Thank you so much for this opportunity to share. I first heard of Il Volo in 2010. I love Andrea Bocelli and all things Italian. I was surfing the net and YouTube and stumbled onto a video of the competition that the boys were in-in Italy. Things went crazy from there. I loved them with all their boy-like sweetness-so humble. And what voices!! I could not believe my ears. I have followed and loved them ever since.
In October of 2012 I got to see them in concert in Louisville, Ky. What a concert!!! I could not afford a m&g ticket but I wanted to meet them soooo bad. I started asking questions of the security guards and anyone else I could find. I finally found out that if I would go down the alley behind the building, they would probably come out after a while. My husband and I did so (he is so patient and understanding). After a while they came out with sparklers in hand singing Happy Birthday to someone. They were so happy. I waited a little so as not to interrupt their fun. Then I told each one how marvelous they were and said I would like to ask them one question. They said “Thank you” and then asked, “What would you like to ask us, ma’am?”I asked, “May I be your American Grandma?” At first I don’t know if they understood, then finally they said “Sure!” ! Later I tried to say something in Italian, but was so excited I could not think straight. Someone called Barbara over and she said, “It’s ok ma’am. I can tell by your smile and eyes” She was so sweet. When we left my husband said he did not get a pic of me and Ignazio-the camera was full. I made him delete other photos from our trip and go back. Ignazio graciously let him take our pic. I said,“T’amo—no no “ Ignazio knew what I meant and asked with his sweet smile,“Ti voglio tanto bene?” I said,”Yes, that’s it.” He laughed. My husband thanked him and told them how special they were. Ignazio was so polite and said,“Thank you, sir.” Here are two of the pics.
Then I got another opportunity to see them with my husband and lovely granddaughter in Nashville, Tn. in June of this year. I again could not afford a m&g for 3-so I finally got and older gentleman that worked for the Schemerhorn Symphony House to take a note and pictures to them back stage. I had a note for each one re-telling about my Kentucky experience with them and pics. I asked each one if they remembered. During the concert I got my granddaughter to go up to the stage when Gianluca walked over to our side. She did and said she will never forget.
He reached for her hand and said, “Hi there.” Then he kissed her on top of the head. I don’t guess she will ever wash her hair again! I could see stars in her eyes. On the last song I decided to make my way to the stage also (I couldn’t stand it any longer). Gianluca was there. He reached down and took my hand and said, “Oh! you are the lady that sent the note backstage.” I said,”Yes, did you remember me?” He said that he did. Then Piero came over and he recognized me from the pics also and said he remembered. I was on cloud nine. I could never get Ignazio to come over to that side of the stage. He was busy on the other side.
After the concert we waited by the gate for 2 hours along with other folks to see if they would come out. They eventually did and came up to talk. I told each one how exciting the concert was and what wonderful young men they are! I told each one that I loved them—not for their stardom or popularity but because of their spirit and kindness and humble attitudes. Gianluca said, “I love you too, ma’am.” I finally got to talk to Ignazio and said,”Listen, Ignazio.”I then started to sing “Summertime” by Porgy and Bess. He loves this song and started singing with me. Then it was all over –they had to go. I was high for weeks afterward—could not think straight for re-living it over and over. Thanks for letting my share my experience of a lifetime with you. Hope to meet some of you one day.
