SMILE, JUST SMILE!!
If I must tell the truth, this is my least favorite holiday! To me it’s a sad day because we remember all those who we lost over the years and we think of them in a different way than we do on other days. We think that they left us too soon and this year too quickly! I, like many of you out there, suffered many losses this year and I saw many people I love suffer!
Halfway through the year, I was speaking with my aunt, who turned 100 this year! I said, “Aunt Christina, you’ve been around a long time. What do you think about what’s going on?” She replied, “Susan, I remember grandpa saying every 20 years we have to have a war to clear out the old and start fresh again. This is our war!” I guess she is right. This war we are fighting is different, it is a war with an invisible enemy that haunts each of us every day!
What made this year different? The one thing that was really different was we were all in this together. You woke up every morning and turned on the news and no matter where you lived New York, Italy, Germany, Russia, Australia, the news was the same – Wash Your Hands! Wear a Mask! Social Distance!
As to the guys, they certainly did a great job of reminding us to do these things! And when they weren’t talking about this, they were working to help people in Italy and around the world. They took us along on all their journeys in support of these people. We joined them for Altismo Live! In support of Latin American farmworkers. We enjoyed circling Italy through project Italians 4 Life with the wonderful song Ma Il Cielo è Sempre Più Blu (But the Sky is Getting Bluer and Bluer). And, of course, O Sole Mio for UNICEF!
So, we’ve come to the end of the year that was, and now we have to take time to reflect on what we are leaving behind! Yes, there were lots of bad things that happened but there were also some good things. Having a hard time figuring out what they were? Let’s take a look at some of the good things that the guys did! They came to us live every day! So, let’s start there.
LIVE FROM IGNAZIO’S HOME STUDIO
The announcement that came from Ignazio on May 16th kept us sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what this project would be. We knew it would include the Il Volo musicians but what was this big surprise. Ignazio gave us a hint!
Ignazio said: With this video, I would like to thank many people. First of all, the doctors who during this time made their lives available to others. Here it is, altruism. I think it’s one of the most important things in the world.
For me, this is one of the most important songs, this song makes us understand that we are all part of this world and everyone has a piece of the universe. And so, I decided to propose “Almeno tu nell’ Universo” . (At Least You in the Universe)
What we got was a production straight from Ignazio’s soul! The drama of the black and white video along with the most intimate, passionate rendition of “Almeno tu nell’ Universo” we ever heard left us speechless. His amazing voice brought us to a universe where there is no limit, and we could float along on his magnificent notes, reaching unbelievable heights! It brought us all to tears.
Ignazio along with Giampiero Grani on piano, Alessandro Quarta on violin, Bruno Farinelli drums, Pierluigi Mingotti on bass and Gino De Vita and Andrea Morelli on guitar, set in split screen, gave the performance of a lifetime. The arrangement and video mix were so perfect it seemed hard to believe Ignazio did it all from his home. Genius at work!
LIVE FROM PIERO’S TERRACE
We could hear the silence of this small beautiful town and the only sound in the background was the chirping of the birds. Then suddenly, Piero began to sing “Nessun Dorma” and his voice rang out over Naro inviting his neighbors to come out on their terraces to listen to him and applaud his magnificent voice. And how did Piero react, the same way he does in concert, with that beautiful smile he greeted his neighbors and thanked them for their applause. And then, he gave us a birds’ eye view of Naro from his terrace explaining about all the baroque buildings and structures in the town including the history of it all. Jovanotti was just as thrilled and impressed as we were. Piero showed us around his terrace pointing out his cactus and taking time to tell us about his antique coffee mill. What a treat to share this special time with him!
And what about his beautiful “AVE MARIA” that warmed our hearts.
And then there were the:
LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM GIANLUCA’S HOUSE
Gianluca really perfected his piano playing in quarantine! We listened to him sing while looking out over his beautiful garden which looks down to the Adriatic Sea and the beautiful beach of Roseto degli Abruzzi. Picture postcard perfect, it was amazing and we were all wishing we could be there with him! And he spent lots of time walking on the beach with Luna and playing out in the yard with her.
But the most exciting of all was listening to Gianluca’s very romantic voice which touches every one of our senses. He sang so many beautiful songs for us while playing his piano with Luna at his feet. It gave us a warm and happy feeling which left us feeling very secure!
And then the summer began and, the quarantine was over and, the guys came together after being separated for months. And what did they do? They took us on another journey. First, we watched them take on a new appearance with their Dolce & Gabbana wardrobe. Their mini-Concert for Dolce & Gabbana’s women’s line of clothing and the presentation of the men’s line of clothing at the Campus Parade in Milan. It was wonderful to see them back together and listen to them live.
Then they went to Monte Carlo for their first concert in five months followed by their appearance at the Taormina Film Festival where these three gorgeous guys appeared, dressed like three Princes, in their Dolce & Gabbana Tuxedo’s. They were so handsome they took our breaths away. And their performance at the festival representing the film “Devotion,” the story of Dolce and Gabbana, was amazing. Just seeing them back at the Greek Theater in Taormina made us feel everything will be okay from now on. After all, this is their theater, the heart of who they are.
And if that wasn’t enough, we got to spend a Special Day with the guys in Polizzi Generosa celebrating the opening of “Devotion” and Domenico Dolce’s 62nd Birthday! What an extravaganza! The parade, the costumes, the musicians and dancers. What can I say it was just a fantastic day and it was All Live for us to see on Instagram and Facebook.
As they stepped back on the stage at the Verona Arena, for the reopening of the music industry with their presentation at the Seat Music Awards, we remembered their last performance there in 2019. Spectacular then, spectacular now!
Then came the announcement that they would pay tribute to Ennio Morricone with a Concert in Piazza Pio XII next June 5th!
Il Volo with Roma’s mayor.
Which brings another thought to mind! Do we ever take the time to consider what goes into their performance? We see them on stage and we are in awe of them but, what it takes to get them there is amazing and a lot of hard work. In January they will start preparing for their June 5th Concert. It doesn’t start and end with the concerts. There’s lots of preparation and rehearsals. Everything has to be just perfect because, after all, these three young men are perfectionists!
And then there was their final performance for 2020, their mini-Concert at Piazza Pio XII on Christmas Day. And here the guys sent us their final greeting for the year!
Gianluca: On this special day when we all feel close from afar, we wanted to find a way to wish you all happy holidays.
Ignazio: And we did so in the way that best suits us, through music from this gorgeous square where we feel like we are enveloped in a welcoming embrace.
Piero: We hope this holiday season may bring a smile to your homes and warm your hearts. On this “Oh holy night” we wish to dedicate every single note and every single word to you all.”
Yes, there was so much that was bad about this year but, I just wanted to show you that there were some good things that happened too.
As we approached 2020, I thought with a number like 2020, this will be a year of vision. What was my vision for the year? I thought it would be my best year in ten years. I had so much business and the future looked so bright but, we all know how that turned out. But I never could have imagined, when it all began, that I would spend my whole year doing what I love best, writing! Thirty years ago, I walked away from a career critiquing films. Who could imagine that I would turn back the clock and start writing again! And above all writing 40 stories about our three amazing guys, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca!
The guys spent the year inspiring us, kept us company and certainly took the time to tell us what they were doing and what we needed to do to stay safe. In a recent interview they were asked what they missed most this year. They replied traveling. It is their life after all. And we are very much a part of that life. Hopefully we can all get back to it soon.
Finally, how do I sum up this year? Every morning when I get up, I sing. What do I sing? “Smile!” Is it because of the guys? Well, I certainly love when the guys sing “Smile,” but no, I’ve been singing this song since I was a child because I believe no matter what happened yesterday, today has the possibility to be better, so, “Smile, just Smile.”
Happy New Year!
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Honey, Susan! I am so grateful to you and Daniela! You changed my life! I live with the news about our boys. I take comfort in the grief of my lost loved ones, in the pandemic. Thanks to you, I feel young, happy and I get so much joy with the songs and videos of GianLuka , Piero and Igna. I wish you never to repeat this year !!!! With masks and restrictions. I wish you to hug, travel and sit next to each other! Happy Holidays !!! 🍾🍷☃️🎄💐
Happy Holidays Antonela! I’m happy you find comfort in their music!
Antonela, we are happy to have kept you company in this sad year. Always be positive, and listen to a lot of Il Volo music, you know you have many friends all over the world !!
One of the best written stories to date about world affairs, Il Volo’s contributions to all. IL Volo has a way of getting into your heart and soul and never leaving. I love them and love their voices, each blend but still retain their style. I couldn’t and wouldn’t pick a favorite, they are meant to be together and each has their own style. Thank you for writing your thoughts, one of the best od date. Much gratitude and love for IL Volo.
Thank you Sassylady! The guts really got us through this year!
Grandfather was right!
Many lessons and emotions to hopefully make us all more resilient and compassionate.
Thank you for all you do and to Il Volo for continuing to share their talent and empathy especially this year.
Here’s to a happy snd healing New Year!
Thank you and the same to you!
Thank you once again for a lovely story. I wsh you and your team new opportunities for personal and professional growth as we greet 2021 with hope, faith, and enthusiasm for a better world. Stay healthy, happy, and continue to regale us with stories about our three guys.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review of 2020! It is certainly a universal virus and a very debatable situation we all find ourselves in! With our great young men of ILVolo we were able to keep our connection together and with them and all of you! We are some of the lucky ones to live each day with them and enjoy their songs, music and encouragement! Thanks to you and Daniela and others for your translating of words we all can enjoy the spoken word and songs of IL Volo! Happy New Year to you and ALL in IL Volo land! May this coming year be more suitable for travel, hugging, concerts and socializing! Love to you all and may God bless us each one! ❤️❤️🙏🙏🎶🎶🎶👍💕🇨🇦
Thank you and you have a Happy New Year!
Linda, we are here to keep you updated on our dear Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca and to keep you company !!
Susan, as always you have left us with beautiful words and music from our beloved Il Volo! When looking at these special videos I look for and find their emotion and dedication in their faces and voices! You have given us special highlights and views from them for 2020! We now need to look forward to a better year to come! Blessings and much love to you in the coming year!!
Blessings and Happy New Year!
Susan, your piece was very exciting and I couldn’t stop reading every last word. Happy New Year to you and Danielle. Hopefully 2021 will be better for all, no matter where you live.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Joanne!!
Dear Susan. Thank you for your review of the year, Il Volo style. They proved again what good people they are, and they acted as a good example to all of us of how to get through this. They must be as eager to get back on the stage as we are to get back in the audience. Thank you to the whole Flight Crew for keeping us up to date on these special guys through the year. Looking forward to a better year ahead and, yes, SMILE. Happy new year everyone.
Happy New Year Janet!
Thank you Pat and Susan for another great post and giving us a a good perspective of the past year. Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca helped so many get through the trying times and they continue to make us proud and love them even more! Best wishes to Piero, Ignazio, Gianluca, their families and all our dear Il Volo Flight Crew members for a healthy New Year with many blessings!
Happy New Year Margaret!
You’re welcome, Margaret!
Susan, such a beautiful heartfelt presentation. You encourage me to keep on keeping on. Thank you. Your writings are always so beautiful. thank you for your writting again. I have appreciated each one. We miss our Il Volo guys being out and about.. Thank you.
Thank you Connie!
This is just an FYI to show the ties that bind. Today there was a requiem on TV from NY for all celebrities who left us in 2020. I thought you’d like to know that Maestro Morricone was honored posthumously in the USA. Hope I can get June 5. 2021 is imminent in Boston. Pray for a good one!
Thank you I didn’t know!
Thank you, Boston girl, Maestro Morricone, was famous here in Italy, as well as for his music, for his humility and unconditional love for his wife. Really a great person.
Susan, your words fill my heart with joy! May you have a blessed and Happy New Year!
Thank you and the same to you Janet!
Thank you Susan for highlighting the many wonderful events our handsome trio were involved in from their virtual performances to the stunning performance in St Peter’s Sq. Wishing you, Pat , Daniela and all of the Flightcrew and of course Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero a Happy New Year!
Thank you Annette!
You are most welcome, Annette! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too sweet Annette!!
Susan, Pat, Daniela and all who have made my/our lives lives happier with your posts all year, I am grateful.. I love Il Volo and this look back at what they actually got to present is the good they were able to do and the love they gave. This piece is a reminder of the good things in 2020.
Kay, we are happy to have been useful to you and in 2021 we will try to do even better. Happy New Year.
I am so happy you enjoyed it Kay. And, I thank you for your readership! Happy New Year!
You’re welcome, Kay!
Thanks to all of you for bringing us news we would not get otherwise about our very most favorite and beloved singers! Happy New Year to you all. Dena Pitchfork, Mercer Island, Washington U.S.A.
Thank you Dena! Happy New Year!
Dear Susan, I am so happy you are writing. You have made my life so much better. I missed hearing ilvolo sing. I missed there songs, You write what I feel. There voices bring tears to my eyes. I will follow every word you write. Continue to bring there voices to us. God Bless you.
Thank you Rosemary! I have a great passion for these three amazing young men! Everything I write comes from my heart.
Susan and Patti, I have read this article numerous times and each time I realize just how much love and admiration you have for Ignazio, Piero, and Gianluca. What joy they bring to us with their magnificent voices, beautiful music, and their many funny and enjoyable antics.
Providing us with a summary of ‘lL Volo events during the unusual and challenging year of 2020 was a real gift. I can’t thank you enough for all you and your team do throughout the year, to keep us up-to-date on what our guys are up to, and also for providing the translations which enhance the videos and articles.
I wish you and your team a blessed and Happy New Year.
You’re most welcome, Mary Jane!
Thank you so much Mary Jane! It makes me happy to know that you enjoy my stories. And yes we have a wonderful team. Our team of three works well together. Patti does a great job laying out and setting the story for publishing and always has my back with the last minute changes. As to story translations, my stories are written in English, I do some translations for my research but, all credit for translations goes to Daniela. She is the one who brings you the translations from Italian to English. She is really the one who keeps us in touch through the guys actual words. For me she is my second pair of eyes. She proofs all my stories and together we make decisions on when the Italian or the English version or a translation should be used. I call her my Sherlock Holmes. She can spot an ant in a wheat field! And she chooses all the beautiful pictures and videos that are used in my stories. That’s our team. Never worked with a team like them before!
Happy New year Everyone. I have to honestly say the nicest thing I had happen last year out of my life was I was able to see these beautiful, talented guys sing in Atlanta Georgia. That made my Year. I am looking forward to seeing them again once they are back to traveling to the USA. Thank you il volo for making one day out of 2020 memorable for me. Diane