Some time ago, I told you about the book written by Patrizia Ciava: “GRANDE AMORE AL PRIMO ASCOLTO, Il Volo, A Fan Tribute”.
This beautiful book, published by the Publishing House: AltrEdizioni, has been printed, for now, only in Italian, and I have already translated for you, the presentation of the Publishing House and the beautiful preface by Marino Bartoletti, in a post, immediately after the publication of the book.
As I have already told you, the first part of the book concerns articles written by the talented Patrizia Ciava, while the second part gathers stories of fans from all over the world, of how they got to know Il Volo.
Since the English edition has not yet been made, I asked Patrizia Ciava and the Publishing House for permission to translate the first of the fan stories. Kindly, both gave me their permission, and I thank them very much. So today, I propose you, the translation of the first fan story: LA FAVOLA DE IL VOLO E IAIA.
What I am about to tell you is a fairy tale, delicate and full of small and large daily gestures, of those lived with discretion and affection, in which the destiny of a little girl is intertwined at some point with that of three exceptional boys, three princes: Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio.
The fairy tale is about Ilaria, for many Iaia, a little girl with beautiful ringlets, graceful features, a naturally delicate and elegant gesture and two dark eyes, deep and penetrating, ready to light up with sweetness or shine with pride and courage.
A little girl apparently like many, but special for those who, like me, her mother and life partner, had the honor and privilege of knowing her.
It all began in late 2014, when Iaia was 5 years old and animportant past behind her: at just 3½ her life had been marked by the discovery of a rare and serious oncology pathology.
Our fantastic family raised funds to give her hope and make her dream of life come true: destination, New York! My cousin Maria, contacted Il Volo and Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio immediately supported the fundraising, with personal gestures of solidarity, dedicating an evening in Abruzzo (presented by dear Francesca Martinelli, in the “Parco dei Principi” of Cellino Attanasio) and making an appeal to their fans.
The story of Iaia, crossed the borders of Italy and from all over the world, the fans responded with enthusiasm and affection.
At that time, our family had created a loving shell of discretion, to allow us to be able to live peacefully, the time available with her, but the fantastic family of Il Volo, with delicacy, wanted to know the little girl.
Initially the contacts were by telephone and there was no lack of occasion, in which they sent audio and video messages of greetings and encouragement; they even sent a video message to the New York doctor!
We did not imagine that boys, taken from such a dizzyingly fast and demanding life, could be so close to us!
I observed Ilaria, and I saw in her gaze, surprise and joy, every time a message came from them.
She was a difficult child to conquer, but they, slowly slowly, entered her heart. So many memories!
I remember the first time the boys participated in the Sanremo Festival, we had just arrived in New York, and we had organized ourselves to follow them in streaming.
The day before the start of the event, Ila wanted to give him a good luck and sing “Happy Birthday” to Gianluca for his birthday.
How much emotion in that sweet little voice and how much tenderness in Gianluca’s response, who promised her to dedicate to her with all his heart, the song they would sing.
There were many emotions on her face: surprise, pleasure and joy. She was overjoyed, she felt deeply flattered.
I remember that she started dancing on the bed from happiness.
This delicate correspondence between the boys and Ilaria continued over time and, returning from a trip to America, a surprise awaited us!
In fact, dear Francesco Di Donato, mayor of Roccaraso, told us that the guys from Il Volo wanted us at the opening concert of their Italian tour, which started right there. Ilaria and her brother, Alessandro, jumped literally with joy.
The big day came and we organized a dinner to give Ilaria the chance to meet them before the concert.
She had personally chosen the dress to wear that evening: candy pink tulle, which highlighted her small slender figure.
She was happy, but the closer the time came to meet them, the more tense she became! She was a girl with a very strong character, sometimes very lively, but when her most intimate emotions were involved, she closed herself up in silence.
That evening, Ilaria went down the restaurant stairs, like a radiant and excited Princess. The boys came up to her and hugged her gently. I perfectly remember the delicacy of their gestures and their looks ….. they treated her like a delicate flower.
Piero, Gianluca Ignazio and their whole family were discreet and sweet.
At one point, Gianluca went to where the children were playing and started drawing with them.
What surprised faces, Ilaria and Alessandro made! Both of them were excited and happy. We were already happy like this, we seemed to have received much more than what these fantastic guys could give, but promises are promises.
On the day of the concert, Iaia was sitting in the front row and looking at me agitated: she was not used to being the center of attention and it was not easy for her.
When Il Volo arrived on stage, she ran away. I went over to reassure her and the boys reassured her with their eyes, until, relaxed, she could enjoy that magnificent gift. How nice to hear her sing their songs and see her happy!
The moment of GRANDE AMORE arrived, the most magical moment of the evening. The boys kept their promise: they dedicated the concert to her and Gianluca dedicated the song to her.
Once again, surprised and flattered, Ilaria had shiny eyes. The emotions that showed through her eyes were strong and she sang,very excited, the song. The boys had given her a unique and special moment, unrepeatable and indescribable emotions.
After the concert, we said goodbye with the promise to meet again.
From that day four years have passed, years in which the boys of Il Volo have never stopped showing their affection to Ilaria, in various moments of her short life: birthdays, small and big daily hits, and also her First Communion.
Their affection has always struck us, they have given her a lot and they were in her thoughts. She often listened to their songs and sang them around the house with her dad, creating an alchemy of joy and happiness.
Unfortunately, this beautiful fairy tale had an ending that none of us wanted. In spring 2018, Ilaria’s conditions worsened, despite her desire to make the most of her days.
She had also decided to do something to help other children and for some time she had felt ready to sing in public. So in May, she decided to attend a charity concert, led by the hospital’s music teacher, Bianca.
On that occasion, she should have sung solo, a lullaby written for her. I remember that moment very well, it was May 30, when, during the last rehearsals, the teacher and Ilaria jokingly talked about beautiful songs, and Ilaria said: “But Bianca, now I’ll make you listen to GRANDE AMORE of IL VOLO!” So she started singing, proud and excited.
It was her last song!
The last time I heard her splendid voice singing, it caressed my heart.
Unfortunately, a few days later, Ilaria left us to become a beautiful angel.
In our hearts, the words that she wrote a short time before, to little cousin Greta, for her birthday, are always alive; in six words, the synthesis of her existence: “Life is beautiful, live it well!”
This is one of the most beautiful teachings that Ilaria has left to all of us, together with the affection and generosity that her dear friends of Il Volo continue to show us!
A heartfelt thanks to Gianluca, Ignazio, Piero and to all the Il Volo family.
Mama Ida
The part of the book ends here, but I go further and I want to tell you that when Iaia left, the parents made the sad announcement and the boys made these statements: (taken from the article below)
“We hoped until the end that Ilaria could win her battle against the evil that had plagued her for years. We hoped she could do it. But this did not happen. We have always been in contact with her parents to learn about the evolution of the situation. Relationships never stopped and unfortunately we were aware that the girl’s condition had suddenly worsened. Nevertheless, we continued to pray for her, never abandoning the hope that a miracle could happen,” explains Ginoble himself together with the other members of the group, Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto.
“On this day of mourning and sadness – the three say in a statement to Ansa (National Press Agency) – we feel even closer to the parents and little brother, convinced that Iaia from the top of the sky can guide us in the battle for a better world, especially for the more young.”
Iaia’s parents, founded a charity to help sick children, is called IL SOGNO DI IAIA, and is also on Facebook.
How sad, a little angel has gone to be among the hosts of paradise.
Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca, had hoped until the end that she could stay, but God wanted her with him !!
Sleep peacefully, little Iaia. ❤️
Daniela
Credit to owners of all photos. Thanks to Patrizia Ciava and the Publishing House, AltrEdizioni, for permission to translate the story of Iaia.
You liked the first old video that I translated and so I looked for this Italian interview.
In some cases you will hear the boys answer, but there are no questions, evidently they have not been included in the video, but equally the sense is understandable. Only towards the end, we hear the voice of the woman who interviewed them.
I would add, for my part, that I always have the feeling thatPiero, Ignazio andGianluca, even then, were speaking more serenely if they were interviewed by foreign people. They have always known, from the beginning, that they are not so well liked by the Italian press, which in any case tries to embarrass them, especially in the final questions.
But the three of them have always been well determined in the answers, evidently when in a dream, you feel it truly yours, you defend it to the end.
G = We have changed the name from Il Trio to Il Volo.
This new name is above all as a wish, for music ….
P = Because music makes us fly.
G = It is as if it is thousands of meters (up, up) what is happening to us. We put all the passion, all the love, for this thing that is happening to us, and that we love to do, because it is our passion and therefore, of course, we put all the effort.
I = And we will always give the best of ourselves.
P = We put all the effort into it, because we understand the depth of the people who are alongside us and who are working with us.
I = The project was created, we made this recording, this CD between Rome and Los Angeles. It was a personal and also an artistic growth, we had people and producers behind us, who always told us “commit yourselves, with the heart, filling everyone with excitement.”
G = We must learn from these great artists, follow their steps. For example, the experience of We Are The World has made us grow. We have seen people, very famous, who have remained humble, like Celine Dion herself, or Barbra Streisand. We hope with this CD, to be able to convey to people, what …..
P = What we feel inside.
G = And of course we must remain humble …
P = Staying humble yes, as Gianluca said, Celine Dion or Barbra Streisand are humble, but they have reached the maximum of world music, therefore we have understood that, with humility, great levels can be reached.
In my opinion, however, if one is too full of themselves or arrogant, he does not go anywhere.
G = All this happened to us at the age of 15, it is not something that happens often. We work hard, because as I said, this is our passion, this is our love, it is singing, music.
P =We live for this.
I = How many kids want to have this ?? And we were lucky to be able to do all this.
G = We must also thank Roberto Cenci, because it is he who united us, he had the genius, no, the flair, to unite us, and then this project was born.
The brothers argue.
P = The nice thing about the three of us is that we tell each other everything face-to-face.
I = Yes, it’s not that we speak behind our backs, if I don’t like something I say “Piero, look, I don’t like this thing.”
P = And perhaps this is our strength.
I = Our strength is the friendship that unites us, the truth, and the genuineness that we have …. the spontaneity.
G = Obviously among us …… the groups must be like this, right?
PR = I would like to know what criticisms you have had from the kids of your age, you are not afraid that, being so young, maybe you miss the stages (of your life), maybe school life, daily life, going out …..
G = This is the stage we want to do!
PR = Despite everything?
I = Yes, because we do it with passion, we don’t do it because we are forced, but that’s what we want.
G = Exactly, absolutely.
I = You know, when you are a child, you open the drawer and you like what you find ….. we would like to do this, in short it is what we want to do, this is the answer.
G = It happened to us at the age of 15, but as I said, this is our love, our passion and we are very committed to this. We do not believe in missing stages, absolutely.
PR = But because now is only the beginning and everything is wonderful, but then, maybe in a few years, you may be missing going out with your friends.
I = Maybe we could miss some outings with friends, but I don’t think other 16-year-olds travel the world, and it’s a beautiful experience. We do not miss stages, indeed we have more.
But how sweet and mature were these young Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca already then?
I don’t know if it is my impression, but it seems to me that Gianluca has a red face, he is probably trying to hide his first shyness, which has now passed very well.
And the photos? What can we say, they make us melt even more, what sweet guys !!
Daniela
Back then, they dreamed of being able to sing one day at Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall ……. the dream came true !!!
Warmest Happy Birthday greetings to you, dear Piero. I am one of your Nonna fans from the beginning, ever since I saw you, Ignazio and Gianluca on the Detroit PBS Special years ago. ☺ You’ve been a source of happiness in my life. I send my heartfelt, sincere thanks to you for sharing so generously your music with us during months of sheltering in. It’s been a privilege to watch you grow up fulfilling your dreams, and for me to be able to attend your concerts in Chicago and Meet you. Your Ten Year Anniversary Concert was absolutely stupendous and thrilling. May you go forward with your aspirations for the future and be happy, Piero!!! Te amo….Nonna Harriett
Well, Flight Crew Fans – you outdid yourselves with wishes for Piero!!
P+I+G = “Benvenuto a Miami”, JORGE, PIERO GIANLUCA IGNAZIO
PR = Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio, Ignacio in Spanish.
I = Nacho
PR = How did you meet, you are young, you have been friends for a long time …
P = We met in an Italian television program: We arrived there singing individually and on the fourth episode, the director decided to combine our voices.
PR = And at that moment did the three voices come together perfectly? Did the three voices mix automatically?
P = Yes, we have three not completely different voices, but Ignazio and I are tenors and Gianluca is baritone. There are three different types of voices that mix, make Il Volo.
PR = Do you prefer to sing in a group or do you prefer to sing separately?
I = This project was born as Il Volo, it was not born as Ignazio Boschetto, Gianluca Ginoble or Piero Barone, it was born as Il Volo!
G = From the beginning.
I = From the beginning, so we prefer to stay together, united.
PR = Your age.
P = 17
G = 16
I = 16
PR = Explain to me why you sing opera and not songs like Justin Bieber.
G = We do not sing opera, our genre is pop-lyrical, because on our CD there is no Nessun Dorma (surely then, they did not imagine that in the future they would also sing the Nessun Dorma), La Boheme, and there are no not even songs like Baby or One Time, for example, by Justin Bieber. Ours are pop-lyric songs, and it is also a novelty, because it is the first time that 16-year-olds have been singing this type of music.
PR = But also sing a song called O SOLE MIO.
I = It is not an opera song.
P = It’s a traditional song.
G = It is a song of the Italian tradition, because on our CD there are various songs, in Spanish, in Italian and in English.
P = Type: Smile, by Charlie Chaplin, is in English.
Which are part of the Italian tradition: O sole Mio, Un Amore così Grande, Il Mondo.
I = Also a traditional song in South America ….
P = Spanish, the Reloj (hints at a small refrain)
G = They are all performed with modern arrangements, with the addition of guitars …
P = Because we are three young boys
G = So that’s the beauty of this new project.
PR = Whose idea was it to bring you to the US from Italy and put Spanish songs on the CD?
G = I’ll explain, we are the first Italian artists who signed a contract directly with an American major, it is the first time. Ours is an international project, it is a music that is enjoyed all over the world, not only in Italy, in fact we are having excellent results, we are really happy.
P = We decided to do the CD edition in Spanish, because we feel that Spanish is a language that belongs to us. We have fun when we sing in Spanish.
I = We must remember that it is also thanks to our producer.
P = Yes, our producer, Humberto Gatica, thanks to him we recorded the Spanish version, because he speaks Spanish and in the recording studio, he helped us with the correct pronunciation of Reloj.
G = But then you know that he is Lucho Gatica’s nephew.
PR = There is another group called IL DIVO.
G = Yes, let’s say that Josh Groban, Il Divo, Bocelli, our genre is more towards these singers.
PR = Which Italian singer would you like to inspire in the future?
I = Certainly Pavarotti was the Italian singer who had the greatest success also abroad, as regards the opera.
P = In pop-lyric I would say Bocelli.
I = Each of us would like to do the same career as Bocelli
G = Yes, Pavarotti or Bocelli
P = But we hope to make a good career like “IL VOLO”.
PR = You are young, do you see other plans for the future outside of music?
P = No, no, always in music, we always hope to sing together, our dream is to sing all life. In my opinion, we were born to sing.
G = We are three different voices, but one soul and when we sing together, when there are harmonies, we feel all the emotion we put into singing.
P = Three voices and a soul. Thanks to music, we are able to transmit our emotions.
PR = Do you have a girlfriend?
I = Let’s change the question !!
PR = Why doesn’t this job allow you to have a girlfriend?
G = Yes, it allows, but it is very difficult.
I = Let’s say we don’t want to talk about it, we want privacy about our love life.
PR = I understand, you are reserved for your private life.
P = Perfect, we prefer to talk about music.
Music is our job, they are one thing.
Girlfriend is another thing.
PR = You want to keep the two things separate. Private. We better talk about music.
But what do you do in life, besides Il Volo and privacy?
I = Piero loves to upgrade cars, to transform them.
P = I make cars faster.
G = I play football.
I = I love planes.
PR = Airplane pilot? But really or remotely?
I = I’d really like to, for now I’m training in a program that is a type of real simulator.
PR = Do you want to say something to your fans, maybe future girlfriends?
G = We hope that all our fans really like this CD, because, as Piero said before, you can feel all the emotion, all that we transmit with our voice, is on our CD.
P = And it is a CD suitable for all people of all ages. We sing in three languages and there are songs for young and old generations, for everyone.
G + I = It is a CD for everyone.
PR = As you say in Italian: no to piracy.
P + I + G = NO ALLA PIRATERIA!!!
Every time I find these old videos, for me it is a reconstruction of some missing moments, as I started following Il Volo after Sanremo 2015, but it is always a confirmation of how big these kids were already, at that time, mature and always well educated.
Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio, you have started the road well and over the 10 years you have not lost or changed your path.
