On July 6th there was the Il Volo concert in Bard, forgive us if this time, given the sad events that have occurred, we will give priority to talking about the concert in Catania.
After the terrible news of the death of dear Barbara, we were all waiting to know if the concert in Catania would be suspended, even though in our hearts we knew that it would take place.
In fact it was like this, Il Volo honored its commitment with heartbreak.
Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio went on stage and began their concert, then the moment of Hallelujah arrived and at this point it was a unique emotion.
Sitting on their stools, Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero made a long dedication to Barbara, the sweet Barbara who always followed them and who was always backstage waiting for them.
CLICK HERE to view the 2nd Hallelujah video
I cried while I watched the video and I think you will cry too seeing these three boys hold each other in mutual comfort and in the memory of their “angel”.
I translate for you.
PIERO= We started this profession when we were 15 years old and we traveled the world and with us there has always been a person who traveled all over the world with us, every day. (applause)
She was a mother when we were younger, she was the person, the most important figure for us in our travels and we would like to publicly say that we, but above all our families, will be eternally grateful to her, because our parents when they knew that she was with us and we were with Barbara, they slept soundly. (applause)
It’s very difficult (applause) and this evening, this concert will be the first of all those we will dedicate to it throughout our lives. (applause)
GIANLUCA= We are all united, everyone, everyone, everyone for our Barbara, everyone, from the crew, from the technicians, from the musicians, from Michele Torpedine, all for her, because she was a special person who will continue to live inside us and will give us strength to continue doing this work, because we will sing for her, Barbara we will sing for you, for a lifetime, for a lifetime, we love you. (endless applause, and the guys and the people all standing)
IGNAZIO= And as I said before, we would like to make this moment even more special if you help us with the flashes of your cell phones to illuminate the whole square, so for those who believe in it, someone from up there is watching us.
A beautiful photograph of a happy moment with Barbara, Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca is projected on the screens.
Gianluca’s voice trembles, the emotion makes its way, heartbreaking to see Piero turning his gaze towards the orchestra so as not to show his emotion and perhaps his tears and see Ignazio continuing to dry his face.
Gianluca Ignazio and Piero bring the stools closer together to gain more strength , like in a consoling embrace, each touches the other’s leg in a message of support, the tears flow.
A friend of mine was present at the concert and said these words to me:
“I was in the second row. Ignazio and Gianluca were devastated, they both cried a lot, the one who contained himself a little more was Piero, but the suffering could be seen on his face. Ignazio, who is usually irrepressible, didn’t speak almost not at all. I must say that the audience was very involved, everyone was on their feet during the dedication.”
In fact, everyone stood up for a very long final applause, the boys’ emotion took over.
Another touching moment of the evening, Gianluca singing ANGELS visibly moved.
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
Gianluca’s emotion.
Ignazio sang ALMENO TU NELL’UNIVERSO presenting it with these beautiful words:
This is one of those songs that, thanks to the lyrics and thanks to the melody, has reached the hearts of many people, because it is one of those songs that help you feel close to the people who unfortunately you can no longer have close to you. I’ve been singing this song for four years now because it’s one of those songs that really gives me emotions that are hard to feel. I hope that you too, together with me, can feel closer to the people you would like to be close to at this moment.
Other moments of the concert.
CLICK HERE to view Capolavoro
Definitely the sweetest and most affectionate photo of the whole evening.
The GIORNALE DI SICILIA published this article:
The first time of Il Volo in Catania, sold out at Villa Bellini and fans in raptures
The first time of the three boys of “Il Volo” in Catania, led to a sold out, in the new version of the Piazzale delle Carrozze at Villa Bellini. The works carried out have transformed the area into a beautiful arena, which will allow many fans to comfortably enjoy the music of their favorites. Works that have brought the most important tours right to Catania, with related activities that will produce great benefits for the local economy. Last night the first act, with the concert of the three “young people” on tour to celebrate their first 15 years of career, which began in 2009 in the show “Ti lascio una canzone”.
Among other things, Ignazio Boschetto and Piero Barone are two Sicilians flanked by Gianluca Ginoble from Abruzzo. A career spent between television and major world tours to bring the most loved Italian songs around the world, and participation in a Barbra Streisand tour in North America in 2012 as a special guest. Great applause last night, especially when they remembered their collaborator Barbara Vitali, who died on July 9th following an accident on July 7th, to the tune of “Hallelujah”. The 54-year-old woman had been following the three boys for years who projected a photo with her during the song, to remember her. Long applause and the audience standing, even, at the end of the concert which closed with “Grande Amore”, the song with which they won the 2015 edition of the Sanremo festival. A great evening of music, organized by Puntoeacapo di Nuccio La Ferlita, which opens the many musical events planned in the next few days at Villa Bellini.
My goodness, what a great emotion, as I have already written to you, I cried seeing the video of Hallelujah, too touching and too evident that Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio were suffering.
There were other such sad moments, such as the death of Vito and grandfather Pietro, but these events were expected, illnesses had accustomed us, if possible, to the final absence. But Barbara was in full health, she had gone to visit her parents and upon returning her life was unfairly and prematurely taken away.
The rest of the concert took place with great professionalism and for this I appreciate even more Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero who faced this event with a broken heart.
Once again you have shown us, without any filter, your sincere affection. Thank you guys!!
Daniela ❤️
R.I.P. Barbara 🙏❤️
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Thanks so much for keeping fans informed in a respectful manner. Hearts go out to the family and close friends of Barbara V.
It is one thing to watch your loved one die from a serious disease — there is almost a sigh of relief because that person will suffer no more. It is quite another to lose someone suddenly, with no chance to tell them how much you love and appreciate them. When I first read the news, I didn’t understand, and I thought Barbara had left the Il Volo family. And she did, as I read further. I understood and the tears began to flow. May Our Lord be with the Il Volo family during these sad times. He is your everlasting rock, and He will comfort you. As a fan, I am thinking of you all; as a grandmother, I wish for you a life of joy, love, and of course, music.
Daniela and Pat, Do you remember 3 days after Vito died Ignazio showed up for a special performance? He said it was because that’s what his father would have wanted. This time their concert fans and all the people who work to bring these shows were counting on them.
As you said, this is harder because their loss came without any warning. That Hallelujah video was heartbreaking.
So much love, respect and grief shown by all three young men. So much strength to be able to perform after losing their second Mother to them. Prayers for healing.
Merci Daniela pour ce bel article ,beaucoup d’émotions dans ce concert ,les gars m’ont fait pleurer ils étaient tellement bouleversé et bouleversant ! On les comprend Barbara était une maman pour eux et ils pouvaient toujours compter sur elle ,cette perte si soudaine les a anéantis !
Repose en paix Barbara ,on ne t’oubliera pas
Thanks for the beautiful heart touching article and for all the news about El volo.❤️🙂🇺🇲
It was difficult watching the boys struggle to get thru singing Hallelujah. It was a beautiful and touching tribute to Barbara. I too cried all thru it. Their emotions are so genuine that it makes us hurt when they are hurting just like our own children. Prayers for them and Barbara’s family.
Je partage le chagrin et la douleur de notre Il Volo. Gianluca Ignacio et Piero vous n’êtes pas seuls, votre immense chagrin est le notre. Permettez nous d’être avec vous en ces moments.
It was so difficult to sit, watch the video clips, and see the pain on their faces and the hurt in their eyes. When Vito died and they performed 3 days later, Piero said Ignazio had the heart of a lion. Barbara’s cubs have all grown into special young men with hearts of lions. She would have been so proud of them in Catania. I think we all were. It’s been 4 days and I am still numb from the news. She was a loving, kind and thoughtful woman, and she will be sorely missed. She was always approachable by the fans at concerts and Meet and Greets. May her memory be eternal. Thank you Pat and Daniela. 💔
I loved the part of your comment where you said “Barbara’s cubs have all grown into special young men with hearts of lions”. It made me smile through the tears. Thank you, Rose.
Thank you Dol. I am still in disbelief mode.
You’re welcome, Rose Marie! 💗
Such a shock when I read it this morning and then when I saw the video of them singing Hallelujah cried right along with them. I don’t know how they got through it no matter how professional they are. They are truly outstanding human beings and wish there were a lot more like them in this crazy world of today. Condolences to Barbara’s family and friends and all the IlVolo crew especially the boys and Michele. Prayers and Hugs for you guys, you are so special.
I was so proud of Gianluca,Piero and Ignazio throughout the whole evening in Catania. It’s one thing to lose a loved through illness, although painful you do feel a sense of relief for them but when a loved one or someone close dies so suddenly it’s devastating to everyone. Especially one so healthy. I’m proud of how they let their emotion out and rolled with them , even Piero turned around because he was also crying but like Gian and Igna were frequently wiping their noses. We all know how sad the guys are and will remain so but I wonder if Michele isn’t also beyond devasted. Everyone is crying with broken hearts. My heart is broken for all of them and for Barbara. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but cry for her if maybe more for our young men and everyone on the team. Praying for the IlVOLO family and families and all the Flight Crew for healing and for Barbara’s soul .
Thank you both giving us this beautiful article. Sending love and affection and prayers, Carol💔🙏🏻🕊️😢🎼🎶🎵🩷💖💖💖
My sincerest sympathy to Barbara’s parents and her Il Volo family.
I too thought she decided to leave IL Volo when I read your article. Was devastated when I realized that she had pasted away. My 1st M/G I gave each of the guys language translators to use in countries that they didn’t speak the language. She stopped me when I was leaving and thanked me for giving them such nice gifts. She asked me if it spoke Sicilian and I said it spoke 72 languages. She started laughing and said that she was teasing me. That Sicilian isn’t a language. I told her she got me on that one. We both had a good laugh. Will miss her at the M/G. Tks for the great job you women do for us.
That was heart-wrenching to see Gian, Igna and Piero singing Hallelujah, all the while trying to keep their emotions from overcoming them. It must have been so hard to sing those songs, remembering when she was with them, listening to them sing the same songs in the past.
They are such wonderful, sensitive, caring young men, who we have been privileged to know over the past years. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Il Volo crew and their families. 🧡🧡 May God bless them all. Dol. 😢😢
My condolences to Barbara’s family and the entire IL VOLO family. Babs was an “Earth Angel” to the guys for years, but now she will be their “Spiritual Angel”. May she R.I.P. 🙏
So sad for Barbara’s family and Il Volo
A great dedication to Barbara given with love respect and emotion!
Three amazing singers and young men who were not afraid to show their emotions at such a sad time
Thank you for your special postings
They are very well written and speak from your heart
Diane
These photos and videos were very touching. As I would always called Barbara the Mother Cat and her 3 little kittens, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca♥️♥️♥️.A unfair sudden tragedy hit our family 15 years ago next month, August 20, 2009, My brother passed away from a head on collision at age 39, and also would of been 54 today. It was very rough and difficult every day so I can feel their pain. I lost my 2 cats one in 2021 aged 14yrs and the other one in 2022 aged 15 years and it even hurt so bad. May God send comfort to Barbara’s family and our IL Volo Family🙏🙏♥️♥️
I read about this earlier however I was so sad I couldn’t think of words to say. Gianluca looked absolutely gutted. I felt sick for them all as they each struggled to fight their grief. The emotional shock of such tragic news as they began their summer tours is unimaginable yet their dedication to please their fans is truly inspirational!
Our boys are human, they need time to grieve after all Barbara was their other mother. Piero said when the families knew Barbara was with them, their parents slept too!
I send them my love, my prayers and to Barbara’s family thank you for sharing your daughter with Iil Volo and their worldly fans❤️
Thankyou Daniela for your sensitive post,our tears flow for Barbara and the anguish that must encompass,Piero,Ignazio and Gianluca and the whole entourage.may she rest in peace.xx
Thank you for sending this. I only subscribed recently.
I can’t help thinking how hard it must have been to perform that night and to feel such grief in public for a beloved friend. I hope, though, that there is some comfort in the love and support of family, friends and many, many strangers.
Perfetto Daniela, grazie🙏😇💕💕💕😢
May the dear Lord comfort you during this tragic loss. Keeping you in my prayers.🙏🙏🙏
When I look at their stricken faces in your photo, tears come again. Thank you, Daniela, for translating their beautiful speeches.
Such strength to go ahead with their show in so much pain. Their love for her and respect made me cry for their loss. Prayers for their healing.
Vielen Dank für die Beiträge. Seit ich die Nachricht gelesen hatte, muss ich ständig an Barbara und die drei Jungens denken. Es muss so schrecklich sein, diesen Verlust zu überstehen. Ich vermute, dass es in Italien ähnlich wie in Deutschland einen Gottesdienst und das Begräbnis gibt. Mir war es immer ein Bedürfnis, dem Verstorbenen die letzte Ehre zu gewähren. Ich weiß nicht, ob Gianluca, Piero und Igna die Möglichkeit hatten oder haben, sich von Barbara zu verabschieden. Ich hoffe, sie haben die Gelegenheit, wenn sie es wollen.
Es tut sehr weh, nicht nur die Trauer um die noch junge Frau, sondern auch die Gedanken an die drei Männer, die ihr halbes Leben eng mit ihr zusammen waren und sie jetzt so vermissen. Ich wünsche den Dreien und dem gesamten Team sehr viel Stärke, diese lange Zeit des Trauerns zu bewältigen.
Ursula
It was heartwrenching, but I am so proud of them. They gave us a glimpse of the love that had for Barbara as only they could. I am confident she was very proud of them too. Thank you, Daniela, for sharing your insight during a very difficult time for the Il Volo family and their worldwide family of fans.
Ty for the English version of this concert which we needed there r things in live we unfortunately have no control of there will be a hole in the hearts of our boys the hole will get smaller but will never close I know I have one of these hearts 💕 just do the best with memories 💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏💛🧡💙😇😇😇
I’m here for you
Thank you as always Daniela! What a tragedy! We wonder why Barbara was taken from our guys in such a tragic way and so young! My heart is heavy for them but especially for Ignazio! He has experienced more heartaches! He has lost all of his grandparents and the devastating loss of his Dad, Vito! Prayers to all of the Il Volo families 🙏❤️RIP Barbara 🙏❤️
Daniela, I read your article and watched the videos last night – they did, however, leave me unable to find words to express my feelings. I was devastated to experience our guys in such pain yet so proud of them for choosing to share their grief with their fans/the audience allowing us to experience them in all of their naked vulnability. I felt so sad – in spite the fact that, of course, I did, not know Barbara in person. It is, however, such a tragic situation – and as usual the guys reached way across the edge of the stage and right into my heart making me feel as if they were family of my own. I had to postpone my comment. It is so obvious that they deeply love and appreciate Barbara who has been a vital part of half of their lives and in their younger days almost been a substitute mother when they were travelling far apart from home. Their despair and sorrow are so genuine.
I experienced Gianluca shed a tear or two in Verona in May – however, that were happy tears – and that is so absolutely a different story. Seeing him totally break down sobbing, shivering and hardly being able to breathe was unbearable and went right to heart. We have become to know that Gianluca is a very sensitive man who is brave enough to show his soft side. We do all have our own way of dealing with grief though, hence to me the two other guys seemed equally totally lost. While Ignazio constantly were wiping tears off his face, Piero turned discretely his head towards the music trying to hide that he did likewise cry and in fact wasn’t even able to sing parts of Halleluja. His face was like carved in stone. All three were such in pain – but the way in which they moved closer together finding each other with a hand on the leg or around the shoulder was such a beautiful moment clearly verifying how much they love and care for each other and that together they are strong and will get through this very difficult time in their lives too.
My heart goes out first of all to Barbara’s family but also to each of our guys and the entire Il Volo family. <3
Love – Kirsten, Denmark
Thank you for this beautiful heart breaking post. So hard to believe. My heart and prayers go out to her family and her Il Volo family. I can’t imagine how devastated they must be. She was a beautiful woman who touched many lives and made the world a better place. Thank you, Barbara. ❤️
Thank you Daniela for this so sensative post regarding the passing of Barbara. How Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero being in tears, managed to sing Hallelujah I do not know..Barbara was their comfort from home and confidant when their parents were not on tour with them, she certainly was their “second” mother, and life will forever be changed without her guiding light. It is so sad that the happiness of Ignazio an Michelle’s forthcoming wedding will be tinged with sadness also, as I am sure Barbara was so looking forward to that event.
May Barbara rest in peace and may she always look after her 3 “sons” and give them the love and strength to carry on.
Thank you for the translations. I met Barbara once at a meet/greet, she translated for me something I wanted to say to GG’s mother, Eleonora. May her memory always be a blessing.
Obrigada pelo artigo Daniele. Fiquei com o coração partido, quando li a noticia. Imensurável a dor dos nossos queridos rapazes. Mas eles são fortes e Deus dará consolo aos seus corações.
When Adam and Eve were thrown out of Paradise after committing the first sin (original sin), they were heart broken being in exile. Yet, millions of years later we dread returning to Paradise but instead cling to our familiar life because we can’t remember what heaven is like. We cry, missing the love one instead of rejoicing for them returning to Paradise and enjoy reuniting with God. We miss you, Barbara, but rejoice with you that your exile is over and we can’t wait to reunite with you and God when our life’s journey in, exile on earth, is over. God bless you. We will pray for you an ask that you pray for us. Give God a hug for us. We love you so much. All of Il Volo Flight Crew and Fans. Amen. 💖
Beautiful! Trusts Algeria!
Amen, maednie! 😊💗
I like how you expressed your thoughts.
This was meant for maednie.