As usual, it’s December 26th and I’m sitting down to write my last story of the year! The problem is it’s Tuesday and my column should already be in!
To add to that, I’ve been distracted all day by some beautiful stories that were posted. It seems our Ignazio is engaged to the beautiful Michelle Bertolini! Now what does that have to do with me? I have been getting messages all day with questions about Ignazio and (mostly) Michelle! What I can tell you is she is a lovely lady who will make Ignazio’s life complete! I wish them a lifetime of Love, Happiness and Joy! I promise I will write about this at another time but for now, I have to wrap up the year!
So here it is December 26th and so much has happened this year I don’t even know where to begin. Actually, I do know where to begin. I’ll begin at the end! Last week we learned that the guys will go to Sanremo 2024 and they will sing Capolavoro! So, it’s no coincidence that the title of my story this week is Masterpiece! (Capolavoro). But in all sincerity, this whole year has been a Masterpiece for them.
2023 was about new beginnings! So now let’s go to where these new beginnings began. The best place to start is the televised concerts at Verona in May. The beautiful Frederica Panicucci who was the presenter of the IL Volo concert had this to say about what would happen that evening.
“During the evening Il Volo will show unpublished moments with solos and duets they never performed before. It will be their way of showing their different personalities.”
Yes, Federica was right, that night was different because we’ve heard these voices before but not in the way we heard them that night. The guys introduced us to their personal feelings about their music.
A great example of this is in Ignazio’s words before both concerts:
In the first concert Ignazio said, “I’ve always loved great female voices….”
And in the second concert he said, “I will try to take a trip to the most beautiful female songs in the world tonight.
When Ignazio said this, he brought me back to his childhood. If you recall in Ignazio’s story he talks about meeting Lilliana Adreanò, his singing teacher, for the first time. She asked Ignazio what kinds of songs he likes to sing and Ignazio replies, “You know, Liliana, I like to sing Giorgia’s songs.” Lilliana said: “Strange for a kid to sing this kind of song.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ53DYz-dMA
So, it seems Ignazio still enjoys singing these (female) songs. And why wouldn’t he? He is the only one of the three that can sing that kind of song because they are songs that require a strong voice that is very clear, crisp and very lyrical and a lot of passion must be put into each song! I think I just described Ignazio’s voice! Let me add and, “very soulful!”
Next we met the real Gianluca in his rock mode and he introduced us to his feelings for Elvis, Sinatra, Dylan and the Beatles.
Piero brought us his perfect operatic voice. Whimsical and joyful. He has a great love and sincerity for this music. Opera is in his soul. He opens up that soul to us in these concerts with arias we have never heard before.
Amid a thousand points of light that sparkled like stars in the night sky, our guys were the brightest stars on the stage. They showed not just their love for one another’s music but their love and appreciation for the music of the other performers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ma_cb7-08
During their solos, the other two guys sat on the side stage and listened. In these moments, we see the admiration these men have for one another. Truly amazing!
This was a nice way of presenting each of them.
I remember Piero saying, in his story, that when he did a solo he couldn’t wait for it to end when Ignazio and Gianluca would return. He has to love this new arrangement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeNPYyLeXRs&t=1s
These concerts were different. They showed a beautiful evolution from where the guys were to where they are now. Their new direction! Their future!
This new arrangement is thrilling because there is a lot of feeling in the music. The songs they have sung from the beginning have always had feeling but in a different way.
Here we feel each man’s thoughts, ideas and mindset. In the soul of each man there is a longing to bring you their music unlike you’ve ever heard it before. It is the movement within their souls when they sing. They were restless to release these feelings and make you feel what they feel. They bring a feeling of sheer bliss to each note in each song. Think about expressing your feelings for someone you love. Put that to music and you have each guy’s mindset.
So where did this go? Individuality!!!
Their new concerts are giving us the opportunity to look into the heart of our guys through their music. It allows us to see them in a deeper and more personal way.
Their idea of “individuality” was not to dissuade you from one or the other. No, in fact, they want you to take a closer look at the other guy. Not to compare but to understand their individuality!
You may have found that some of the music they are singing now you like more than what they were singing or vis versa! It’s called taking a closer look!
Il Volo is magic, and that magic is on the stage, in the concert halls, in Arenas and Amphitheaters, on TV, in videos and CD’s but the true magic of Il Volo is in our hearts!
Every concert I’ve seen is phenomenal. I feel that the guys are new at every concert. What does that mean. It means that even though they’ve sung those songs before and you’ve heard them a thousand times, when they come out on that stage, they make you feel like they are singing those songs for the first time. It’s called caring about your audience! Not just singing for the audience but wholeheartedly wanting to give the audience the most phenomenal experience of their lives. And that they do at every concert.
Just in time for Christmas, the guys released a new EP 4 Xmas ~ Amazing Grace, O Tannenbaum, Feliz Navidad and Happy Xmas (the War is Over)
And how did they end the year?
So everything they did this past year was new! It seems even newer and better things are coming. After the announcement of the Capolavoro the song they will sing at Sanremo, the guys did a very interesting video which tells us about what we will experience next. Sanremo 24, A New Album and A New World Tour! The theme, “All By Myself!!” It seems they are alone in their own universe! Does this say something about the new album? We already know the concerts are about individuality, perhaps the album will be too!
And of course, the new Armani look! Talk about Individual! All Black and all different!
What about the Best Photo of the Year 2023. Well, you’ve already seen it! It is my cover picture today!
Do enjoy these stories, look forward to the next one 😀
Thanks so much!
Thanks, Susan, for yet another eye-opening column. Ignazio and Michelle engaged????? Lovely!! All the best to them and may they have a very fulfilling life together.
Now back to watching the videos once again! Hugs, Dol.
Sorry, but I can’t say I’m thrilled about their “new” look! They are looking like any other unkempt music group! To me, most of their appeal, besides their voices, was their clean-cut appearance which was such a change from the usual young grungy singers. Blame an old lady, but that’s my way of thinking. Anyone else????? Hugs, Dol.
Sorry I can’t agree. They are young and it is lovely to see them be themselves and enjoy!
As I said, it’s my personal opinion and, although I have a 20 year old great-granddaughter who dresses in a manner not to my standards, I would never say anything to her about her choice and, I would love her no matter what she wears. It is the person, not the clothes, that is important. So, of course, I still love our Il Volo and will continue to do so. Dol.
Hi Dol, I have a 23 year old grandson who is into hip hop in a big way and records and produces his own music……his choice of clothing is definitely not mine the young man is all mine. When I my son was that age and a musician his long curly hair actually went into dreadlocks….we were NOT happy but I loved the kid not the hair and had to let it go! At 55 his hair no longer dreads but is a as unruly (now grey) locks! But he’s my heart. I learned that the way they dress is just an expression of who they really are and it’s ok…..just not me!🥹 I understand where you’re coming from😉🤗…..Carol
Thank you very much for your weekly articles on, Ilvolo, our three wonderful men.
Hi Susan. Thanks for the lovely article to close the year. And the photos….i appreciate your close descriptions of the guys. I like their new look because they simply look good, whatever the choose to wear etc….and also, change means progress! More power to you! Will keep in touch! Love from Malou Reininger in Vienna, Austria.
Wonderful that you compile this story and videos, it is amazing. Thank you!
Another stunning presentation Susan!! & all before Christmas you did a great job!! – I would like to focus on Ignazio & his beautiful fiance – I love the way Ignazio shares his life with all of his devoted fans – he has such an open heart & wants us to share his joy which of course we do implicitly – I am so happy for both Ignazio & his beautiful fiance – I have stated this previously – he has hit the jackpot this time – great news before Christmas – I don’t know why – but I have a good feeling about Sanremo & our boys – they look ever so chic in Giorgio Armani too – I appreciate all the wonderful news you girls have of our boys – Happy New Year to all of you at “flight crew” & your families – much love.
Gosto do novo visual dos rapazes. Mais despojado e ainda assim, elegante. Combina com eles.
Desejo para todos vocês que 2024 seja um ano de saúde, paz e realizações! E muito, muito amor e sucesso para nossos queridos Gianluca, Ignazio e Piero!
I usually don’t make a comment even though I read every jot and tittle of your wonderful articles, Susan, but I must come to Dot’s defense. I too am an old woman (81) who absolutely loves IL Volo and have “adopted” them as my own grandchildren, but I must admit I’m not too fond of their new look; however, as Dot stated, it’s not the clothes but the person. I know they will be spectacular at San Remo and any other future endeavors. I look forward so much to your articles, Susan, and wish you and all the fans of IL Volo a blessed 2024. May God continue to protect, provide, and guide Piero, Ignazio, Gianluca and their families.
P.S. I just recently finished 7 months of a long rehab. And what or who got me through that time? Of course, my Lord Jesus was always by my side and……the wonderful music of IL Volo I listen to every day. Their voices are a balm to my soul…..such a gift from God. My son took me to their concert in Bethlehem, Pa. on September 29, 2022. I hope to live to see them again. Actually I think I’m distantly related to Piero, but that’s another story.
Sorry, Dol! I spelled your name wrong!
That’s just fine, Ellie. I’ve been called worse!! Hugs, Dol.
Hi Susan thank you for another Masterpiece about our guys, really can’t wait to see what they have in store for us! I’m so excited for Igna and Michelle, such a beautiful couple! I wish them a lifetime and more if happiness and devotion to each other….God Bless.
I also was wondering if they or likely Igna wrote this new music🤞! We’ll find out soon enough along with all the new surprises they have in store for us. ILVOLO forever!
Wushing all of you, Susan and all the Flight Crew, management family and Gian, Igna and Piero and their families a very Happy Healthy New Year of PEACE!
God Bless, Carol💖💖💖🎄❤️🤗🙏☮️
Thank you, Susan, as usual I enjoyed and appreciated your “masterpiece”. Our 3 are so talented and enjoyable with their talent. I do enjoy their solos, but my most enjoyable from them is their harmonies. They will really give us a joy of good music this year. My best to all of you in the coming year.
Bardzo dziękuję Susan za kolejną piękną opowieść podsumowującą mijający rok. Dla mnie ten rok był cudowny. Piero, Ignazio i Gianluca odmienili moje życie. Spowodowali,że chce mi się żyć, marzyć i spełniać moje marzenia. Sprawili,że jestem szczęśliwa.
Życzę „załodze lotniczej” i jej rodzinom szczęśliwego nowego roku. Pozdrawiam wszystkich serdecznie z Polski
Susan – thank you indeed so very much for this very fine summary of the year 2023 for our beloved guys. Very well and lovingly expressed.
It has indeed been a year in the name of introducing us to an evolving IL VOLO and preparing us for a 2.0 version of themselves around the corner. They do like to surprise us, and many of us – including me – weren’t fully prepared for what they were up to at the “Tutti per Uno” concerts in Verona back in May. I arrived in Italy thinking I was to enjoy a concert in similarity with the one I had experienced in December ’22. Right away I wasn’t too pleased – I just wanted to hear/see/enjoy IL VOLO and was a bit upset that I would loose valuable stage time with our guys to some Italian singers of whom, I had never heard of. Yes, I was a bit negative – but, but, as you have all come to learn – of course, the guys didn’t let me or any of the other fans down. The normally some 2 hrs. concert stretched this evening till far past midnight. In fact they gave us 3½ hrs. of fantastic music and singing and did never leave the stage themselves at any times. And on top they proved to us – and the entire world – that they are capable of singing about any kind of musical genre and can fit in into any connection. It was an awe-dropping experience and yes, it did cement the fact that each of them have different musical preferences and that indeed they have 3 very different personalities. However, instead of a possible negative effect it proved an unexpected synergy effect giving the audience a unique experience and wonderful night (no mentioning of rain here 😉
And why do I mention the above? Well, because it tells me, that we should not worry about the 2.0 version of IL VOLO. We need to have faith in their decisions and trust that they will come up with yet even more exciting new aspects of their capabilities within the musical world. They have always delivered and never disappointed – and 2023 was the year where they did likewise prove that they are by now full grown adults being able to make their own wise choices and not the least to follow their own hearts and musical dreams. So far with bravour – and I’ll put on my positive cap and keep calm trusting that they will likewise be able to maneuver wisely through the challenges of evolving and reaching out for a younger crowd while keeping their older core fans happy and satisfied as well. No easy path to walk – in fact having to choose the right song and appearance for Sanremo (and hopefully likewise the Eurovision Song Contest) without loosing their authentic Il Volo identity and core values must be like walking on the edge of a knife… And yes Susan – I am with you here, that I shall not be surprised if the composer behind the title song “Capolavora” is Ignazio Boschetto 😉
In conclusion I’d like to wish you, the entire “Flightcrew” team and all the lovely members here a very Happy New Year. With the hope that 2024 will bring peace among peoples, good health to everyone and many happy hours.
Greetings – Kirsten, Denmark
I still can’t quite tell if you experienced a great disappointment or just mild irritation with the songs they sang? Would you much rather listen to Bel Canto. Are we all in for a surprise or some sort of letdown? If you prefer not to indicate, I understand. After re-reading your post, I think I understand where you’re at with what you heard them perform. Thank you Kirsten.
Hello Mark. Sorry if I didn’t come out clear in my above comment. As to the Verona concerts last May the result came out much more favorable than anticipated as they proved they could fit in and match each and everyone of their guests when duetting and practically did outshine them all hence proving that they can sing any genre. And by prolonging the shows they gave us the same amount of “only” Il Volo time covering a large amount of their core repertoire. So nobody was let down – in the contrary, we were pampered with new sides of Il Volo on top of what could be anticipated at a “regular” Il Volo concert. Of course their were duets with local singers that weren’t exactly my cup of tea, but experiencing the guys in these situations were interesting as well – and some of the duets were indeed truly fantastic and lifted our guys even further in their own performances – among others the Russian opera singer that was fantastic with Gianluca and not the least Piero. So what I tried to express was the fact that – yes, the guys like to surprise us and be innovative – but we should not fear this as so far they have always delivered and never let us down. So when a little voice inside me tells me to worry a bit about the song to be presented at the Sanremo Festival and their looks for same (maybe too young for my liking) then I do calm myself immediately by thinking of their always fine choices and decision so far, so – of course – they will come up with a fantastic song and look gorgeous at this event as well. I have faith in them. Hope this explained my thoughts and feelings better. Best regards – Kirsten
Thanks Kirsten-I feel a lot better!
Glad to learn Mark. All the Best – Kirsten