Il Volo Flies a Mile High
By Giovanna
All the years I’ve followed Il Volo, I’ve never heard them perform where I live in Denver, Colorado. I’ve gone as far as Taormina, Sicily, and Lecce, Italia and stateside in NY and NJ, to hear them, but they have not come here. If I’m not mistaken, I think they have not performed here since March 2016, when they played the Paramount Theater, near the 16th Street Mall. That’s back when they looked like little boys, Piero didn’t tuck his shirt in, he was still wearing those very red eyeglasses, Gian wore his hair sticking way up, and the group didn’t book a very large venue. This time they used the Boettcher Concert Hall.
2011 to 2016 era: Mamma mia, quanto erano giovani!
(Wow, how young they were!)
Il Volo in volo (Il Volo in Flight)
I’ve read the horror-stories/rumors on various web pages about Il Volo landing in Denver years ago in a snowstorm, having problems breathing at mile high altitude, and having Piero’s wheeled case full of eyeglasses get lost at our DIA airport. I have no idea if any of it is true or not. [By the way, Piero explained on Denver Fox 31 a few days ago that singing is Denver is no problem after singing in places like Mexico City or Bogota. “Just run 5 kilometers and you’re fine.”] However, after years of using Denver’s airports (old and new), I’m not particularly surprised about lost luggage. On stage this week, Ignazio added a Piero story to the DIA narrative. Igna says he doesn’t mind traveling on their big tour bus, because he gets a kitchen to himself. He says he’s a good “cooker”. He explained that during one tour season, when he and Gian were traveling by bus from the previous show to a Las Vegas show, “Prince Piero” chose to fly. They didn’t mention whether something happened with his volo (flight) or collegamenti (connections) or our strange weather, but he promptly got himself stuck in Denver. Piero protested it was still better to sleep in a hotel room than a bus bunk.
There were lots of rumors running around the auditorium lobby, including:
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Piero got married.
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All three guys are married.
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Gianluca’s been divorced.
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A group of concertgoers knew someone in Colorado Springs who claims she talks on the phone daily to all three guys to help them with their English.
I have no patience for that kind of stuff. In any case, I’m glad the guys started the US leg of the 2026 tour in the Mile-High City. Denver’s Boettcher Concert Hall, designed for opera and classical programs, has wonderful sound. It’s also shaped in the round, so most seats are close to the stage.
Although I’ve been to many Il Volo concerts, I’ve never been to a Meet and Greet, so I finally bought a VIP ticket that included Meet and Greet, along with the pre-show soundcheck. Soundcheck was cancelled, and like the cancellation in New York, I got different reasons from different people. The fan page standard text message always says cancellation was due to the venue. The Meet and Greet photographer/director, John shown here, said the guys were still working out this season’s new program and wanted rehearsal time without interruptions. That made sense.
John (more about him later)
On to the Boettcher Hall
It’s amazing how far people come to hear Il Volo live. Even though the Boettcher Hall (sadly) was not full, some people had come as much as 1,000 miles to this concert. The first person waiting at the entrance was Mary Ann Weaver, shown here, who had driven all the way from Shelby, Montana, had gone through major difficulties getting the right ticket, and ended up attending alone. She had photo gifts for the guys and a special one for Gianluca.
The next one I walked up to, Candice Wood, came all the way from Portland, Oregon. I thought she might have come the farthest. David and Sigifredo came from Albuquerque, NM. Like me, they had tried to attend the concert in Las Vegas at the start of COVID in 2020. Unlike me, they found out the concert was cancelled before they travelled. They’ve been waiting for a show in the mountain states ever since. I was hoping Il Volo would do some songs in Español for them.
Joice Dougherty, a long-time fan shown here, flew from Phoenix and drove with her daughter from Colorado Springs. Joice, a paesana Siciliana née Venuti, had one daughter with her and another daughter riding horses on the beach at Taormina, Sicily as we spoke. I’m so jealous and homesick for that place!
Molte Surprese (Many Surprises)
I waited to see Giampiero Grani seat himself at the piano just before the guys came out. However, there was a new young pianist on the bench. To my surprise, Giampiero walked across the stage and stood in the maestro/conductor spot. It was wonderful to see him with the baton in hand. Il Volo started by describing their respect and trust for him in that new role.
As always, an Il Volo concert has splendidly powerful young men’s voices, and uplifting, polished instrumental musicianship. Yet this one was different – more mature, more classical, more themed. This time it was also much more serious: not much scherzi e buffonate (joking and horseplay). Piero explained they have changed because they are always pushing themselves to improve. As Ignazio explained, you should “Never finish to study.” Some changes:
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No appliquéd suit jackets or sparkle shoes.
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It was the first time I’ve heard them perform Granada, the Great Caruso, or Funiculi, Funicula live, although many of you have. Since we were in the Spanish-speaking downtown of Denver I was happy they sang Granada but I had hoped for Cielito Lindo, too. Someone else was yelling for El Triste.
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In honor of being in the American west, they added an aria from Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West (that one is sort of a spaghetti western opera style).
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They added a medley of American classical/show melodies and no pop songs.
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They did many more of my favorites, Mattinata, Libiamo ne’ Liete Calici from La Traviata, Nessun Dorma, along with some they’ve done for two or three seasons now, La Donna è Mobile from Rigoletto and Ennio Morricone’s Se from Cinema Paradiso.
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When they did an old stand-by like “My Way”, Ignazio wanted it to be a sing-along.
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Although Igna and Piero each did Puccini solos, Gianluca didn’t do a full solo. People more observant than me commented that it looked like he wasn’t feeling well and hurried off the stage at least once.
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Many of the arrangements were shortened, but that may have been in deference to Gianluca. These guys pour out everything they have, and give a high energy performance every show, so it’s not surprising if any one of them wears themselves out or gets sick on occasion. I forgot what song it was on, but I did notice that Gian took his breath for his last high note, couldn’t do it, quickly rephrased, and skipped the sustain. It sounded fine (not flat) but, clearly, he was struggling with something, poverino (poor thing). When he spoke to me later, he seemed to be doing better.
As always, Ignazio introduced Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah as a prayer in honor of the many loved ones who over the recent years no longer stand alive next to them (Barbara Vitali, Igna’s father, and some Il Volo grandparents), reminding the audience we could share in the prayer to honor our own lost loved ones. I always like it when he introduces it that way.
They do have at least one new battuta (joke). Piero reminds the audience that Ignazio is now a father. Then he adds, “The best things about his son, is that he has the best uncles.” Ignazio cracks back, “Yes, because they’re rich.” I don’t know if that means Uncle Piero and Uncle Gianluca have been spoiling baby Gabriele with expensive giocattoli e regali (toys and gifts). Maybe or maybe not. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard Igna tease Piero for being rich.
Dopo (Afterwards)
I had been forewarned by Flight Crew staff and other fans what a Meet and Greet is like. John, the photographer and Meet and Greet director, explained that the guys had just performed for 2 hours, they had to travel early the next morning, they don’t want to get infected with anything, etc. Predictably, he planned to run a brief waiting line followed by a rush through. The rules were: no hugging or kissing (germs), no grabbing or handling, no long conversations, just a hello, a quick handshake, a picture, and move on. Well, it didn’t go exactly like that, but it wasn’t my fault.
To save time, as I walked up, I told the guys in Italian that despite writing for Flight Crew for some years, I had never met them, and this was my first Meet and Greet. Ignazio asked in Italian where my family was from, and when he heard Regione di Palermo, he started telling me in Sicilian all about having some relatives there. (Didn’t he know there’s no chiacchiere (chitchat) allowed!)
Il mio paesano (my paesano)
Piero reached over to tap me politely, also acknowledging that we were paesani (countrymen). (Didn’t he know there’s no touching allowed!)
Il mio altro paesano (my other paesano)
I was going to kid Gianluca, but he beat me to it. I was going to tell him (in Italian) “Don’t make fun of me for being so short. It makes everybody who stands next to me look tall, except Ignazio, who is already tall enough.” I never said it. Instead, Gian still had my hand and arm while he shook his head and started telling me how he notices that conversations with Igna and Piero always seem to switch from the guest being Italian to being Sicilian and always default to Sicilian dialect. He told me, “I’m amazed how all of you [Sicilians] slide automatically from Italian to ‘Siciliana sugno,’ like you just did. It happens every time.” (Didn’t Gianluca know he was making more chiacchiere that’s not allowed!)
Apparently, there are not that many Abruzzezi-Americani who switch the conversation to Gianluca’s dialect for him. If you are an Abruzzeso-Americano at a Meet and Greet at one of their American shows, please speak in your dialect to Gianluca. He’d appreciate it. (Even though there’s no chiacchiere allowed!)
I was facing the guys while they were still talking to me. At some point Ignazio spun me around to face the camera and get the pictures done. He could see over my shoulder that John, the photographer, was losing patience with the chiacchiere and was about to complain. But it was Igna’s fault. He started it.
So, if at another Il Volo concert you get to attend a “Meet and Greet”, and the photographer gets even stricter with the rules, don’t blame me.
Credit to owners of all photos.
Liebe Giovanna, herzlichen Dank für den ausführlichen, sehr schönen Bericht und die schönen Fotos. Freut mich sehr, dass dein meet&greet nicht so kurz war, wie vorgeschrieben.
Danke. Ich war auch froh.
Ich finde diesen Beitrag wunderschön. Fans zu fotografieren und zu interviewen, war toll. Ich finde es interessant, ihre Geschichten zu lesen. Auch die Veränderungen der Jungs auf der Bühne waren spannend, ebenso die Erzählungen vom meet and greet. Dein Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und witzig. Ich hätte noch ewig weiterlesen können. Vielen Dank dafür.
Gern geschehen. Es macht immer Spaß, für euch alle zu schreiben.
Thank you for a wonderful article. I am planning to see them on the East coast which is in November. Will be my 3rd. Only disappointment is I see ticket prices have really gone up a lot. I know everything has and I’m really happy for the three of them being now so famous the can get theses high prices. But a little sad it’s getting very expensive
Where are you going to see them on the east coast in November? I plan to take my friend Rosaria to see them in NYC at Madison Square Garden in Novewmber.
Dear Giovanni – thank you so much indeed for sharing your story. It is always interesting to read the feelings and experiences with our guys of fellow-fans. I’m glad you had a great evening and not the least a few joyful moments with the guys. It was sad though that the Sound Check was cancelled – but if your observation of Gianluca not being on top of his game this day maybe this was the reason for doing so? Being the first of the US series there might have been quite some adjustments and new things to rehearse and try-out too, so maybe understandable if they would like to do it without an audience. But sad anyhow knowing how much you have no doubt likewise looked forward to same. What, however, really annoys me is the conduct at the “Meet & Greet” sessions. They are so costy – you guys pay a small fortune – and hence it is a “product”/service that ought to live up to expectations and not just a “get-it-over-as-fast-as-possible project”. And if I understand it correctly, the money doesn’t go down the pockets of our guys but rather into the purse of some business company. So I’m really glad that the guys were in a good mood and neglected all “the rules” and just did what they felt like chatting and joking with the fans. Way to go guys!
Thanks for the update on the repertoire – seems like the guys really have done their utmost to adapt it to an US audience bringing about more American tunes than normally – albeit I understand that apparently there were quite a number of Spanish speaking people in the audience, who would have liked more tunes performed in this language. Frankly, I don’t think the guys have been aware of Denver being likewise a Spanish speaking town – as in fact I wasn’t aware at all having visited this lovely city numerous times on holidays. If so, I think they might have given you more than just “Granada”. They do always try to find just the right repertoire for their various international audiences it is my opinion – that is i.e. adding a French chanson when in Paris or more Andrew Lloyd Webber tunes when in London etc. – which is very considerate and kind of a way “to honor” the country in which they perform. That does, however, likewise mean, that in Europe we do never hear them perform any of the lovely Latin American songs that they bring along when touring South America, albeit personally I would really love them to do so. But it is difficult to please everyone I reckon.
I’m surprised to read that the concert in Denver wasn’t sold out – I would have thought so and especially with all the many fans having travelled long distance to participate. I would have thought that the many pre-interviews and shows the guys did upon arrival in the US would have led to an added last minute sale as well… but apparently not. Hopefully, we shall learn of a higher rate of sold out concerts the next weeks.
Thank again for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us and best regards from Kirsten – Denmark.
Hi Kirsten!! So nice to hear from you! Yes, ticket sales have sky rocketed worse than last year. It’s a real shame. I think they’ve just priced themselves out of their limited budget fanbase! 😥
Denmark, wow! I think you’re right on a lot of things. Yes-Sound check may have been cancelled to give Gian a break. Yes-The guys may not have known about our large Spanish-speaking population here. Yes-The Meet and Greet is run the way the photographer wants it, not the way the guys want it. Yes – the guys did a pre-show interview on Denver TV, but it did not create a last-minute sell-out. I hope you get to see them in Denmark again. Thank you, Giovanna
Normally more Canadians may have travelled south, however I for one would not go to the USA! Not sure who is their booking agent, but they are being overbooked and overpriced. I did a Meet and G last year and I loved meeting the guys but they don’t get the money, the agents get all the bucks!
Having said that, I am a devoted fan!
Am Anfang ihrer Karriere hat IL Volo meet&greet selber organisiert und das Geld wohltätigen Zwecken gespendet. Aber mit den sehr vielen Konzerten geht das nicht mehr und so hat das eine Agentur übernommen. Die Preise sind sehr hoch, fast doppelt so hoch wie eine Konzertkarte. Deshalb gehe ich in Mantua lieber zu allen 3 Konzerten und koszenlosem Soundcheck, als zu meet&greet.
I agree Sheila. It is sad that the prices are getting so high that venues are not sold out. I actually prefer the smaller more intimate venues. I don’t think I would like going to some huge arena to see them. I’m wondering more and more about the IL VOLO management….do you think they are pushing at least the Meet & Greet pricing up so they make just as much money even though fewer people will purchase? The guys wouldn’t have as many fans to greet after their 2 hour concerts. It’s just my theory. It’s too bad they can’t figure out a better way to do this and be more gracious to the people who pay precious dollars to go to the concerts.
Nice to meet a fan from the Great White North. I work for and with Canadians, who treat me well. You’re right about the US ticket prices. I think you’re also right that the OMG Meet and Greet company gets the $. The guys just do these because publicity and fan engagement is good for their reputation and maybe ticket sales. I’m glad they do it, though.
Giovanna
I was also at the sound check last year. Gianluca came up to greet and shake hands with each one of us! Be still my heart! My only issue he said they would be in Vancouver next year (meaning 2026 ) but I’m still waiting!! The show was a sell out and they even added another but I had to fly back home the next day, and I had spent all my money!
Great review Joann! Such a bummer now that both your sound checks were canceled. Someone sent me the playlist from the LA concert. Haven’t heard of half the songs they sang? Really miss their old standards from 10 years ago!
One of these days I’ll catch another soundcheck. Probably not in NYC because I’m going with Rosaria who is not a fan club member, and I don’t want to leave her alone while I go to it. I don’t mind the new set list, really. The old standards were fun, but the newer more classical stuff is impressive. Gianlu said i an interview in Denver that they are more or less the only ones in this space since Bocelli and Piero said they want to be ready to advance this form in a mature way when the time comes.
What a great report you gave, Jo Ann!!
I had so much fun reading the speeches at the “bedda figghiola” meet & greet. 😁
You did a great job highlighting the false news about our boys that’s circulating everywhere. I think fans are having a really hard time figuring out what’s true and what’s not!!
I enjoyed reading your article, and I hope you’ll publish more. Hugs from Italy!😘
Ciao Daniela ho letto anche io i false rumori su piero che e sposato con chi non lo sappiamo e gianluca che e divorziata mi sembra che tutti due sono ancora single e solo ignazio e sposato ma mo non lo sappiamo si e vero o no
È un piacere sentirti. Un abbraccio anche dall’America.
Spero di tornare in Italia con Pat l’anno prossimo. Magari, finalmente, ti incontrerò di persona. O «personalmente di persona», come diceva il mio paesano Catarella nella serie di Montalbano.
Thanks Giovanna for the great run down of the Denver show. I love your writing style . I saw them 2 days later in San Jose, again not a sold out show, but those of us there were very enthusiastic and made the guys feel welcome. High prices probably kept some fans away. The show was the same and wonderful with the exception that Igna did not sing a solo and Gianluca sang 2. I wonder if it was planned that way to give each guy an occasional lighter load or maybe they were taking turns not feeling well. Igna seemed ok and his voice was magnificent. I came with several people and we all gave it a 10/10. I will be seeing them again in San Diego on Tuesday and will see if the show has any changes. Gianpiero by the way did a great job as conductor and he is a very enthusiastic conductor.
You may be right -they may be rearranging solo assignments on purpose. Did they take an intermission in San Jose? I’ve never seen that before Denver.
Giovanna
Really lovely, I enjoyed reading and catching up on Il Volo.
Thank you
Regards
Fenella
Thank you, Fenella. My pleasure.
Thank you Giovanna, I enjoyed reading that. Saw the boys in London in November 2024 and hoping to do so again in November 2027 (if I’m still around and well enough to travel)
Thank you for your enjoyable description of the concert and Meet n Greet. I appreciate your sharing all the tidbits, too.
Thank you for this wonderful article. So sorry Gianluca was not feeling well as they say the show must go on, not always true. I can’t even imagine how difficult it is to perform while not your best. These guys never disappoint. God Bless them for all they do everyday. I’m so glad they are back in the U.S.
Gianluca appears to have recovered. He’s giovane (young). Unfortunately, I had a sick stomach 48 hours after I spoke with him. Io no. (I’m not).
Many thanks to Giovanna & Pat for the excellent write-up & pics – it is so pleasurable always to hear about our guys as we do not hear much down here in the Southern Hemisphere apart from bits & pieces on YouTube – I happened to see the IL Volo concert on YouTube this morning but could not hear the boys talking to each very well – it is very uplifting to come here to the PC & see your outstanding write-ups – even though I am neither Italian or Sicilian – there are many many Italian & Sicilian folk living here in Australia with their parents & Grandparents immigrating all those years ago – when they arrived they brought their beautiful culture with them – hard working & honourable citizens – they changed Australia for the better – we are grateful for our Italian & Sicilian folk – we love Piero – Ignazio & Gianluca – three beautiful young men who have made a huge impression on the world stage – bringing forth great music never to be forgotten – clean living & excellent ambassadors – we will never forget them – for the love of music – I say to you Daniela – Pat & Giovanna – much love & appreciation for all you do for us.
You’re welcome, Jude! Giovanna did a wonderful job writing about her experience at the Denver concert!😊 Sending love and hugs to you! 💗
Thanks Pat !! – hugs & kisses back to you – you lovely lady!!.
Australia! I’m impressed how far the Il Volo influence goes. Years ago I did a project for an Australian company remotely. I was too pregnant to travel there. Hope to get “down under” someday. All the best. Giovanna
Many thanks Jo Ann!! – a lovely reply.
Thank you Giovanna. It is always fun to read others impressions of the concerts. I’ m glad you got to speak to the boys at the meet and greet. It seems the more the prices go up the more rushed they are and I know it is not the guys fault. I saw on Ticketmaster at a couple of the venues they now have an ultra VIP package (very expensive) where you meet the guys in their private VIP lounge before the show. I don’t know how the guys have time to even so this. I thought it might be a scam but it is also on THE OMG VIP site. I have my tickets for Connecticut in November. Praying for good weather.
The ultra VIP is real and they offer it at Madison Square Garden, too. The guys would likely be distracted trying to get ready for the show. Gianluca can be very distant, stressed and non-communicative before a performance, then he winds down and is very gracious afterwards. All these events are just money-makers for the companies that have latched themselves onto the guys, probably due to Michele Torpedine’s planning, not theirs.
I loved reading your report of the Denver concert. I was there, too with a friend, both of us from Minneapolis. This is the first concert with an intermission, and I also noticed that Gianluca was not his old self. After the show I picked up a set list and noticed that Gian skipped a couple solos. But Ignacio was in really good form! I , too, would have loved a Latin American song or two. I felt very sad that the house was not full, andI noticed that Piero looked over the audience when they first walked on stage. But in spite of all that, it was a great show and I’m looking forward to 3 more, in Columbus, Detroit, and Chicago! ( And, no, I’m not leaving my children any money ☺️)
Where did you pick up a set list? I didn’t see any. I don’t know if the intermission is normal now. I’m curious. Readers who went to the California shows would know. Maybe they did a little more Latino/Espanol in California. Glad you’ll get to three more shows. Wow.
I learned this from Rosemarie. At the end of the concert, go to the stage and get permission from the techies to take one of the set lists which are taped to the floor so the singers know the order of songs. Sometimes there are half a dozen lists, sometimes only a couple.
Maija, I like your last sentence. 😁
Thanks for telling me where the set lists are. I’ve see tape stuck on the stage floor after a show and didn’t know that’s what it was for.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much Giovanna and Pat for such a thorough, activity-filled write up! I am so thrilled to vicariously experience your meetings with the great trio. How I would love to chiacchiere with Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca. Ignazio will definitely tower over me. I would probably faint if I ever get the enviable experience of having Gianluca hold my hand. And, maybe pretend I was unconscious so I could hold on to him longer. 🤣
I was at the front row of the sound check at Clearwater, Florida’s Ruth Eckerd Hall in March 2025. It was my first time to attend their concert after I got reacquainted with the group through their 2024 PBS Christmas Concert. Unfortunately, the sound check was short and they didn’t get down from the stage. In addition, we were not allowed to personally give our gifts to the guys. Well, I also brought gifts, and three were especially for Gianluca. Too bad.
I am planning to go to the November 12 concert in Tampa but I haven’t bought a ticket yet as I’m waiting for either my daughter or one of my granddaughters to go with me. I’ve read from this blog that prices have really gone up, I was hoping to go to a meet and greet. We’ll see how affordable it is (my lifetime savings?). I have already booked a room at the JW Marriott, close to the arena, hoping they would be staying there 🤞 . Does anyone have an idea where they will be staying in Tampa in November 2026?
Thanks again for all your efforts. Will be looking forward to the next ones.
You’re most welcome, Annie! 😊 Giovanna did all the work and I just make it look pretty!
I hope you get to go to the Tampa concert. At Atlantic City we sent up a gift (a joke) to Ignazio, but I think that varies with the venue and how pressed they are to get ready. I promise you would not faint at a Meet and Greet. You would feel more like these are your own kids and they know it. I have an Italian son their age. He’s tall as Ignazio, smart and impatient as Piero, and as high strung as Gianluca. So I felt like I was at home. You would too.
What a wonderful post, Giovanna! Brava! 👏🏻 I love your writing style and how you make us feel we were right there with you at the Denver concert. It’s always a pleasure to work with you on your posts. You make it so easy! 😊😘
Thank you so much. I appreciate all your help!