A pleasant interview with Gianluca Ginoble, made by the journalist: Luca Maggitti.
The occasion was the ABBA Immobiliare event, for the presentation of their construction project LUXURY ESTATE which will be carried out in Roseto degli Abruzzi.
A nice dinner on a summer evening with a touch of rain. The event was cheered by some guests, including our Gianluca.
The video begins with the performance of a good violinist with CON TE PARTIRÒ (Time to Say Goodbye) performed among the tables of the guests.
I translate for you.
LM = On stage with me, the winner of Sanremo 2015 with Il Volo: Gianluca Ginoble.
GG = Good evening
LM = These drops (drizzle), remind me of a passage from a book that says that Mexican nobles love to sleep outdoors with the drops of water that wet their sheets in the summer.
GG = The perfect soundtrack. The sound of nature.
LM = Singing in the rain.
GG = Singing in the rain. Wet evening, lucky evening (it’s an old Italian saying).
LM = You are truly an international artist, you have been on exceptional stages. A memory … when I saw you taking a selfie with Pope Francis in Panama, remind me how many there were, how many you were.
GG = Maybe it was one of the best experiences ….. but you know that I don’t like to always talk about myself. This is a special evening and first of all I want to greet everyone, even ABBA Immobiliare and all of you, I am really happy and honored to be here, and thanks for the affection you have shown me also in these last weeks where we have had the opportunity to be together.
LM = But they want to hear about you.
GG = Yes, of course, let’s say that during my artistic career, it is now 11 years that I “fly” with my colleagues.
LM = You have been on a world tour for 11 years without stopping, COVID has stopped you, otherwise you would be doing the eleventh year of touring.
GG = Unfortunately, Covid has stopped everyone, there is no alternative and in any case health is the most important thing.
Surely one of the most beautiful experiences was to sing for the Pope, one meter from Pope Francis, a Ave Maria Mater Misericordiae written especially for us. There were thousands of young people, it was WYD.
LM =Eight hundred thousand young people?
GG = You added three hundred thousand more …..
LM = But do you realize how many young people ….. and then you go there and say “Francis, let’s take a selfie?”
GG = It was nice, because the Pope is always very helpful, we had the opportunity to meet him also during the private audience, and that day we said “Can we take a selfie like young people do?” And he said “Sure.”
LM = Then I have an Argentine national volleyball guest and I keep you here, as you also speak Spanish and I don’t.
GG = Okay.
LM = You also sang for two Presidents of the Italian Republic, in the Senate there was Napolitano and in Trieste, for the unification of Italy there was Mattarella. Even in those cases, I imagine, a great satisfaction.
GG = Especially in the Senate I was very excited, I was 18/19 and it was something surreal, like the beginning of our career, from school desks, to travels around the world.
It was an honor for us, Napolitano, Grasso (President and Prime Minister), he was very prestigious, one of the things I will never forget.
LM = Another thing I remember, at least it struck me a lot and maybe it is something passed over in silence, when you went to do a sort of “Band Aid”, years later for Haiti, if I’m not mistaken, and you were invited by Quincy Jones himself. Quincy Jones isn’t recognized by many, but he produced Michael Jackson, he produced Thriller.
You were very young, and you had this man who, from the videos, hugged you …..
GG = There are great things very appreciated abroad, of our country, and they are good food and this type of music, which has its own light and illuminates the world for decades, also brought by Pavarotti and Bocelli. Thanks to this, we have attracted the attention of the great boss of international music like Quincy Jones, because we do nothing but bring, with our voices, the name of our music, of our country.
LM = It struck me a lot, even the fact that the former Roseto basketball coach, when he was in Atlanta, called me and said, “Is that boy really from Roseto?”. And then he came to greet you at meet & greet and he wrote me, “This is the music that everyone loves in the world.” and he is a Croatian.
(Atlanta 2016, Gianluca , Piero Ignazio and Neven Spahija, the Roseto coach)
The beautiful thing about Il Volo, I have always said, as a simple journalist, you are Il Volo in Japan, Il Volo in America …… that is … Vasco Rossi (a very famous pop singer in Italy) it is Vasco Rossi in Italy, but in France (France taken as an example of a neighboring country), no offense, he is nobody ….. you are Il Volo in the world, and this is an incredible thing.
When you go to South America they give the news on the national news. For you, who are always kind it seems normal, but sharing this with you, let me say to all: let’s do another round of applause !!
There is also another succulent anecdote, when you went with Bruno Vespa in New York and you met Woody Allen and you explain to him that you live in Montepagano, taking the wine route. Tell us.
GG = I sometimes think about it and it makes me laugh.
LM = Your spontaneity makes you do everything.
GG = Sicily is certainly much better known than Abruzzo, this is the reality. We were having dinner with Woody Allen and he asked us where we come from. The other two replied from Sicily and he said he had seen it several times, then I say from Abruzzo, he did not know where it was, then I add, near Rome, and then I say, “Do you know Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine?” and he said, “Yes, great wine, I like it very much”. You understand, I had to go around through the wine to explain where Abruzzo is, because unfortunately he didn’t know it, but through the wine he understood.
LM = Yes, for many foreign people, Abruzzo is close to Rome, even if in fact it is not that close for us, indeed it is far from Rome, but to explain it is easier this way.
GG = In addition, the places of the Abruzzo mountains are more famous than those of the sea. But we have beautiful beaches here and there are people like you (Abba Immobiliare) who are investing in the territory of Roseto degli Abruzzi, which is a jewel and has nothing to envy from other beaches.
LM= Last thing I want to tell you, something that happened to me and your dad, Ercole. One day I was here at the Liberty having a coffee and I see four women who speak English. They were four of Gianluca admirers from Connecticut, Texas, Florida, and I would say Louisiana or Georgia, who had come here, had hired a driver, an interpreter, and wanted to see the places where Gianluca had grown up. If I hadn’t witnessed this, I wouldn’t have believed it. They asked me, “Do you really know Gianluca?” And I called Ercole and told him that I had seen women who were almost crying for Gianluca.
GG = Do you realize?
LM = The Texan woman, (Deborah, they are talking about you!) showed me the photo of the car with the personalized IL VOLO license plate, because there, paying for it is possible (in Italy it is not possible) and told me, “I am cured of depression, after the death of my husband, listening to the music of Il Volo” and hugged you and never left you. They came from America to see your house, then, luckily you were there, but for them, it was enough to see Gianluca’s house in Montepagano. What do you think of this?
GG = Sometimes I can hardly believe it, how life can radically change, however I was a child who dreamed of singing, but I never imagined that my life could change like this and get to the other side of the world and excite and also to heal people ….. the power of music, and it’s something that still excites me.
LM = In 2009, Massimo Ranieri (famous Italian singer) comes here to sing and the mayor tells me, I bring Gianluca to Ranieri and introduce him to him. You know him, and you tell him, “You will see that I will become a good singer.”
GG = But…… I can’t have said that.
LM = Then you also took the photo with your cell phone.
GG = It was 2007 and then in 2015 we sang together on RAI1 QUANDO L’AMORE DIVENTA POESIA and he showed that old photo on TV.
LM = What effect did it have on you?
GG = This shows that over the years anything can happen, as a child I came to see a singer in concert and a few years later, I sing on TV with him.
GG = Luca, but you know that I don’t like to talk only about me.
LM = But you are the star. In 2007, the first memory I have of you, at the age of 12, you go to sing twp songs for a poetry award at the Pia Marta oratory school and you sing IL MARE CALMO DELLA SERA, a very difficult piece.
GG = I remember, I was a little anomalous, a 12 year old boy singing Bocelli, my friends listened to something else. I also listened to other groups, but also classical music, so the children of my age saw me as a “different” child.
LM = And I remember, that this 12 year old is doing this very difficult song and in the end we all stood up.
GG = Then I still had the young voice, so it was easier to get to the high notes.
LM = It was an exceptional ride and it is still at the beginning because you are very young.
GG = I hope so, I’ve always enjoyed living with music.
LM = Last thing, you were international stars, but you missed Italy, first time in Sanremo and immediately victory, what effect did it have on you?
(Sanremo first night, how much emotion !!!)
GG = In fact we were more known and appreciated in other countries than at home, it was a sort of revenge, to show that we had a great desire to do and to be recognized in our country after years abroad, and for us to win Sanremo it was the most important thing, it gave us the real fame in Italy, that of being recognized on the street. But I must say that I am really happy and I hope to continue flying with my colleagues for many more years.
LM = The hope is also that you will always remain so available, ladies and gentlemen: GIANLUCA GINOBLE.
Gianluca Ginoble with Luca Maggitti.
This photo is published on Luca Maggitti’s Facebook page with this dedication:
If I can express a wish to friends, for 2019, it is to have the humility of Gianluca: an international star who – since I have known him … and I have known him since he was 12 years old and he was nobody – has never been haughty.
On the other hand, I know people who are haughty and don’t even have a shred of talent.
Bravo, Gianlù!
Luca Maggitti
(In the lower right corner of the photo is Gianluca’s first public performance, on May 25, 2007 at the Oratorio Piamarta.)
Did you like this interview?
Really a nice chat between friends who respect each other.
And you, Gianluca, always kind and helpful, we really like this aspect of your character. 😘
Daniela
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Thank you again Daniella. So enjoy reading about them. They are truly the best.
I agree, Rosemarie, it’s always a pleasure to read about our boys.
Grazie! Grazie!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh How I love these interviews and stories of Il Volo. Thank you so much.
Even if nothing new has been said, Kathy, it’s always a pleasure to listen to.
Another amazing “birdseye” view of the thoughts of a very humble
talented young man……….best of life and love to you from Sheryl
Anderson (Grisabella, the glamour cat)…..My dream is to see/hear
them in concert in Italy…….their beautiful homeland.
Sheryl, then I hope for you that soon you can come here to their concert!
This is a dream of mine as well, Sheryl. I hope it comes true for both of us one day❤️
Thank you for this wonderful interview!
Nancy, thanks to you, I knew you all would appreciate the translation.
What a great interview with Gianluca. He is so humble, as are Piero and Ignazio, and one of the qualities that endear them to us, their fans. Of course their beautiful voices, their choice of songs, drew us to them in the first place but as they grew and matured into such fine young men, are relationships with them have strengthened and, I think, become more intensified and everlasting. They are the best in the world and the world loves them!!!
It’s true, Carol, their voices attract us immediately, but then we also like everything about them, their way of being and of communicating.
Their charisma.
This was a beautiful article about a beautiful person! Thank you Daniela!
Susan, I didn’t want to leave you without the translation of a pleasant interview.
Grazie Mille Daniela for translating this wonderful interview!! The Granny Groupies, and I’m speaking for the four of us when I say we, are amazed and honored that Luca remembered our visit to Roseto/ Montepagano in May 2015. It is a memory that we will cherish In our hearts forever!! Gianluca, his father Ercole and Luca came to our hotel and visited with us for almost an hour. They treated us like family and our sweet, kind Gianluca’s thanked us for traveling so far to come to his home. Imagine that!! He thanked us!!… Because we were the ones that were beyond excited and thankful that he came to visit us that day!! Deborah expressed how they helped her through her sorrow and these three amazing, caring young men will never know just how many people’s lives they have enhanced. brought happiness to and helped through hard times over the last 11 years. There are so many reasons to love them…and we do.❤️
Joan, as I said, you four have left your mark. You were the first, the daredevils, the forerunners.
I sent the post to Luca Maggitti and told him that you were happy that he remembered you. I hope he reads it and if he answers, I’ll let you know. On the reasons for loving guys, I agree with you. 🙂
Beautiful interview! Thank you!!!
I warned you this interview was coming up. Glad you liked Eleanor!
I warned you this interview was coming up. Glad you liked Eleanor!
Wonderful interview! Just makes you love and respect them more and more each time you read these humble words from such amazing young men! Thanks Pat and Daniella!
You’re welcome, Jane!
That’s right Jane, they are like mermaids, they charm us with their song and their words !!
Thank you as always for your translation. I miss so much by not speaking Italian. Barbara
Barbara, if all of you were masters of the Italian language, I wouldn’t have to translate anything anymore ….. I like being able to be useful to you.
Thanks for translating this wonderful interview. Gianluca and his “brothers” continually show their humility and maturity. What fine young men they all are, and this interview shares more of the heart and soul of the beautiful Gianluca.
Janet, I hope that the boys, now men, continue to keep their way of being intact. I can’t wait to see them tomorrow on TV, from the Verona Arena.
I really enjoyed this article. I appreciation the interpretation and the post.
And I Vichi appreciate that you enjoyed the translation!
Daniela, Good work on the interview!! I thought of
the powerful energy transmitted by these four women
in their quest. All the pieces came together to bring Luca
and the Genobles together. As I recall this serendipity
replayed in Naro a few days later with Piero’s mom.
I guess the small town “hotline” was working in their
favor. Great story ! I applaud the grannies for their
success.
Martha, the 4 ladies were great. Yes, then they were also in Naro and Marsala, really incredible.
Daniela my friend, Grazie mille. I love that young man.
I have no doubt about this, dear RoseMarie. This interview was not very publicized, hardly anyone saw it. Maura Pucci sent it to me and I told her right away, well I translate it for my friends !!
Thank you so much for the translation of this interview. It was a delight to be able to read it in English. The interview itself demonstrated just how humble and professional Gianluca continues to be. When reading Luca Maggitti’s questions and comments it is obvious just how much he respects and appreciates Gianluca’s art, accomplishments, and humility.
It was good to hear Gianluca talk about his commitment to continue working with Ignazio and Puedo for many years to come.
Mary Jane Lavin
I absolutely agree Mary Jane, Luca Maggitti is a journalist, but also a great friend of Gianluca. Respect and affection are mutual.
Thank you so much, Daniela, for your translation of this wonderful interview. Gianluca is always saying how much he likes Frank Sinatra. However, for me, his voice is more melodic than Sinatra’s. And, Daniela, in your previous post, your mentioning of the Latin American CD, “Amame”, all in Spanish (that was never made into a CD I could buy) – well, I found the songs on Google. I so enjoy them – especially “Escuchame” – but they are all good. Thank you again. Dena Pitchfork, Mercer Island, Washington U.S.A.
Dena, I love it when Il Volo performs songs in Spanish, some of them are my favorites.
As for the music of the CD Amamè, I would like some to be included in the concerts. Il Volo demonstrates that it can range from classical opera to an opposite style, and this is not for everyone.
Thank you very much for translating and posting this beautiful interview. Gianluca is so nice, humble, wise and down to earth young man. I hope he will never change. Grazie mille Daniela and Pat
Jolanta, I think these guys could have changed, but so far they haven’t, they have always remained the same …. they will continue like this!
You’re most welcome, Jolanta!
What a delightful interview–thanks so much, Daniela (and Pat too) for the translation and the photos and videos! I would love to hear Gianluca sing Il Mare Calmo Della Sera now. Perhaps it would have to be in a lower key, but it would be beautiful!
Ignazio also sang Il Mare Calmo Della Sera when he was 14. Personally, I like his version better than Gian’s. I once asked him at a M & G if he would consider singing it again and he made a face and shook his head vehemently! Maybe they consider it over done. Here it is for comparison purposes.
https://youtu.be/9Pc0u1Xuhlw
Thanks Penina for attaching the video. Of course everyone has their own favorite and their own preferences but I think both Ignazio and Gianluca would now perform it with a considerably better voice. Time has matured the voices but also the interpretation.
For sure! But I don’t think either one of them want to sing it now.
Judi, really Gianluca had a very big voice for a kid, but how immature was his way of singing. He certainly made a big improvement in the way he sings. Bravo Gianluca. You won’t hear this song being sung, I don’t think Bocelli would allow.
You’re welcome, Judi!
I was thinking the same thing, that it would be delightful to hear Gianluca sing Il Mare Calmo della Sera as an adult. His beautiful voice is always in my mind, because I listen to him especially, when I listen to Il Volo’s music, every day. I’m so grateful for this interview, and I can really appreciate what it takes to translate, since I studied French, Latin and Spanish when I was young and later taught French and Spanish. Now, I am determinedly teaching myself Italian – just because of Il Volo! I love that Gianluca speaks several languages so well; his English is so good, he could pass for a native-born American!
So lucky for us that Maura told you about this interview! Gianluca is so sincere and precious.
You gave us a word for word translation ~~ so much appreciated. Grazie mille Daniela and also thank you Pat for your input.
You’re welcome, Ineke. I’m also glad Maura told Daniela about this interview!
That’s right, Ineke, Maura is my watchman, if I miss something, she warns me right away.
I was also waiting for your comment and I’m happy it arrived. I hope everything goes well with you. 🙂
This has been great! I enjoy this group so much. They are the real thing. Their music and singing takes me to a different place of joy, peace and happiness. My husband was a professional singer as well and I know that these young men devote their time to practicing for their best. Many blessings to you and I will continue to follow you and make it to another concert soon, I hope.
Lupe, as your husband was a professional singer, you will understand the strong commitment that must be put into this type of art, and the results can be seen and felt.
Well Daniela, you’ve done it again! You fill our hearts with joy just reading about the talented & humble Gianluca Ginoble💕. Thank you for your (as usual) wonderful narrative😊
Janet, once again I have brought you to understand what has been said, and that makes me happy. Until next time!!
Thank you, Daniela, as always! ❤️
You are very kind, Donalee 🙂