OUR VOICES AT THE SERVICE OF POP by Daniela

On May 16th, the weekly SORRISI E CANZONI TV was released in Italy on newsstands, publishing a beautiful interview with Il Volo, and what a thrill to see the faces of Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero on the front page!!! I translate for you:

It’s May 1st, Labor Day (in Italy). But not for everyone.
The first part of “Tutti per uno”, Il Volo’s gala which will be broadcast on Canale 5 on May 27 and June 3, will be staged at the Arena di Verona.
The next day I meet Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble in their hotel, in the heart of the city, tired, happy and above all amazed by the affection shown by the public, who undauntedly, watched the show in the rain, which lasted over three hours: “Nobody left, despite the water, and we got even more excited seeing that they all remained motionless under umbrellas”, Ignazio says, as he bites into a double chicken club sandwich with a side of fries, under the stern gaze of Gianluca and his seared salmon with white rice.
The Arena is an important place for you. In what state of mind do you go up on this stage?
GIANLUCA= “We are three leaders, but very different. With this project we felt the need to show our different personalities and vocalities”.
PIERO= “The Arena allows you to make your every wish come true, both artistically and in terms of production. Then it is a place that attracts the public and for this project we wanted a safe, already baptized place.” (means a place that already has an important name)
IGNAZIO= “It’s not just for this though. We could have done it even in a television studio. But our strength is to sing in front of the audience and charge ourselves with its emotions.”
You have just crossed the 14-year career milestone. Do you realize that half of your life you have spent together?”
GIANLUCA= “We are not related by blood, but by passion. We didn’t choose each other, but the intensity of the emotions we share on stage unites us more than anything else. We must learn to put aside ego and presumption, and listen to each other.”
PIERO= “At the beginning we were three teenagers and everyone thought they were right, we didn’t have the maturity to listen to each other. Fortunately our relationship has also matured with the chronological age.”
How did the idea of these two evenings come about?
IGNAZIO= “Our personal tastes go beyond what we sing. We are having an evolution in our group.”
GIANLUCA=“Il Volo remains the priority, however the lineup of the two evenings has been designed in a coherent way to show who we are.
Piero is the tenor of the group, he studies opera and dreams of one day interpreting one.
I, on the other hand, love American music like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, John Mayer with his guitars, but also Italian songwriting like Fabrizio De André.
Ignazio also has a soulful voice and can do anything.”

You will sing both alone and with other artists. Can you give us some examples?
You will sing both alone and with other artists. Can you give us some examples?
GIANLUCA= I will sing GEORDIE with Madame (Italian singer), because we both love De André, with Irama (Italian singer) LA CURA by Battiato (Italian singer-songwriter) and with Annalisa (Italian singer) SHALLOW by Lady Gaga.”
PIERO=“I will sing MISERERE with Mario Biondi, and with Gianna Nannini MERAVIGLIOSA CREATURA.”
IGNAZIO=“Instead I will sing with Francesca Michielin (Italian singer). I know her artistically, she is very good at reaching people with her words. We will talk about love.
And then with Mario Biondi I will sing NATURAL WOMAN and SEI BELLISSIMA, alone with the guitar. Ah, I will also duet with Orietta Berti! (long career Italian singer).”
PIERO= “And we will sing with Pooh  (Italian group), we will almost be a soccer team!”
GIANLUCA= “We would like to say that we are three singers, not just three tenors. But obviously we will also re-propose our classics.”
PIERO= “We will open the show with GRANADA, but in different versions: classical, soul and pop, three like our personalities.”
Federica Panicucci will be on stage with you.
PIERO= “When we created this gala, we thought of a female figure who would help us show small features of our character. We couldn’t ask each other questions or celebrate ourselves. When her name came up, we all agreed. It is correct and balanced. It is the first time that we work together with her.”
Did she put you in line?
PIERO= “We don’t use the hunchback and we don’t follow a script, but the authors give us small inputs to bond with.
Then maybe we change the subject and improvise, but Federica is very well prepared, a great professional.”
GIANLUCA= “While they were trying on the lights, she called me to ask me for advice on the dress. I told her that ours would have glitter and so she too chose a long sparkling dress. She put us at ease, we talked about the most and at the very least, it was like we were at home singing with friends. Federica was a nice surprise.”
ALL FOR ONE was the motto of the three musketeers. What’s yours?
PIERO= “We don’t have one, but just before going on stage we always shake hands and look into each other’s eyes. The nice thing is that we encourage each other, especially if one of us is less excited, or has a moment of discouragement, as happened to me yesterday evening: when I reached the last four songs I was mentally tired. Between the rain and humidity, I saw the audience suffer and I felt bad.
We sang 32 songs for over three hours in the rain.
I couldn’t take it anymore, but Ignazio encouraged me. Unity is our strength.”
What is your routine in Verona?
GIANLUCA= “Even in this we are different. Like Piero, I get up early, I always train and eat healthy, but he loves having everything under control, he is precise and doesn’t rest for a moment. Ignazio, on the other hand, is genius and reckless.”
PIERO= “I get up at 7:30 am, I train (I asked for an exercise bike in the room to pedal 20 minutes before going to bed, because I’m training for the New York marathon), then I have a protein breakfast, rigorously alone and in silence, because I read the news on my computer.
I am very organized and respect the timetables. Before I lived with more anxiety, now I enjoy the journey and arrive on stage serene.”
IGNAZIO= “Before, I too was careful about what I ate and trained constantly. Then my dad passed away within a month. I wasn’t prepared. When these things happen, you change.
Now I try to do what makes me feel good. I’m lucky enough to do what I like and if something goes wrong, patience.
Why do I have to have trouble, or suffer if it rains? We just give our best, tomorrow we don’t know what will happen.
I want to live like this with the sun on my forehead.! (This is a phrase that is part of a song that Piero will perform in the Arena)”
The last time we met was October 2019, to celebrate the collection of THE BEST OF TEN YEARS. In these four years, three of which due to the pandemic, what has happened in your lives?
PIERO= “We have dedicated ourselves to ourselves. This stop has helped me a lot to clarify my ideas and -set myself up- for the future. I have deepened my studies on opera.”
GIANLUCA= “I rediscovered reading and studied the piano, as well as being with my family.”
IGNAZIO= “I too started studying, I fell in love with sound, with how a recording studio works, with how a song is produced. I spent time with my loved ones.
For years we have been in the midst of a storm of commitments, emotions and compromises. It was important to stop and understand what we wanted to do.”
So let’s look to the future, what awaits you after these two evenings?
GIANLUCA= “We are working on a new album. Then in October we will conclude the dates of the world tour that started in May 2022. After three years of standstill, we are back in a big way, without neglecting any continent. We have been everywhere: Australia, Japan, South America, USA, Europe and now we have added a date in Petra, Jordan. We have done more than 100 concerts. It is our longest tour ever. We had so much fun. We returned to the stage with a new awareness, enjoying every moment.”
PIERO= “The public waited for our return for four years, they didn’t abandon us. This is a further confirmation of the people’s affection.”
As usual I’m speechless, but did you read correctly??? Petra in Jordan, wow, wow… but they haven’t said the date yet.
Meanwhile, May 27th is approaching and we will see one of the evenings on Canale 5 and on the same day, Il Volo will be in live concert in Krakow!!

See you soon: Daniela 
🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

66 thoughts on “OUR VOICES AT THE SERVICE OF POP by Daniela”

  1. Another great story, Daniela. I’ve learned so much about the guys and continue to do so every time you share a story. Thank you taking the time to share this with all of IlVolo lovers.

  2. Looking forward to your next dvd. We watch the ones we have a lot. What growth from Detroit to Florence to Matera. From boys to men and the voices reflect that.

    1. It’s true Sally, the three of them are grown up, they are men, no longer kids and their voices…..oh what voices, more and more beautiful!!

  3. Grazie mille, Daniella, for another long translation. What a nice article and great photo of the guys–love seeing them on the cover!! Petra is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been–a concert there with our incomparable guys will be amazing.

    1. Oops, Daniela – I just noticed that I spelled your name incorrectly after all this time. Sorry!

      1. It would be really nice to see them in Petra, Judi, hopefully they will do some filming or video.
        Don’t worry about the name, I often get yours wrong!!

    1. Thank you dear Susan, there will soon be another translation, they will be guests at Verissimo on Sunday 21st, I can’t wait.

  4. Thank you, Patti and Daniela for this write-up.. I just hope that, somehow, someway, we in Canada will be able to see all or part of their concerts in Verona via Canale 5, without having to resort to extraordinary measures. I look forward to what you and Patti come up with in this regard. Hugs, Dol.

    1. Dolores, I really hope that all of you will be able to watch Canale 5 live, that would be fantastic, and if it is not possible, we will somehow be able to show it to you immediately afterwards.

  5. Thank you so much for all that you do. I read everything that you give us.i love reading all of it. Like a lot of us I have followed them for 14 years. I loved watching them grow from young teens to extraordinary young men. Blessed with so much talent, humility and good looks.

    1. Maureen, who has followed Il Volo from the beginning, has always remained faithful to them, and today you see their physical and artistic growth.

  6. Thank you Daniela for the translation. As usual the guys were very mature and wise with their answers. I’m really looking forward to whatever you can show us from the concerts. The small parts I have seen were amazing.

    1. Cathy, certainly a good interview with mature answers, but on Sunday they will be guests at Verissimo and therefore we will see and hear other beautiful and interesting things!

  7. Thank you for all you do. I can’t get enough of the guys. I wish they come back to the US soon. I know it will probably be awhile.but you provide us with pieces of them grazie

  8. Thank you Daniela and Pat, this was amazing and I enjoyed every minute ! I truly hope there’s a way that we’ll be able to view the TV show on the concert in North America!🙏🙏🥹❤️ ☮️👏👏👏Carol

    1. You’re most welcome, Carol! If you go to YouTube and search for TUTTI PER UNO IL VOLO you will find some videos from the concert!

      1. Thanks, Patti, for the road map of how to get to You Tube and Il Volo.
        When they sang with Antonello Vendetti, Gianluca was almost dancing!! Great to see him enjoying himself and loosening up so much more than when he was younger when he seemed to take things so seriously.
        Hugs, Dol.

  9. Thank you Daniela and Pat.
    I was struck by Piero’s reaction to the fans standing in the rain for three hours. Most entertainers would think ” Look at how much they love us to put up with this weather.” But Piero felt sorry for them.
    They are truly exceptional and worthy of our love.

    1. You’re welcome, Gail! I was wondering if the guys felt bad for everyone sitting all that time in the rain. It just proves the love that everyone has for our guys. 💓 I’m so glad that Piero said what he did, but obviously the rain and humidity was also affecting him too!

    2. Yes, Gail, I too was amazed at Piero’s concern for the people who were out in the rain, once again showing their kind souls.

  10. Thank you so much Daniela and Pat for keeping us up to date on our fabulous trio. Unfortunately with arthritis in my hands I do not type too much these days, however that does not stop me from listening to the Guys every day, starting with the early concerts in Miami . How far they have come !! Long may they continue.

    1. You’re very welcome, Marlon! I also have problems with my hands. I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both and trigger fingers operated on my right hand. Now I may need surgery on my left hand. And, of course, as I get older arthritis has set in. I have worked hard with my hands all my life – 14 years in a factory and the rest of my life in the 2 acre garden that my husband and I had. Now I do cross stitch. I just keep carrying on! 😊 Glad you like the posts on our guys!

      1. I know how you must feel, some days are better than others. As you say we must carry on come what may. I certainly thank you Daniela for all your hard work over the years.

      2. .Pat, what is cross stitch? I’ve been looking for something to do with my hands. At least they still work well.

      3. Mark, it’s technically called counted cross stitch. You thread a needle with DMC (or other brand of) floss and follow a chart to make little crosses onto an Aida or linen fabric. I wish I could upload photos of here for some of the things I have done. It is similar to the older stamped cross stitch that people did on kitchen towels, etc. My uncle, when he was 74, cross stitched the most beautiful angel and even added tiny beads to it. That is something I have not done, use beads. I have some of my stuff posted on my Instagram and Facebook pages. If you’re interested here’s a YouTube link to a beginning cross stitch video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6pmb-myRKc Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂

      4. Pat – I thought you were through with surgery after the back was done–darn! And now you’re working your hands hard on the keyboard for us. We can’t thank you enough!

      5. Judi, during my back recovery my knees started getting worse and worse so I figured I might as well get the first one done and now the second one will be replaced on August 1. I think I’ll be good after that. 😁 Always said when I got on Medicare I was going to have everything fixed!! haha Now I’ll be good to go to MORE IL VOLO CONCERTS!! 🤩 And you’re welcome for all the work I do. I used to be the typesetter for the printing business my husband and I owned. I miss it. It is always a pleasure to help present the news of our guys. 😊

    2. Hello, Marion. I always say, at 91 yrs. of age, I could have a lot more wrong with me than arthritis!! Hang in there, girl! Hugs, Dol

    3. Sorry Marion for your hands, I hope the situation improves.
      Good that you listen to good music every day, and follow us, there will be more news soon.

    4. Sorry, Marion, if I seemed to minimize the suffering you’ve felt with your arthritic hands. I apologize for this. We all deal with pain in our own way. Hope your arthritis improves over time.
      Hugs, Dol.

  11. Thank you Daniela and Pat for the translation ,the boys work hard and by the sound of it Piero was drained ,i wish they had more time off to gain their thoughts and see more of family,i wish Piero would think hard about the Opera he would love to go into ,as for Ignazio he has so much talent he will go far
    regards

    1. Yes Pamela, but I would say that Piero was disheartened, more than tired, in fact Ignazio consoled him and he found the strength to finish the whole concert.

  12. Thank you very much Daniela and Pat for translating and posting this beautiful interview. So I’m waiting for the new CD, wonderful news🤩. I really hope that it will be the possibilty to watch the concerts from Verona, just like the concert from Jeruzalem. In a week I will be at the concert in Cracow and I’m so happy and excited to see and hear Il Volo live again🥰. And what wonderful news I’ve read today, Tutti Per Uno in Milan, 3 concerts, wow. Daniela will you be there? Grazie mille 😘

  13. Hi Jolanta, will you be there in Milan? Honestly, I don’t like going to Milan at night, I haven’t bought the tickets yet, I hope there are other dates too, but there’s still time, the news of the 3 concerts in Milan is only a few hours ago. I sent an email to the Brescia Theater, the one I showed you from the outside, I asked whoever is planning the shows to invite Il Volo, it would be fantastic!!

    1. So I wish you a wonderful concert in your beautiful city. I won’t come to Milan, but I really hope we’ll meet in Verona next year, I fell in love in that place and for me Verona + Il Volo = real magic😍🥰.

  14. So I wish you a wonderful concert in your beautiful city. I won’t come to Milan, but I really hope we’ll meet in Verona next year, I fell in love in that place and for me Verona + Il Volo = real magic😍🥰.

  15. Hi Daniela
    Thank you for keeping us up to date with what our guys are doing.
    Hope the flooding in northern Italy is not affecting you.
    Guess what everybody!it is our
    sweet Daniela’s birthday today, so let’s wish her the best birthday ever, and many more to come!
    🐿🎂🥂❤️

    1. Dear Jill, It is indeed a great pleasure to read about you.
      No, the flood has absolutely not touched Brescia, but it has been a disaster, it is raining today too and in Emilia Romagna they are very worried.
      Thank you for the birthday wishes, I’m receiving birthday messages from all over the world, thanks to Il Volo!!
      I hope you are well, a big hug.

  16. Daniela, thank you, thank you, thank you! Without your translation, I would not have been able to read that lovely interview and their individual perspectives. I would not have known their plans for the future and the depths of their hearts. Again, thank you. Judith.

    1. Thanks Judith, it’s a nice interview and tomorrow they will be guests at Verissimo, I will translate what they say for all of you!!

  17. Daniela a belated Happy Birthday! I hope your day was special and I wish you many many more.

  18. Thank you and Pat again for this translation I sure wish I could learn Italian, I tried but wasn’t very successful, my 80 year old brain isn’t what it used to be. I watched the program Verissimo, didn’t understand a word but watched the whole thing, I just love watching the guys but am looking forward to your translation, you certainly do a great job. Belated Birthday wishes, may you have many more.

  19. Happy Belated Birthday Daniela! I just celebrated mine too.

    Just a thought about the exciting Petra concert: there was one held there a year after Pavorotti’s death as a tribute to him and many famous Italian stars performed. Do you think this will be an encore with our guys at center stage? It was held on Oct. 12th, Pavorotti’s birthday and was a charity event sponsored by the king’s sister. Concerts held there are very rare as it is a UNESCO site. I’ve visited Petra in the daytime but it must be absolutely magical at night!

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