Would it be safe to say that we (Ilvolovers) have adopted Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio as our own, as in “to take by choice into a relationship?” (Webster) When they first came to our country on tour and then settled in LA to work from Universal Studios, it was love at first sight for us. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Ignazio’s sweet dimpled cheeks, Gianluca’s beautiful cherubic face and Piero’s rascally hair and demeanor?
And on top of their adorable appearances, when they opened their mouths in song, we were blown away. Who were these darlings from across the ocean—Italians?? Really?? They seemed like our own right from the start. Of course they had parents in Italy, but they had let the boys come to us, so–finders, keepers…we wanted them for our own. We thought (hoped) that if we loved them enough they would never leave us. Didn’t they seem right at home singing the National Anthem at the Dodgers game in LA?
But their talent and universal appeal was too great to be limited to the USA. We really knew that it was inevitable that they would be recognized by the world. And, truth be told, we wanted the best for them. And since they always said that their mission was to bring Bel Canto music out of Italy and into the world, we knew that we would have to give them up for the greater good. As Gianluca said, “It was more than a choice–it was our destiny.”
So, even though it wasn’t official, we adopted them into our own families. They are as real to us as our own sons or grandsons. A day doesn’t go by without their voices being a part of it. We may even have a picture or two along with our family photos. We search for news about what they are doing and where in the world they are.
We scan their faces for signs of fatigue. We are relieved when they look happy and relaxed. We are proud of their success. And we pray for them daily, because we have adopted them and made them OUR BOYS.
