signed Cinzia, because Laura used her mother’s name)
This article was then published by many Il Volo fanpages, and now I’m translating it for all of you!
THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF THE ITALIAN TRIO IL VOLO.
The world of international music has always offered a variety of unique talents and exceptional bands, but only a few of them manage to capture the attention and hearts of the public like the Italian trio “Il Volo”.
Composed by the two Sicilians Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto and the Abruzzese Gianluca Ginoble, Il Volo has earned a special place in the music industry thanks to their powerful voices, emotional performances and incredible artistic talent.
Il Volo was formed in 2009 during the participation of the three members in the Italian talent show “Ti lascio una canzone”. Their amazing onstage chemistry and impressive vocals captured the attention of the audience and the judges. This led to the creation of a group that would soon conquer the whole world.
From the earliest days, Il Volo has stood out for its ability to interpret musical pieces of various genres with a mastery that goes beyond the age of its members. Their lyrical voice and pop influences come together in a unique mix, bringing new life to Italian and international music classics. Songs such as “O Sole Mio”, “Granada” and “Nessun Dorma” have found a new generation of admirers through their touching and passionate interpretations.
One of the distinctive elements of the group is the exceptional combination of their voices. Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca each bring their own unique style, but when they come together in harmony, the result is a powerful and enveloping sound that manages to move the soul of the listeners. Their live performances are often characterized by pure and passionate emotions, creating an immediate bond with the audience.
Thanks to their monstrous talent, the guys from Il Volo have managed to extend far beyond the Italian borders. They represented Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 with the song “Grande Amore”, taking third place and gaining a large international following. Their world tours have taken them to many parts of the globe, allowing them to touch the hearts of fans from different cultures. I had the opportunity to attend several of their concerts throughout Europe such as Warsaw, Kiev and Budapest.
Despite the extraordinary success, Il Volo remained anchored in their humility and passion for music. They continue to work hard to perfect their vocal skills and hone their repertoire. Their dedication to the musical craft is reflected in their flawless performances and continued artistic growth.
In conclusion, Il Volo is much more than just a musical group; they are ambassadors of Italian music in the world. They bring with them the essence of the Italian musical tradition combined with a fresh reinterpretation.
Their unique vocal harmony and passionate performances make them a remarkable group. They are able to connect emotionally with listeners. Il Volo remains a shining example of talent, passion and dedication to the musical craft, and their impact on music history will continue to be felt for a long time to come.
Really beautiful words, Laura / Cinzia, you have expressed in an excellent way, what each of us thinks, congratulations.
And now let’s take stock of the boys’ holidays, with some photos.
I start from Gianluca, still in Abruzzo:
Piero in excellent and festive company.
IGNAZIO while test driving a Ferrari in a simulator in Marsala.
Ignazio on his motorcycle with a friend of his.
In recent days, a great singer, Toto Cutugno, has passed away here in Italy.
He was a well-known songwriter and his beautiful songs were also very successful in Eastern Europe and Russia.
In 2014 during one of his concerts in Russia, he wanted Il Volo as guests, together they sang his beautiful song LOVE IS TO LOVE THE LOVE. (AMORE E’ AMARE L’AMORE).
Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca held Toto in high esteem and he had a lot of affection for them! ❤
TOTO= Gianluca, Piero … IGNAZIO= ….and Ignazio.
TOTO= So, (he points to Gianluca) 19 years old, (he points to Ignazio) 19 years old, (he points to Piero), he’s the oldest in the group, 20 years old.
They gave me this satisfaction of singing this song of mine, and then, after this song I leave them alone, because they will let you listen to their successes in America, South America, Italy, France and Germany.
This song I wrote is called: Love is to love the love (he turns to the Russian translator) translate it well, LOVE IS TO LOVE THE LOVE.
Toto and Il Volo!!
….. and this is the image posted in the Instagram stories by Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca. ❤
Really sad news about the passing of Toto Cutugno.
I really hope that his beautiful song will be performed during the Milan concerts as a tribute to a great singer!
And what about Laura/Cinzia’s article, really wonderful words, isn’t it?
The holidays for our favorites are coming to an end, soon, very soon we will see them again in concert.
Back in March, when the guys were on the Michelle Huzinker show, “Michelle Impossible,” Michelle asked the guys this question….
Michelle: Ok, a little more gossip. Who happened to find his autograph on the calf of a Vololover??
Ignazio: On the calf!
Piero:We were in the United States, the morning of the concert I go on the treadmill to run and while I was running, I saw this lady next to me, we say hello, I run with earphones, I see it and I think I know that signature there, it was my autograph, here, tattooed like this (and he marks at the end of the calf).
Michelle: Crazy, incredible!
Piero says it was his signature, in reality was written IL VOLO.
For those of you who don’t know who Piero was talking about, it is Marie Crider who is one of the founders of the Flight Crew!
As we celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of Flight Crew, I thought it would be nice to talk about one of the founders. Since Marie had this beautiful experience with Piero, I thought what better way to honor her than by publishing her incredible story. Marie is now retired, but her story is a classic and her experience with Piero is incredible because he is incredible! Marie would call him sweet, and I agree and you will too after reading her story!
In 2014, when Marie Crider wrote about her meeting with Piero, she started her story with these words, “You know, the whole day before your life changes forever, it’s just an ordinary day.”
She goes on to say, “Here is what started that next day.”
Marie suggests we grab a cup of tea and pull up a chair. This is going to take a while.
Settle in and together we will hear the story about Marie’s Day With Piero.
After seeing that hotel room view (and realizing the guys were at the same hotel as she was.) and thinking there was a possibility that The Boys really were just above me, I noticed the gym was merely 10 steps from my door. I took that as an omen. I know the Boys work out mornings.
I got up at 6:30 a.m., threw on a t-shirt, sweat shorts and tennis shoes (no makeup – hair, well bad) and headed for the gym. No one there – Left.
7:00 – no one in the gym. 7:30 – no one in the gym. 8:00 – Two guys in the corner. Neither looked familiar.
I figured The Boys took off the night before if they were ever really there at all. I had been either sitting in a car or sitting at a concert for the better part of two weeks. At home I walk every day. I was stiff and crampy, so I hopped on a treadmill. Within five minutes someone jumped on the one beside mine. IT WAS PIERO!
Even writing that made my heart thump!
I took a deep breath and wondered why, since the place was almost empty and there were plenty of machines, he hopped on one less than six inches away. I vowed not to do a fan thing and just kept walking. He immediately said, ‘I see you.’ I said, ‘Yeah? Well, I saw you too.’ He laughed. I made Piero laugh! I will never forget that exchange! At this point I was walking to the pace of, Oh Boy, Oh Boy, pause. Oh Boy, Oh Boy.
Later, when I got back to my room I immediately wrote down everything I could remember.
Michele made me run it all by her, word for word, in case I remembered more. Thanks Michele! I wrote a few more notes on a couple of envelopes in my purse in the car.
Here’s what I remember:
I told him I enjoyed the concert last night. He must have been in a chatty mood ’cause he kept talking. He asked what my favorite part of the concert was. I told him ‘Everything’ (My momma didn’t raise no fool!). I did say that I really liked the solos and the new Caruso arrangement.
I asked him what his favorite part was. He said the big orchestra and the really nice indoor theater.
He asked what I didn’t like. I told him the only thing I didn’t like was not being able to take pictures. He said that it was not their request, it was a rule of the theater. I asked him what he didn’t like. He honestly told me a few things. Think I’ll keep them to myself.
I had an easier time remaining sane than you might think. My nervous energy was lessened by the fact that I was on a treadmill the entire time. However, about this time I had a thought, ‘I can’t believe you’re walking beside me talking like a normal person when last night 4,000 people were screaming your name.’That made me pretty nervous, and I tried not to think those thoughts again!
I asked him if there were sound problems last night. I said I thought I saw Ignazio giving hand signals to the sound guy. He agreed and said that it was only in the beginning of the show.
I told him I thought I saw him drinking more water than usual during the performance. He said, ‘Not really. When I do this a lot. I need much water.’ It’s hard to describe what he did, but he opened his mouth and made a hard whooshing sound out of his mouth and nose at the same time. I don’t think the average person could do this with such amazing force! He showed me this several times in a row. I said that I could see how it would make his mouth and throat dry. He said it did. He then told me that his solo ‘No Puede Ser’ was the hardest song he ever sang.
Piero said he was glad they had two days off and could get some ‘good sleep.’ I told him I thought his voice was sounding a little tired this morning. He said, ‘No, I always sound like Barry White in the morning?’ Wouldn’t you love for me to say he serenaded me with a Barry White tune right then and there? He didn’t. Hey, a girl can only get so lucky, and I was currently thanking my lucky stars, God, my parents, his parents, the treadmill manufacturer and everyone and everything within a hundred-mile radius! All I said was, ‘that’s not a very bad thing, Piero.’ He laughed again!
He asked how many concerts I had been to. I told him four. He asked which ones. I said Vienna, Virginia first. He said, ‘Oh yes, rain at first.’ We talked a little about Sterling Heights and Elgin, but I don’t recall what was said. I know he talked about them being outdoors. I told him that last night was my last concert. He said he had 3 more concerts in the U.S. and Canada. I asked if he then would get to go home. He said no, they will leave the U.S. and go to… He has a heavy Italian accent you know, and I had trouble understanding the word ‘Cannes.’ At one point I said, ‘Canada?’ He said, ‘No Cannes. Kah-inn-zzz.’ I got it. I asked when he would get home. He said not until July 6th or 8th. I had another thought here. ‘I’m awake, right? No one is going to believe this. Not even me!’
He asked where I lived. I told him Ohio. He said, ‘I know Ohio,’ but looked doubtful. I said, ‘You’ve been to Cleveland Ohio.’ He said, ‘Oh Yes.’ I could see the light go on in his eyes.
Keep in mind we were side by side this whole time. I’m still walking, and he’s started some serious running. I wanted a brief full body view, so I slid back a little on the treadmill. My sneaker hit the side and made a squeaking noise. He grabbed my upper arm and said, ‘be very careful.’ I said, ‘Thank you. I can’t believe you’re running so fast and still talking.’ He said, ‘I run like this every morning.’
I noted the timer on my treadmill said 30.58 minutes.
Piero soon stopped running and talking (darn). He got on some leg machine behind me. I was still walking and trying hard to remember every word of our conversation. Pretty soon I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked around and it was Piero. He said, ‘Will you stop please?’ (WHAT?!!) ‘Sure.’ Of course, I couldn’t find the off switch and I pulled that plug people use to attach themselves to the machine (Michele is still laughing about that). He said, ‘Can I take a picture of your tattoo?’ Ok, right then I thought I might get sick. He knew who I was! He could not have read the small tattoo on my ankle while I was walking on the treadmill! Now was my chance for proof of our meeting! I said, ‘Sure, if I can get my camera and take one of you.’ He said, ‘sure.’ He got down and took a couple of pictures. I flew to my room got my camera and called Michele.
When I returned he was back on the leg machine. He got up and asked me to join him in the picture. No make-up and dripping with sweat, I refused. He grabbed a barbel and posed for these:
After I took those two pictures do you know what he said? ‘Is that enough?’ What a man! Then I said, ‘Piero, I’m with the Flight Crew.’ He said, ‘I know.’ (Oh yes he did!) I said, ‘then you know I will probably write about this.’ He said, ‘Yes, certainly.’
I got back on the treadmill. Pretty soon, tap-tap again! (Swear to God!) This time I was sure he was going to invite me aboard that big black bus headed for Italy. I know there’s water. I would paddle! I pulled the plug (stop it Michele) and got down. He took my right hand in both of his and said, ‘I’m happy you enjoyed the concerts. I hope I see you again next year.’ I said, ‘Oh, you will!’
He put his towel around his neck, picked up his water bottle and went out the door. I don’t know how long I stood there staring at the door wearing a t-shirt that I hoped was wet from sweat and not drool or tears.
My Dear Piero,
If by chance you’re reading this and I now think there’s a good chance you are, I tried to tell this as accurately as I could. I hope you agree.
You are not only in possession of one of the three greatest voices alive, but you are one of the nicest people I’ve met anywhere. You have surely raised my expectations of you. Next year and the year after that and ten years after that, after you receive much more deserved notoriety, I expect you to be as honest and real with as much kindness and grace as you showed me on that most unforgettable morning.
Sincerely, Marie
Yeah, the day before was so ordinary.
This was a fun story full of lots of Marie’s humor!
But this is not the end of Marie’s story. On July 6, 2015, Marie was invited to an Il Volo Wine & Dine at Detroit Public TV. Marie wrote….
Dreams do come true, and Fairytales are real! Here is my story of an evening with those Three Italian Sweethearts.
This, not being my first Il Volo rodeo of extreme fans, I had either met or recognized about half of the 50 people there. Hello to all of you, especially Emilia, (wait until I tell you about Emilia!) from whom I received three hugs. My most proud moment at the dinner table was when one woman pointed my way and said, ‘That’s Marie Crider.’ I turned around to tell Marie how unusual it was that we would have the same name, but no one was there. The other woman looked confused until the first one said, ‘Flight Crew.’ I could see the light go on. She said, ‘Oh, I’ve read that.’ another woman sitting next to the first one, not to be outdone, said, ‘I get their emails every day.’ I politely thanked them all, but on the inside I was trying to decide if the Queen’s wave was the one from just the wrist. I am happy to tell you that there were several people who came up to meet me because I was a member of The Flight Crew! Never forget your Flight Crew Badge!
Michelle Gaisser, Mgr. Member Engagement, Detroit Public TV, (to whom I am forever grateful for my invitation to the event) brought James Lewis over to my table. He asked to join The Flight Crew. Jim, if you’re reading this I’m sorry I forgot your title with DPTV (marketing?) I was probably distracted by your good looks. Welcome!
Marie and Michelle
Everyone was having a nice time and trying to act calm until the first spotting of that Dimpled One and 50 people erupted like there were 500.
The Guys did not eat with us. Meet & Greet was next:
Marie and the Guys
I watched as Jana was anointed by Ignazio. He is so sweet! I didn’t know if I wanted to pinch his cheek or genuflect. Then it was my turn!!! Being second to last I wasn’t hurried. I told them how happy and proud I was for them for becoming so successful at home. You can only guess which one makes me stutter the most, so I tend to speak to him the least. I hugged him (he hugged back!) then I kissed those dimples. I try to be fair to them both and do really good, yet equal, kisses on each dimple.
Jim Lewis had my camera and got me sneaking this extra one before the photographer took our group picture. Hey, a girls gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. I had heard our Gianluca was ill and had a fever. Sure enough he had to step aside and use a tissue several times. As I was kissing cheeks I lingered on his to see if I could tell if he had a fever. (Well, my mom used to do that!) I think he did. I also whispered a secret in his ear. He smiled. I was kinda hoping I would catch his cold. Didn’t. They all signed my Sanremo DVD insert. I can’t tell you what else was said, it’s a total blank. Did you ever see a dog rub his back in the grass in ecstasy? That’s pretty much how I felt so, no chance to remember mere words. I was just trying not to smile like a fool. As you can see in the picture, I failed that goal. When I got to Piero I asked him to sign a picture Mary’s daughter took of he and I in 2013 when he jumped in our cab. He remembered! He told me when and where it was. He signed it, ‘With Love. Grande Amore, Piero.’ Then he looked at me and tilted his head. Was he trying to remember me from our conversation last year? or did he just notice my really bad hair day? Then Security thought I had had enough time. OK, but not before I get my hug!
Emilia greeting Gianluca. Look at Ignazio’s face. How do they stay so ‘normal?’
Now to Emilia. I had met sweet Emilia before. They call her ‘cupcake’ not only because she makes them, but because she is so cute and sweet! She’s around 18. She was immediately behind me at the meet and greet. Emilia went directly to Piero and said, ‘I wanted you to dance with me at my prom.’ That Prince of Princes, that gentle man of gentlemen pulled her to him, started singing and waltzed with Emilia tucked snugly into his chest! I wish all of you could have seen her face. I wish I had taken a picture, but I just stood there reveling in the moment. She has a treasured video of that dance on FB. (Sorry couldn’t find it!) I hope you get to see it!
I know this is long. It will be here. You can finish later if you like. I’ll mark the spot.
⇐ HERE ⇒
We went back to the dining room for dessert. Dessert? Like Jane said in her story, the ‘real dessert of the evening’ was yet to come! I had chocolate covered strawberries. The Boys were in hair and makeup.
The Studio:
Shortly, we were ushered into the studio. The Guys also came in. You have to know how astonished and elated I was to realize that we would be spending the next few hours in a small studio with THEM! Oh, Joy of Joys! First of all I have to tell you that our Angels did not act like angels all the time off the air! They played like three young brothers. They filmed some. They went live-on-air some. They spent time with us during filming breaks. They played three stooges with each other. Remember the night before last they were singing for 60,000 people at a free concert in Napoli and then spent yesterday waiting for a delayed flight that didn’t get to Detroit until after 10 pm. They were tired and probably a little slap-happy, but they had fun!!! And, OH MY GOSH! So did we! Here are just a few of their antics besides dancing and singing silly songs. Sorry that some are blurry, but they were swift in their play and hard to catch.
These are our Guys. These are our Guys with Security. Do you see the really big guy beside Ignazio? Nice Guy! He and I had several long conversations. Went something like this: Him: ‘Ma’am, you can’t go in there’ Me: ‘Yes, Sir.’ Him: Ma’am, please move on. Me: ‘Yes, Sir.’ Him: ‘Ma’am, Please stop texting. The sound is being picked-up by the microphones.’ Me: (oops) ‘Yes, Sir.’ Him: ‘Put HIM down!’ Me: ‘Nope.’ Only that last one is a lie.
Jana! Pledge Phone Volunteer Extraordinaire.
I was able to step back and have a brief conversation with Barb Vitali. We’re women. We talked about weight. We spoke just a few minutes longer then we had to get to our seats and be quiet again for another taping session. Luckily we were allowed to take pictures the whole time if we didn’t use flash.
If I had half a brain, I would stop my story here by telling you how much I enjoyed our Il Volo Gentlemen and the wonderful men and women with whom I shared the experience. But no… Some of you may never read this site again….
While Ignazio was wandering through the audience the people in front of me asked him to take a selfie with them. So, he bent over directly in front of my face, not a foot away there it was! What could I do? I poked it! I looked at Jane and said, ‘Oh no! I touched his butt!’ When I looked up there he was looking down at me with one eyebrow up to his hairline! He tried to give me a stern look. Didn’t last long and he broke out in a gorgeous smile and said ‘oooo.’ Whew! I had just traumatized myself and have no idea if he said anything else. I only know I did not have another conversation with Big Security Guy. Should have. It would have kept Allene on my left and Jane on my right from trying to rip off their Flight Crew Badges while crawling under their chairs a few minutes later.
The people in front of me did not learn their lesson. I blame them. So, when Piero came walking by they asked for a selfie with him too. Only in his compliance he bent over even further than Ignazio had. To my astonishment I saw two claw-like hands, reach up and… Oh No!…They were my hands! Of course he jumped! He turned around and to my great relief said, “Oh, Thank You!”. I’ll bet you think I sat there in complete humiliation. I didn’t. Jane and Allene did. I was smiling. I am still smiling. It was soft, yet muscular and I’m not sorry I know that.
But what happened to Marie?
I March of 2020, Jana challenged Marie to come out of semi-retirement and write something for us. She figured she was getting bored looking at palm trees, sunshine and sandy beaches! This is what she quipped…
Something’s Wrong With Me ~ Marie Crider
With the world in a sad and humbled state right now I thought you might like a little something on the lighter side:
~I just listened to an hour interview. It was all in Italian. I don’t understand Italian.
~I can’t lay in the sun without humming “O Sole Mio.”
~I go to concerts with a camera on my lap, but I’m afraid to use it in case I miss something.
~When in the front row at a concert and a security guy walks in front of me I want to shout, ‘How dare you come between me and THEM!?’ What does he think I might do, jump up on the stage? Ok…I might jump on the stage, but I’ve got Leelee, my concert buddy, holding me down. Oh, I could get past security anyway. He doesn’t have a club big enough to pry me off Ignazio’s leg.
~All Il Volo CDs in my car are copies of the originals. Just in case someone should steal my car.
~When St. Mark’s Basilica started flooding, I panicked. I wanted to book a flight, grab a bucket and go.
~Piero neglected to ask me if he could change the color of his glasses. (I may never get over that one.)
~The only pictures on my dresser are my Mom, my Dad and Gianluca.
~I have a strong urge to confess to the murder of someone named Delilah. Just to keep the heat off the Boys.
~I want to stand on a balcony in Italy and sing my heart out. It wouldn’t matter that I can’t leave my hotel room…the air is Italian and that’s good enough for me.
~I have 17 Il Volo t-shirts (actually 16 plus one nightshirt thanks to Jana) but I can’t wear them. Cause…well, what if one should get a stain on it… or fade…or get lost with luggage at an airport…or destroyed by a rabid dog…or snagged on a barbed wire fence? Makes me sick thinking about the horrible things that could possibly happen to one of them.
~I have “Il Volo” tattooed on my left ankle and an “Il Volo” license plate on my car.
Yep, something is definitely wrong with me. I may need professional help.
Jana thanked Marie for sharing her thoughts with us and coming out of semi-retirement! I’m sure we all feel the same in many ways! But, just one question, why is Gianluca on your dresser and not Ignazio??
The answer: It is an autographed picture of Gianluca!
Thank you, Marie, for sharing your story. I can think of at least 20 people who would die to have been in your place in that gym. Marie’s Day With Piero was one of the happiest days of Marie’s life, certainly the day when everything changed!
Happy 10th Anniversary Flight Crew!
On August 8, 2013, Flight Crew was founded. These were the founders, Owners/Administrators and Contributors….
Founders:
Kelly Aitch ~ Michele Azzara ~ Linda Snyder
Marie Crider ~ Elaine Tse
Owners/Administrators:
Kelly Aitch
Marie Crider
Jana VandeLaare
Contributors:
Patricia Ward
Lisa Joy –News& Videos
Myron Heaton – “Myron’s Music Notes”
Gina (Regina Hanna) – Bits & Pieces
Danielle Ciarelli – “Danielle’s Diaries”
Daniela Perani – Contributing Author & Translator
Jane Ceminsky – “Personally Speaking”
The Administrators and Contributors Today….
Daniela Perani
Danielle Ciarelli
Jo Ann Tischler
Jana VandeLaare
Mary Jane Ceminsky
Kelly Aitch
Lisa Joy
Myron Heaton
Patricia Ward
Susan De Bartoli ~ “Through the Fields of My Mind”
For you listening pleasure ~ The full concert from Verona September 23, 2015
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
