Today I want to talk about a very discreet and very special person for IL VOLO, Barbara Vitali.
All of us fans know her and her role, but certainly not because she is an exhibitionist, yet she plays a very important role for Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero, but little is heard of her, but her presence can be sensed, it is like a shadow that follows our boys and watches over them.
When Gina suggested the idea of making a post dedicated to Barbara, I immediately accepted, because I liked the idea a lot, but I must say that in my search for news about her, I found almost nothing. Yet she plays a very important role, but it is certainly not the person who loves fame. Her task, very well done, does not require footlights, but requires a lot of patience and also a lot of firmness.
And so I remembered when I read an interview with Torpedine. He said that in the beginning he had to deal with three kids, who came from different cities and he immediately thought of a person who was able to maintain relationships with the various guys, solve their adolescent problems, and try to get them in agreement – three guys, surely with different characters and also doing “bridge” between their parents, mothers and fathers who had to be reassured …… in short, a role, not at all easy, a ROAD MANAGER, but with many shades more than the usual road managers.
And Barbara plays this role very well, always present for “her boys”.
Always ready to go with them. It must not have been easy, at the beginning, to channel three kids from different cities, in a single point from which to set off all together for long flights to distant destinations, and then, the long stays in America, luckily there was always support at least one parent for each boy. And she, always with them, almost a second mother.
In short, a SPECIAL person, who knew how to establish excellent relationships with as many as six parents, who love her and respect her, and who immediately understood the importance and seriousness of this person.
And the fans who had the pleasure of meeting her, they were fascinated, an exquisite person.
Not to mention the guys who love her.
The drawing below, which depicts a kitten, was made by Gianluca and the dedication says:
“To Barbara, I love you so much, Gianluca.”
Taormina, 23 August 2015 – The XXI International “Rosario Livatino – Antonino Saetta” Award, dedicated to the memory of the two judges of Canicattì, victims of the mafia, was assigned to Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, Gianluca Ginoble de Il Volo, to their road manager Barbara Vitali.
The three boys are now young men, but she is always with them, the problems to be solved are different, but her presence is always welcome, an indispensable support for IL VOLO.
Dear Barbara, we fans thank you for everything, because surely on the formation of the character of the guys, your advice will also have influence, your presence went far beyond the working relationship, has taken over, the mutual affection and esteem, these are fundamental parts between you and Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca.
Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero, have just returned from Moscow, and have stopped in Rome, a new commitment for them: The Gala of Italian-Chinese friendship.
The event took place at Fuksas’s Lantern.
La Lanterna is a structure in glass and steel of triangular geometry, a project signed by the famous architect Massimiliano Fuksas and remains in the center of Rome, and that stands on the roof of the former Military Union building.
In conjunction with the Chinese President’s visit to Italy, this Gala was organized between the two cultures, Chinese and Italian. The music will be the basis of the event, enriched with fashion shows and cooking shows.
During the gala an episode of the Chinese program “Day Day Up” (Tian Tian Xian Shang) will be recorded, which will be broadcast on Hunan TV, one of the most important Chinese television stations, with a coverage of 1.2 billion people.
Preparations were in full swing.
Gianluca’s video:
A nice team of guys, then we’ll find out who these young Chinese singers are.
Together with the event organizers.
The rehearsals of the event follow one another.
Official rehearsal
Start the evening
Some short videos of the evening:
Grande Amore
L’Amore si muove
Libiam de lieti calici
With the President of the trade and tourism association of the island of Ischia.
Here with Giovanni Saldì (artist) IL VOLO, THE GOOD GUYS that make us TURN THE HEAD with their music.
Ignazio= Art has always been one of the great bridges between the various cultures of the world. In fact, even this evening, there is a union between Chinese culture and Italian culture. We are certainly honored and happy to be a part of it.
Gianluca = And give our contribution with our music and our voices and sing along with these Chinese artists who love Italian bel canto, and it’s nice to hear them sing in Italian.
Piero = We met these guys in a Chinese talent show, they won that talent show with one of our songs, so we’re honored.
We can say that 10 years have flown, it’s like a play on words, this year it will be a year, indeed a year and a half, two, quite challenging, full of concerts, especially in Italy. We will perform the first part of concerts in Italy this summer, in Rome, in Sicily in Taormina, and then there will be the second part, as soon as we return from Japan.
Gianluca= Let’s say that at the age of 14 we had an anomalous life, so, surely, we got to know the world, learn languages, there were also sacrifices, like staying away from family and friends, but we absolutely cannot complain, in fact, he taught us that in any case we must commit ourselves and to reach a goal, we must believe in it to the full, in order to reach our dreams.
And here is today’s newscast, where the news of the event is given.
The television studio is set up in the heart of Rome, but the program is a very successful Chinese TV show: DAY DAY UP.
The protagonist is music, linking two different cultures, an event that also turns the spotlight on the “New Silk Road” with the visit of the Chinese President.
To open the evening the Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano.
The most awaited guests, the tenors of IL VOLO, ambassadors of bel canto.
Ignazio= It’s a great evening of sharing culture, between China and Italy. We are honored to be part of it too, and we are delighted to be able to sing here.
Journalist = A special Gala evening here in Italy that dialogues with China, through music.
IL VOLO, on stage, performs a duet with a trio of Chinese tenors.
Gianluca = Our music is still so present, around the world and especially in China, because they won a talent with our song, singing in Italian and in Neapolitan.
Just Naples celebrates its cuisine, with these acrobatic pizza chefs.
Final toast, the glasses rise up, to sign an artistic partnership.
At the Gala of friendship, between Italy and China, IL VOLO sings “L’Amore si Muove”, together with the Chinese trio.
Here the news on Chinese television.
And here’s the interview Askanews.
Translation:
Presenter = Il Volo represented Italy, with her music, in the Italo-Chinese friendship gala that took place in Rome, at the Lanterna of Fuksas, on the occasion of the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Italy.
Gianluca = It’s nice to be here and to represent Italy through our music and our voices. These meetings are beautiful between different cultures, the Italian and the Chinese. It’s nice as Chinese singers, guys like us, love this musical genre, the Italian melody is so much appreciated all over the world.
Presenter = And indeed, on the stage, three Chinese tenors arrived, somehow inspired by the guys from Volo. The Italian trio, fresh from third place in Sanremo, will start the live tour from May for a whole year.
Ignazio = We will go to Japan, for the tour, and then we will return to Italy with 17 concerts.
Piero = This is a busy year, we are celebrating our 10 year career. We started from Panama with the Pope, then Sanremo with great satisfaction, we released our album ‘Musica’. Then 17 concerts in Italy, we will do many concerts around everywhere but singing in Italy is always a different emotion. The album is called “Musica”, it is our common passion, which brought us forward for 10 years. We believe that this album fully represents us.
Presenter = Il Volo is back from a concert in Moscow. Afraid of being included in the Ukrainian blacklist?
Gianluca = We have not expressed any appreciation about politics, for now there is no danger.
The Traviata toast from Chinese TV.
Another beautiful interview with the Corriere della Sera.
Journalist= Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca, IL VOLO, welcome back, hi.
P+I+G = Thank you, hi.
Journalist = As soon as you returned from Moscow, you participated in the Bolshoi Theater at the BRAVO INTERNATIONAL AWARDS, how did it go?
Piero = It was a great experience, we say that these two days are quite special, full of emotions. Moscow, singing at the Bolshoi, one of the most prestigious theaters in the world, does not happen every day, and singing here in Rome for such an important event, I believe that it fills us with responsibility, but above all with pride, for us, but above all for everyone Italians.
Journalist = 10 years of activity, six CD’s including the last one: “MUSICA”.
Ignazio = Yes, “MUSICA”, includes unpublished works and there are also covers. We are very happy, the music is what unites us and accompanies us in these years of career, and it is for this reason that we have decided to call it this cd.
Journalist= In fact, it is the CD of the turning point, there is this collaboration with Faini that also collaborates with Mahmood, Petrella, Cremonini, Canova, Tiziano Ferro and many others, I think it is the desire to give a twist a little more pop to your style …
Piero = Without losing our personality.
Gianluca = More than turning point, it is trying to convey to everyone, this pop soul that is in us, but without losing our essence, our music, but surely we are not just classical music.
Journalist= A way like any other to get closer to the pop world.
Piero = Obviously, we must always keep up with the times, Michele Canova, did not disappoint us with the new CD “MUSICA”, he is an avant-garde producer, always new sounds, he is always looking for new things and obviously his resume speaks for itself.
Journalist = However in 10 years of your career, you have won so many prizes and had so many awards, toured around the world …. where can IL VOLO still arrive?
Gianluca= There is still so much to prove, 10 years, after all they are few, we are only 24 years old, we started early, if all goes well, we are still 40 years old and maybe more, there is so much to prove. But we are proud of what we have built over the past 10 years.
Journalist = We are here this evening, for this twinning between Italy and China. You are the guests of honor of the evening, from Russia to China.
Ignazio= Surely being able to represent our country all over the world, is something that makes us feel proud of being Italian and we are honored, this is an evening where Italian culture meets Chinese culture and what better way to do it with music, in fact we will also duet with Chinese artists, a trio that came out of a talent and also sings our songs.
Journalist= I seem to have heard that it is called IL VOLO CHINESE .
Piero= We saw these guys in a video on you tube, they won a talent, singing one of our songs and today we will sing the song together “L’AMORE SI MUOVE”.
Journalist = The tour starts in May and starts in Japan.
Piero = And it will be a long tour, a fairly demanding year, a full of concerts, an artist, a birthday, must celebrate it by singing, but we would like to say that we will return to Italy, in June and July with 17 concerts, and we don’t see the time to sing the songs from our new CD “MUSICA”.
Journalist = You will also be at the Verona Arena in September and also here in Rome at the Auditorium at the end of June.
Gianluca= Exactly, it will be a long tour that will start from Japan and until next year it will keep us busy and then there will be many other surprises that we will talk about next time.
Journalist = Good trip, good luck to IL VOLO and thanks.
Some photos of IL VOLO and the Chinese trio SUPER VOCAL.
Fantastic guys, as you always brought the high image of Italy that pleases the world.
What a surprise to see a trio of Chinese tenors who take you for example, who love what you propose, to copy your style, even singing in Italian.
Because your music, to which perhaps here at times, is not given the right appreciation, is instead much admired, up to imitate it, because it is imitating what it likes.
We can say that the music of IL VOLO has served as a bridge to two different cultures.
On March 19, IL VOLO was a guest at the famous Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, for the SECOND BRAVO AWARDS ceremony.
For those who could not follow the whole event, let’s recap everything from the beginning.
Monday 18 March, departure for Moscow.
In this video, the usual Ignazio joker on the plane says he wanted to try to read the safety instructions of the plane, but says it’s a little complicated (they are written in Cyrillic) !!!!
And then he says, “We’re in Moscow.”
Here they are on arrival, with some fans.
In this video Piero says:
“I just arrived in my room and Barbara gave me the wonderful news that in half an hour we have the official tests for tomorrow, so we have to run to the theater.”
This photo was posted by Piero, and shows the theater in its beauty.
The tests.
And here we are on the big day, the boys are simply beautiful !!
I would say that guys take our breath away because they are elegant and beautiful. They wear Armani, and they wear it just fine !!
And here we are at the time of the event ….. the curtain rises, IL VOLO sings “Libiam de’ lieti calici” from Traviata.
Too short, all over, good as always.
What is surprising is that these guys go from a pop program to a classic program with such a disarming ease.
But let’s enjoy some more shots.
Reposted from @bravopremia – Yesterday, the Second BraVo Awards ceremony took place on the Bolshoi Theatre stage. We are pleased to share with you some photos from the red carpet, which brought together the best artists: opera and ballet stars, world movie stars, guests and participants of the ceremony.
Here they are with Alessandro Safina, an Italian crossover singer.
Like all good things, end soon, and they are already there when they return.
Piero says: “We are in Rome.”
Ok guys, go on like this, fascinate everyone with your skill and your charisma.
You have added dates to your tour that becomes, always longer, you will also be in Russia and Hungary ……. but here, everyone is waiting for the dates for the Canada and USA tour !!!!
Here I am with the lyrics and related translation of the last 3 songs of the CD, MUSICA.
LA VOCE DEL SILENZIO
It is a 45 rpm by the Italian singer Tony Del Monaco, published in February 1968, presented at the Sanremo Festival in the artist’s double performance with Dionne Warwick.
(I propose the Italian version with its translation).
Volevo stare un po’ da solo
Per pensare tu lo sai Ed ho sentito nel silenzio Una voce dentro me E tornan vive tante cose Che credevo morte ormai
E chi ho tanto amato Dal mare del silenzio Ritorna come un’onda nei miei occhi E quello che mi manca Nel mare del silenzio Mi manca sai molto di più
Ci sono cose in un silenzio Che non mi aspettavo mai
Vorrei una voce
Ed improvvisamente Ti accorgi che il silenzio Ha il volto delle cose che hai perduto
Ed io ti sento amore Ti sento nel mio cuore Stai riprendendo il posto che
Tu non avevi perso mai Che non avevi perso mai Che non avevi perso
Volevo stare un po’ da solo per pensare tu lo sai
Ma ci son cose in un silenzio Che non mi aspettavo mai
Vorrei una voce
Ed improvvisamente Ti accorgi che il silenzio Ha il volto delle cose che hai perduto
Ed io ti sento amore Ti sento nel mio cuore Stai riprendendo il posto che
Tu non avevi perso mai Tu non avevi perso mai Tu non avevi perso Tu non avevi perso mai
THE VOICE OF SILENCE
I wanted to be a little alone For to think, you know And I heard in silence A voice inside me And many things come back alive Which, I believed, death by now
And who I loved so much From the sea of silence Returns like a wave in my eyes And what I miss In the sea of silence Missing to me, you know a lot more
There are things in a silence Which I never expected I would like a voice And suddenly You realize that silence He has the face of the things you have lost
And I feel you, love I feel you in my heart You’re taking back the place that
You never lost That you never lost That you never lost
I wanted to be a little alone to think you know But there are things in a silence Which I never expected
I would like a voice
And suddenly You realize that silence He has the face of the things you have lost
And I feel you, love I feel you in my heart You’re taking back the place that
You never lost You never lost You didn’t lose You never lost
MERAVIGLIOSA CREATURA
It is a beautiful song written by Gianna Nannini in 1994. Apparently it looks like a love song, but instead, it seems to be dedicated to Nannini’s desire for motherhood, which in fact will have a daughter with artificial insemination.
Molti mari e fiumi Attraverserò Dentro la tua terra Mi ritroverai Turbini e tempeste Io cavalcherò Volerò tra i fulmini Per averti
Meravigliosa creatura sei sola al mondo Meravigliosa paura di averti accanto
Occhi di sole, mi bruciano in mezzo al cuore Amo la vita meravigliosa
Luce dei miei occhi Brilla su di me Voglio mille lune Per accarezzarti
Pendo dai tuoi sogni Veglio su di te
Non svegliarti Non svegliarti Ancora
Meravigliosa creatura Sei sola al mondo
Meravigliosa paura d’averti accanto
Occhi di sole, mi tremano le parole Amo la vita meravigliosa
Meravigliosa creatura un bacio lento Meravigliosa paura d’averti accanto
All’improvviso tu scendi nel paradiso Muoio d’amore meraviglioso
Meraviglioso
WONDERFUL CREATURE
Many seas and rivers I will cross Inside your land You’ll find me again Turbines and storms I will ride I will fly through lightning To have you
Wonderful creature you are alone in the world Wonderful afraid, of having you next
Eyes of sun, burn me in the middle of the heart I love the life, wonderful
Light of my Eyes Shines on me I want a thousand moons To caress you
I depend from your dreams I watch over you
Don’t wake up Don’t wake up Yet
Wonderful creature You are alone in the world
Wonderful fear, of having you next
Eyes of sun, my words tremble I love the life, wonderful
Wonderful creature, a slow kiss Wonderful fear, of having you next
Suddenly you go down into paradise I die of love, wonderful
Wonderful
LA NAVE DEL OLVIDO
Beautiful song (1970) interpreted by the Mexican singer José José. In an interview the boys explain that they were looking for a beautiful song in Spanish to be included on the CD, and it was José José himself who suggested them“LA NAVE DEL OLVIDO”.
Espera Aún la nave del olvido no ha partido No condenemos al naufragio, lo vivido Por nuestro ayer, por nuestro amor, yo te lo pido
Espera Aún me quedan en mis manos primaveras Para colmarte de caricias todas nuevas Que morirían en mis manos si te fueras
Espera un poco, un poquito más Para llevarte mi felicidad Espera un poco, un poquito más Me moriría si te vas
Espera un poco, un poquito más Para llevarte mi felicidad
Espera un poco, un poquito más Me moriría si te vas
Espera Aún me quedan alegrías para darte Tengo mil noches de amor que regalarte Te doy mi vida a cambio de quedarte
Espera No entendería mi mañana si te fueras Y hasta te admito que tu amor me lo mintieras Te adoraría aunque tú no me quisieras
Espera un poco, un poquito más Para llevarte mi felicidad Espera un poco, un poquito más Me moriría si te vas
Espera un poco, un poquito más Para llevarte mi felicidad
Espera un poco, un poquito más Me moriría si te vas
Espera un poco, un poquito más Para llevarte mi felicidad
Espera un poco, un poquito más
Me moriría si te vas
THE SHIP OF OBLIVION
Wait Even the ship of oblivion has not departed Do not condemn the shipwreck, what lived For our yesterday, for our love, I ask you
Wait I still have springs in my hands To fill you with caresses all new That they would die in my hands if you were
Wait a little, a little more To take my happiness Wait a little, a little more I would die if you go
Wait a little, a little more To take my happiness
Wait a little, a little more I would die if you go
Wait I still have joys to give you I have a thousand nights of love to give you I give you my life in exchange for staying
Wait I would not understand my tomorrow if you were And I even admit that your love you lied to me I would love you even if you did not love me
Wait a little, a little more To take my happiness Wait a little, a little more I would die if you go
Wait a little, a little more To take my happiness
Wait a little, a little more I would die if you go
Wait a little, a little more To take my happiness
Wait a little, a little more
I would die if you go
The words of these last three songs are also very beautiful.
I did not know the text of “LA NAVE DEL OLVIDO” and I really enjoyed discovering it by translating it for you.
LOVE praised in all its beauty for the beautiful songs chosen by Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca for their CD MUSICA.
Daniela
“Love prevents death. Love is life. Everything, everything I understand, I understand only because I love. It is only this that holds everything together.” ~ L. Tolstoy ~
The adventure of our fantastic friends Deborah and Jeannette continues …
Enjoy reading and ……. keep your jealousy !!!
Daniela
Saturday, March 9
Now here is the scoop for Saturday night!!
After we left Max Cream, we went to the mall to get our passes for the instore tour on Sunday in Castrofilippo, then checked into our B&B in Canicattì.
So what should we do for dinner tonight!! Well, let’s go to Naro and eat at Ristorante Pizzeria Maison. This is a lovely restaurant we visited last year….and of course we knew that the boys were in Catania that day for the instore tour there. So we also figured there was no chance in “hell” that we would accidentally run into them!!
The two waiters recognized us from last year, and were excited to see us back! We had a great conversation with them and had a several course, fantastic long dinner, in typical Sicilian style.
Well….while we were sitting there, suddenly we noticed some familiar faces coming into the restaurant. I looked up and there was Gaetano Barone coming towards us with a huge smile. He gave us hugs and a warm welcome to Naro. It appeared to be a family gathering along with a few friends, as Eleonora, Mariagrazia, Nonno Pietro and Nonna were all there!!It was nice to see the family enjoying each other’s company!
As we were served our delicious dessert, we received an extra special treat! Walking towards our table was none other than….you guessed it….our gorgeous Piero!!! He gave us a warm welcome and was happily surprised to see us as we were him, because we thought he was still in Catania. He had a little conversation with us, and then rejoined his family and friends!
As we were leaving, we got hugs & kisses from Eleonora ….. Piero with an absolutely gorgeous smile, waved to us and said, “See you tomorrow!”
Sorry, we did not take any photos as we wanted to respect their privacy!!!
Sunday, March 10
Instore tour at Centro Commerciale LaVigne
We arrived several hours early to get a good spot…Unfortunately Mall Security had other ideas!!! They explained in detail to us, what we needed to do and where to go…. however … Non ho capito!!!
So we wandered around until we saw a group of people gathered together and thought “Are these other Ilvolovers???”
As we approached them, we asked if they were there to see IL VOLO…the only thing they understood from us was…IL VOLO!!!! They said Sì! So we got in line! … We decided to mingle with the fans there…so unable to adequately communicate in Italian…Jeannette pulled out her special IL VOLO picture book that the boys had signed previously and that’s all the communication we needed!!!
We were actually adopted by this very nice couple that was in line in front of us!! They spoke no English and we spoke no Italian, however through Google Translate, sign language and “The now famous Book” we had a blast!!!
As we were standing in line waiting, it became apparent that crowds of people we going up the escalator for the CD signing!! We were getting upset because we came early to get a good spot and we were going nowhere!! To our surprise, when they finally let us go up the escalator, there was a lane that lead us to a special area with seats for the pass holders!! (Sure beats standing for hours like we did in Carini.)
The MC entertained us (in Italian) and was very funny even though we had no clue what was being said…He picked three girls out of our area..and named them…Ignaciette, Pieramia and Gianlita or something to that effect…and had them sing 🎶Musica Che Resta🎶!! They sang very well!!…
It was finally time for our boys to enter and everyone went wild!! The CD signing went pretty quickly this time, but we received their love and attention before we were hauled off the stage by the the big burley bouncer that was waiting for us!! 😉😂😊 As we went off the stage, who do we first see??? Eleonora and Mariagrazia!!! Once again we get big hugs and kisses!! We also saw Dario, Piero’s good friend, and talked with him for a bit and spent some time with Max Messina and his beautiful girlfriend!
The instore tours have now come to an end…with wonderful memories for us to cherish….Until our next IL VOLO adventure….we say ….
