Before heading to Spain, I’d like to share this video with you—posted by Il Volo after their concert in Syracuse to thank their fans. Beautiful images!!
…….and also the wonderful birthday wishes given to Ercole on the evening of his birthday!!
And here we are on Spanish soil—specifically, in BARCELONA.
July 15 BARCELONA
The concert took place in the beautiful gardens of the Pedralbes Palace.
As you know, when the country hosting the concert changes, the setlist changes too; consequently, some songs will differ out of respect for audiences of different nationalities.
O SOLE MIO
SE
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL (in Spanish version TODO AL GANADOR Ignazio solo)
Les Nits posted these photos with these beautiful words:
“Three extraordinary voices that moved us and filled Les Nits Occidente with music, elegance, and unforgettable moments. 💙”
Photographer Enric Minguillon was at the concert and posted this photo with the following comment:
“Il Volo captivates the audience in Barcelona at the Les Nits Occident festival with their golden voices and an orchestra of master musicians producing a wonderful sound.”
Return to Italy!
July 17 CERNOBBIO, Lake Como (Northern Italy)
The concert took place in the former riding arena of the beautiful Villa Erba for the Lake Sound Park event.
Lake Sound Park shared the following words, along with videos and photos:
“Tonight, we get ready to welcome the three most beloved Italian voices on the international operatic pop scene: Il Volo 🎙️✨
There are evenings that possess a unique energy from the very first moment, and this is one of them. 🌅
From here on out, conversation blends with music, the sun gives way to stage lights, and summer takes the form of an evening meant for singing along and making memories ✨🎶”
As you’ve heard, a wide variety of songs were performed at the last two concerts. Admittedly, the schedule is grueling—a show every other day, a varied setlist, and stifling heat—making it a real *tour de force*. Yet, I believe these efforts are amply rewarded by the love every fan pours out during the shows—a palpable love that the guys surely appreciate.
L’INFORMATORE VIGEVANESEpublished these lovely words, along with a video and photos.
Il Volo, sold-out concert at Vigevano Castle: thousands of spectators for the summer festival’s opening night
A repertoire blending great classics and international hits
The summer events season at Vigevano Castle, organized by the agencies Youservizi and Audere on behalf of the Municipality of Vigevano, kicked off with great success. The music series opened on Wednesday with a concert by Il Volo, which drew thousands of spectators to the castle’s evocative setting for one of the season’s most anticipated events. From early evening, fans flocked to the venue in large numbers, forming long lines at the entrances and confirming the famous trio’s immense appeal.
Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble brought not only their voices but also genuine charm to the stage; accompanied by their orchestra, they delivered an intense and moving performance, alternating between great Italian classics and famous international hits. Each number was met with prolonged applause, while the audience sang along with the artists, creating an atmosphere of enthusiastic participation.
Making the evening even more special was the extraordinary setting of the illuminated castle, which enhanced a performance of high artistic caliber—complete with a stage featuring dramatic lighting and a magical atmosphere—captivating and moving audiences of all ages. This debut confirms the success of the summer series and launches, in the best possible way, a season packed with concerts, shows, and events set to enliven the summer in Vigevano.
July 9th
No concert today, but a sad date to remember.It has already been two years since we lost the dear Barbara Vitali, Il Volo’s road manager, but her memory lives on in the hearts of Piero, Gianluca, and Ignazio, as well as in all of us—fans and non-fans alike—who knew her. R.I.P.🙏❤️
July 11th – we travel down from Lombardy to Syracuse in Sicily
Il Volo conquers the Greek Theatre: the magnificent debut of Ignazio, Piero, and Gianluca at the Temenite. (high ground where the Greek Theatre is located)
Il Volo’s debut at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse was an immediate sell-out. Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble reciprocated by delivering a deeply moving performance and creating a truly evocative atmosphere.
Syracuse marked the first Sicilian stop on the summer leg of their 2026-2027 World Tour, once again demonstrating Il Volo’s ability to blend the tradition of great Italian music with operatic repertoire and the hits that have made them famous worldwide.
The ancient *cavea*, illuminated by the magic of the Syracusan night, provided the perfect setting for an elegant and captivating show. The audience accompanied the concert with prolonged applause, sing-alongs, and standing ovations, swept up in the intensity of the trio’s performances. It was a show that successfully united the power of music with the timeless allure of one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious archaeological sites.
Yesterday’s event marked Il Volo’s first-ever performance at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, part of the “Stelle al Teatro – Siracusa” festival organized by Puntoeacapo Srl in collaboration with GG Entertainment, the Municipality of Syracuse, the Archaeological Park of Syracuse, and Il Botteghino.
Following their success in Syracuse, Il Volo will return to Sicily on August 22 and 23 for two concerts at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, before continuing with the numerous international dates of their World Tour.
SICILIALIVE, meanwhile, published this wonderful article:
A ‘Masterpiece’ in Syracuse: Il Volo Enchants at the Greek Theatre Premiere
The timeless allure of the Greek Theatre of Syracuse and the voices of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble created an evening destined to remain etched in the memories of the thousands of spectators present: Il Volo’s concert, held last night—Saturday, July 11, 2026—once again confirmed the trio’s extraordinary ability to transform every performance into an experience that transcends a mere musical show.
The ancient theater—a symbol of classical culture and one of Italy’s most evocative sites—provided a spectacular setting for an event that seamlessly blended elegance, emotion, and artistic excellence. As the sun set and the stars illuminated the sky, the music took center stage, creating an atmosphere that only a place like Syracuse can offer.
A repertoire spanning generations
From the very first notes, Il Volo demonstrated the full artistic maturity developed over a career spanning nearly 18 years. The setlist featured an opening section dedicated to *bel canto*, followed by an alternation between the songs that made the trio famous worldwide and great Italian and international classics—all with powerful orchestral arrangements (notably Rino Gaetano’s “A mano a mano,” Sinatra’s “My Way,” and Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”).
The audience followed every performance with growing enthusiasm, often singing along with the three artists and offering prolonged applause at the end of each number. This is precisely the group’s strength: the ability to connect with diverse audiences, bringing together young people, families, and opera lovers in a single, grand musical embrace. While retaining their individual identities, the three voices blended seamlessly, delivering the harmonies that remain the hallmark of Il Volo’s artistic project.
Then, between songs, Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca alternated lighthearted moments with words of sincere gratitude addressed to the Sicilian audience—their hometown crowd. Piero and Ignazio are, in fact, Sicilian, and the latter shares a strong bond with the city of Syracuse, where he once studied singing. Syracuse thus became one of the most moving stops on the 2026–2027 World Tour, thanks to the magic of the Greek Theatre and the warmth of the spectators, who responded with continuous applause and numerous standing ovations. There was a genuine connection and no barrier between the stage and the audience; every song seemed to transform into a shared story woven from emotions, memories, and a passion for music.
The Greek Theatre and Il Volo: A Magical Pairing
When a concert takes place in a venue like the Greek Theatre in Syracuse, even the stage design takes on a new meaning. The set-up remained deliberately understated, allowing the surrounding landscape to become an integral part of the performance. Skillful lighting highlighted the grandeur of the ancient stonework without ever overpowering it. The result was a perfect balance between modernity and history, with the music seeming to engage in a natural dialogue with a site that embodies over two thousand years of culture. The theatre’s acoustics further contributed to the evening’s success, enhancing the trio’s vocal power and clarity in every song performed. A Finale Worthy of Applause
The final part of the concert was the most emotionally charged. The audience rose to their feet several times, accompanying the trio with prolonged applause. The Sanremo hits “Capolavoro” and “Grande Amore,” followed by “Il mondo,” seemed to cap off an already magnificent evening, but a surprise was just around the corner. Returning to the stage, the icing on the cake was “Nessun dorma,” which concluded an evening of intense participation, leaving the audience with the feeling of having witnessed not just a concert, but a true encounter between art, music, and history.
Il Volo left Syracuse with yet another sold-out performance, showcasing one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean with a top-notch show and the affection of an audience that responded enthusiastically from start to finish. It was an evening that confirmed how great music, when encountered in places rich in history and beauty, can still evoke authentic and enduring emotions.
(In the video published by “Sicilialive,” Gianluca expresses his gratitude and says that he feels Sicily is somewhat like a home to him, too. Piero says that perhaps they will decide to grant him citizenship and a passport😂🤣.)
And to wrap things up, here are some fun questions asked of Piero, Gianluca, and Ignazio while they’re in the elevator.
WOMAN = We have six floors’ worth of time to answer these questions: Which of the three is the chronic latecomer?
PIERO = Him (Ignazio—Gianluca also points to Ignazio)
WOMAN = Who checks themselves in the mirror the most before going on stage?
GIANLUCA = Me. (Piero and Ignazio also point to Gianluca)
WOMAN = Who checks social media most often during rehearsals?
GIANLUCA = Yeah, me. (Piero and Ignazio also point to Gianluca)
WOMAN = Who is the most thin-skinned when receiving criticism?
GIANLUCA = Him (Points to Ignazio; Piero also points to Ignazio)
WOMAN = Who has the worst secret taste in music?
(all three point at each other… and laugh) 😂😂😂
Who would be the first to participate in a reality show?
GIANLUCA = No.
IGNAZIO = Shakes his head “no”
PIERO = None of the three
WOMAN = Who is the hardest to put up with after a 10-hour journey?
IGNAZIO = (points to Piero)
PIERO = Why?
GIANLUCA = Well… oh boy!
WOMAN = Who would be the most successful as an influencer?
PIERO + IGNAZIO = Him (they point to Gianluca)
GIANLUCA = I influence your lives…
WOMAN = Let’s go, let’s go. (the elevator has arrived)
So, two more successful concerts have taken place; the next one will be in Barcelona, Spain.
Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca radiate so much love, charm, and professionalism wherever they go, while receiving just as much affection, gratitude, and admiration in return.
As you are likely all aware, Il Volo’s world tour did not get off to a good start; the first date following their break—scheduled for July 1st in Marostica(in Veneto)—was cancelled. The concert could not go ahead due to circumstances beyond the group’s control—specifically, severe weather. Italy is currently experiencing a period of intense heat, leading to the formation of powerful storm cells that trigger weather alerts; this is exactly what happened in and around Marostica on July 1st, and consequently, due to *force majeure*, the concert was cancelled just a couple of hours before it was due to begin.
In the end, the weather in Marostica did not turn out to be terrible, but the regional authorities enforced strict regulations, and the concert did not take place.
And so, the second scheduled date arrived:
July 3rd, the concert took place in Tuscany (Central Italy) —specifically in Pistoia, in Piazza Duomo.
Fortunately, everything went very well, and Il Volo received a very warm welcome from the audience.
Here is a nice summary broadcast by TVL Pistoia. (turn on subtitles)
As you all well know, there was an earthquake in Venezuela, and Ignazio dedicated this moment specifically to the people who lived through that terrible experience.
IGNAZIO= A few days ago, I was actually in Caracas and experienced it firsthand—it was one of the worst things I have ever gone through—so I would like to dedicate this applause and my solidarity to all those who, sadly, did not make it. 😭🙏
Il Volo conquers Piazza del Duomo: the power of Italian *bel canto*. Three voices, one soul—this is operatic pop.
Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto, and Piero Barone performed great hits from the tradition, followed by their own original songs— “Capolavoro” and “Grande amore”—and a grand finale with “The Sound of Silence.”
The trio—comprising Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble—brought to the stage a performance that seamlessly blended elegance, vocal power, and a repertoire spanning both Italian and international traditions.
From the very first notes, the audience accompanied the performance of the three artists, who alternated signature songs from their careers with pieces from the great operatic repertoire and famous Italian classics.
It is a well-established formula, yet one that continues to captivate audiences of all ages, thanks to the trio’s ability to make the language of opera accessible.
The songs performed
The rapport among the three performers proved to be one of the show’s strengths: their distinct vocal personalities intertwined in precise harmonies, supported by a band capable of bringing out every nuance of the arrangements.
The evening opened with the *Carmen* prelude, followed by a string of hits ranging from “‘O sole mio” and “Granada” to “Mattinata” and “Torna a Surriento.” Next came a tribute to Frank Sinatra with “My Way,” followed by an exchange with the audience, after which the trio sang the famous “Unchained Melody” from the film *Ghost*.
Prolonged applause, then the grand finale
Among the evening’s most acclaimed moments were the performances of the major hits that made Il Volo famous worldwide—songs met with thunderous applause and an audience that frequently joined in the singing. The evocative atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo provided the perfect setting for a concert that combined spectacular flair with refinement. Then came the grand finale featuring “Capolavoro,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “Grande Amore.” Prolonged applause bid farewell to the trio, who reciprocated the audience’s affection.
Lia Baccelli, a young rock concert photographer, wrote these words and took these beautiful photos:
“I know—you really wouldn’t have expected this from me! 😂
Il Volo’s world tour has kicked off at Pistoia Blues. Following Friday night’s performance by Marco Masini, the Pistoia festival’s ‘Storytellers’ format brought the powerhouse trio to Piazza del Duomo for a concert in three acts.
What did I appreciate most? The fact that they brought artists like Tenco, Battisti, and Cohen—as well as Morricone and opera—to a square packed with people, including young fans.
Because music—all music—shares common roots, and to truly love it, you have to know it. All of it. Only then can you make a choice.”
July 4th, the concert took place place in Piedmont (northern Italy)—specifically in Asti, in Piazza Alfieri.
LA VOCE DI ASTIposts the start of the concert with these words:
“A packed square, enthusiasm, an orchestra, and great music!
Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone, and Ignazio Boschetto present songs from a vast repertoire that ranges from classical and international traditional tunes—arranged in a modern style—to pop tracks reimagined with a classical twist.”
“This next song is one of those—as I mentioned earlier—that is very close to my heart. I sang it a few years ago, and I always try to perform it whenever I can because it is one of those… let’s call them ‘poems’… that bring back emotions and moments shared with people who are no longer physically by my side— only physically, that is. It is truly one of those songs where, if you really immerse yourself in it, you can draw out so many emotions—from the most beautiful to the most painful. It is also a perfect song to dedicate to someone, and I hope that tonight, together with me and through this music, you too can bring back to mind—back into your memories—that person you can no longer have by your side.”
LA NUOVA PROVINCIA reports on Asti Musica as follows:
AstiMusica: Success for “Il Volo” concert – “Thank you for being with us for 18 years”
Ignazio Boschetto, Piero Barone, and Gianluca Ginoble captivated the 3,000 spectators in Piazza Alfieri; the song “Hallelujah” was dedicated “to our great friend Massimo Cotto.”
“With this tour, we are celebrating nearly 18 years together. Il Volo is about to come of age; by now, it’s like a marriage.”
That is how Ignazio Boschetto, Piero Barone, and Gianluca Ginoble—the members of Il Volo—greeted the 3,000 spectators gathered in Piazza Alfieri in Asti last night for the AstiMusica festival, marking their second appearance at the event following the 2018 edition.
It was a rich concert, highly appreciated by the audience—met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation—that saw the trio take the stage following two opening pieces performed by the orchestra under the direction of Maestro Giampiero Grani. “As you know,” Gianluca Ginoble explained at the start of the evening, “we bring *bel canto* to audiences around the world. Tonight’s concert is divided into three parts: starting with a more classical segment, then moving on to a section dedicated to our television format, ‘Tutti per uno,’ where we aim to showcase the unique artistic personality of each of us.”
Il Volo captivated the audience with a wide-ranging selection of songs—spanning from operatic pieces like “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” from *La Traviata* and “La donna è mobile” from *Rigoletto* to film scores such as those from *Cinema Paradiso* and *Ghost*—while interspersing the music with conversations with the audience, often in a playful tone.
Highly acclaimed among the selections was “Mi sono innamorato di te” by Luigi Tenco, performed by Gianluca Ginoble. “There are artists who write songs,” he remarked before beginning to sing, “and artists who write wounds. Tenco was one of the latter. He understood, for instance, that sadness is not a weakness, but the price one pays to experience life more deeply. Let us, then, allow this song to remind us that we are truly alive when we have the courage to love.”
Next came Al Bano’s “È la mia vita,” featuring Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto in a performance with new arrangements. Then, pure poetry and emotion with “Hallelujah,” dedicated to two people dear to the trio who have passed away: “Our dear Barbara, who died two years ago, and our great friend Massimo Cotto—the journalist from Asti who passed away in 2024 and served as artistic director of AstiMusica—who had invited us to perform at this festival in 2018.”
Then, after two songs from the album *Ad Astra*, came the grand finale, featuring Il Volo performing—accompanied by the audience—two songs they had brought to the Sanremo Festival: “Capolavoro,” with which the trio placed eighth in 2024 (prompting a lighthearted comment about the result: “Next time, they won’t even let us in!” joked Boschetto), and “Grande amore,” the song that brought them victory in 2015. Finally, they performed Jimmy Fontana’s “Il mondo” and “Nessun dorma” from *Turandot*, followed by a final verse of “Grande amore” as they bade farewell to the enthusiastic crowd: “Thank you for being with us these past 18 years; we look forward to seeing you at the Turin concert this coming December,” they said as they left the stage.
I also wanted to let you know that, shortly before the start of the summer tour—on June 26th—Gianluca surprised the group “I MUSICABILI” in Roseto. They are a theater troupe dedicated to the social inclusion of young people with disabilities.
They posted the video with the following message:
“The full video of the surprise Gianluca Ginoble gave us yesterday. He is always like this with us: approachable, affectionate, and kind. He is always like this with everyone.
His soul is even greater than his immense artistic talent.
Another precious gift from Candida Di Bonaventura (theater teacher).❤️”
Also in Roseto, a few days later, Gianluca took part in the ROSETO GENTILE event and sang the beautiful song “Amara terra mia,” accompanied by Simone Cristicchi.
I’d say that after a rocky start, the 2026 World Tour’s summer leg has been going well; Italian venues are showing plenty of warmth—in every sense (both affection and scorching heat) 😁😁 and everything seems to be running smoothly. The next concert will be in Vigevano, Lombardy!!
At the Detroit concert there were several Flight Crew fans and also our administrator, Jana, whose beautiful review of the concert you read, then there were RoseMarie Paliobes and Mark and Mary Minton.
The Mintons sent us their lovely commentary and photos:
“Hi Daniela, we’re in Detroit, and last night we went to the Il Volo concert! It was wonderful, as always. I didn’t take many videos or photos because I had a rather large man sitting a couple of rows in front of me who would have been in every shot. We also attended the soundcheck and the meet and greet after the show. They changed up the show a bit, opening with “O Sole Mio.” The first half of the concert was entirely dedicated to Italian classics—including “Granada”—while the second half was mostly in English. A truly fantastic mix of songs. We also have tickets to see them in Boston and Connecticut in November. Hugs to everyone! Mary.”
Thanks Mary and Mark, it must have been a lovely evening!!
And now enjoy this fun interview, recorded in Bologna before leaving for the U.S. East Coast tour, and conducted by San Marino RTV (remember, San Marino is a small state within Italy) in anticipation of Eurovision.
The interview is conducted in English and Italian (turn on subtitles to understand Italian).
It begins with a nice overview of Bologna.
I’m always happy to read comments from people who’ve never heard Il Volo before.
This was written by photographer David Warren Clements, who attended one of their concerts for the first time. Below are some of his photos.
“We journeyed to way south of town to photograph a group that until recently I had not heard of….I love the fact that there is so many different types of music….pretty amazing the diversity of appealing sound.
These three gents, Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone & Ignazio Boschetto call themselves Il Volo.”
And finally, this nice review done by HIVE MAGAZINE right after the Dallas concert.
REVIEW:We went to see Il Volo at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas!
The recent performance by Il Volo at the Winspear Opera House was an evening that blended classical elegance with contemporary charm, leaving the Dallas audience both awed and energized. Known for their powerful operatic pop style, the trio Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble demonstrated once again why they continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere in the room shifted into something almost reverential. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for Il Volo’s soaring harmonies. Opening with a dramatic number that showcased their vocal range, the trio immediately established control over the room. Their voices distinct yet seamlessly blended filled every corner of the hall, drawing listeners into a rich emotional landscape.
The setlist moved fluidly between Italian classics, operatic arias, and modern reinterpretations of popular songs. Highlights included their renditions of ‘Nessun Dorma’ and ‘Grande Amore,’ both delivered with technical precision and emotional depth. Each member had moments to shine individually, but it was in their harmonized passages that the true magic of Il Volo emerged. Their ability to balance power with nuance is a testament to years of training and performance experience.
What made the evening particularly engaging was the trio’s rapport with the audience. Between songs, they shared anecdotes, jokes, and reflections, creating a sense of intimacy despite the grandeur of the setting. Their charm felt genuine, never forced, and it helped bridge the gap between classical performance and modern entertainment.
One of the most striking aspects of the concert was how Il Volo managed to be both serious and fun at the same time. Their musical approach is undeniably rooted in discipline and tradition with every note carefully controlled, every phrase thoughtfully delivered. Yet, they infused the performance with a playful energy that kept the evening from feeling overly formal. Whether it was a lighthearted exchange between the members or a spontaneous moment of audience interaction, they showed that even the most refined music can be accessible and enjoyable. This balance allowed them to honor the integrity of the pieces while still inviting the audience to relax and be entertained.
The orchestral accompaniment further elevated the performance, providing a lush, cinematic quality that complemented the trio’s vocals. The synergy between the singers and musicians was evident, particularly in the more dynamic pieces where timing and coordination were crucial.
By the final encore, the audience was on its feet, responding with a standing ovation that felt both earned and inevitable. Il Volo’s performance at the Winspear Opera House was a demonstration of how classical music can evolve without losing its soul. For both longtime fans and newcomers, the evening served as a reminder of the enduring power of the human voice when paired with passion, skill, and a touch of charisma.
And the U.S. West Coast and Midwest tour is over!
There’s a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment, the fans are happy, and everything went well.
Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca have returned home to Italy, for a little rest.
The tour progresses quickly, interspersed with many interesting interviews.
The next state was Texas, where there were two concerts.
April 25th SUGAR LAND
The concert was at the Smart Financial Centre.
Before we get to the concert, I want to remind you that April 25, 2009, was the first time Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca sang together, exactly 17 years ago!!!
Happy Anniversary, guys! You’ve come a long way, and you’ll go a long way yet!🎉❤️🎉❤️🎉❤️
The concert featured the talented singer Maura Nava, whom we have already seen in other performances with Il Volo, together they sang the beautiful:
E PIÙ TI PENSO
At the first evening in Texas, our dear friend Deborah Georgini Beaupre was present and these are some of her testimonies, thank you Deborah! 😘
“At the end of the sound check, when they were saying see you tonight, I called out “Buon anniversario! Diciassette anni oggi!” ….and Piero immediately got excited, smiled and said…”Oh yes, that’s right! It is today and started talking to us about it! So here is the short video during the Concert about their anniversary!❤️❤️❤️”
Here we have the Musical Medley performance with four songs starting with Gianluca Ginoble singing “The Music of the Night”, Piero Barone singing “Love Story (Where do I Begin)”, Ignazio Boschetto singing “Tonight” and all three great voices singing “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”.
“My M&G photos and some photos I took. Until next time, whenever that may be! The concert was wonderful, the guys fantastic!!
A hug to all the fans: Deborah”🥰🥰
What can I say Deborah, “grazie mille” for the wonderful report on the concert and also for the beautiful videos and photos, you were fantastic, thank you so much!!😘
April 26 DALLAS
The concert was at the Winspear Opera House.
CIELITO LINDO
LIBIAM DE LIETI CALICI
SE
E PIÙ TI PENSO with Maura Nava
And finally, another nice and funny interview by USA TODAY Entertainment, preceded by a nice video with Ralphie Aversa.
Il Volo on advice from Andrea Bocelli. Why Pope Leo is their favorite.
NEW YORK– When the three singers of Il Volo left Italy for the United States to sign a record deal, it was the first time any of the then-teenagers had visited the country. It was 2009, and the trio signed with Geffen Records. At the time, Geffen and its sister labels housed the likes of 50 Cent, Eminem, Maroon 5 and the Black Eyed Peas, and those groups topped charts with hip-hop, pop and dance songs.
Still, Il Volo stuck to its goal of bringing bel canto (beautiful singing) to a global audience and they never considered the idea that they could potentially switch genres.
“We don’t want to be a copy of someone who does it better than us,” Gianluca Ginoble, 31, tells USA TODAY alongside his groupmates Piero Barone, 32, and Ignazio Boschetto, 31. “We are operatic pop singers. It’s like asking the Black Eyed Peas to sing ‘Nessun dorma.’“
The reference is an aria from the final act of the Italian opera “Turandot.” The solo song has been used in a number of films and it was performed by Andrea Bocelli at the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The trio says they have a “great” relationship with the Italian tenor, who they all count as an inspiration.
And yes, Bocelli has even offered the three younger vocalists some advice on what to do both on and off stage.
“The best advice he gave us? Eat the pasta, but with the ancient grains,” Barone reveals as the guys laugh. Ancient grain pasta is an alternative to modern wheat and can be easier to digest. “If you eat the pasta with ancient grains, you are not going to suffer with jet lag, you’re not going to suffer before a concert. Since I personally ate ancient grain pasta, my life changed completely.”
Il Volo on touring the U.S. and meeting Pope Leo XIV
Il Volo is in the middle of a spring tour in the U.S. that runs until May 2. The operatic pop trio revealed exclusively to USA TODAY that they’ll return to North America this fall for additional dates on their world tour. The eight-city trek kicks off Nov. 10 in Hollywood, Florida, and wraps Nov. 21 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
However, Il Volo jokes that while in the U.S., the group may not be looking to find the best restaurants that serve ancient grain pasta.
“Bring me to something typical here, right?” Boschetto says. “When you come to Italy, I’m not going to tell you, ‘Let’s do a beautiful barbecue,’ because (Americans) are better than us at that.”
The trio has a few more food hot takes up their sleeves: no pineapple on pizza and “shorter” (smaller) coffees. But as for performing on stage, Ginoble says the group is “really happy to be back on tour” and will be backed by a “big orchestra.”
In between their strings of dates in North America, Il Volo will play a number of shows back in Italy this summer. In August 2025, the group performed in Rome for Pope Leo XIV during the Catholic Jubilee celebration. Barone remembers a cardinal introducing the group to Pope Leo before their performance.
“‘Oh, I know them. I’ve listened since 15 years ago to your music,’” Barone recalls the pope saying as he shook their hands. “He’s my favorite.”
I’d say the Texas leg also went very well. A few more days and they’ll be ready for the final three concerts.
What about Maestro Grani, who, as you’ve seen, conducts all the concerts?
Congratulations, Maestro! Our guys can rest easy with you!
See you soon for the final dates:
Daniela🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
