By way of explanation … the following is a somewhat rambling review by a relative newcomer to the Il Volo experience and its fan base. It also is my first experience of an outdoor Concert of any note, at home or overseas.
I am 84 and still teaching Pilates via the ChiBall Method twice a week. I am a retired teacher of Legal Studies to High School students. Widowed nearly three years ago I found Il Volo on YouTube … initial contact was Gianluca singing at age 14? … before the TV program where the boys met. His voice and eyes stopped me in my tracks. Astounding gift and commitment in one so young! with such a beautifully produced and sensitive baritone. I was hooked.
I cannot sing but I know good singing when I hear it. I trained as a classical ballet dancer until I was 19 but did not have good feet. But I know about commitment and discipline to an art form. I have loved movement and music ever since I can remember. I loved and love orchestral and choral music and light classics … 3 Tenors, etc.
Finding and researching the careers of Il Volo some 2 years ago has been a healing blessing to me; a genuine comfort.
I spent a week in Portugal at an Art Retreat as I enjoy painting and then, as planned, met up with my girls in London for 16 days in the UK and Scotland … we hired a car and the girls shared the driving. We shared wonderful adventures and experiences together and then flew from Edinburgh to Milan for 3 days. They knew that Il Volo was on my Bucket List of dreams and so we checked their program for Europe and added in the Italian episode to our trip. Lake Como and Brescia were unforgettable experiences … as for the Concert! Nothing beats hearing and seeing quality live performances, (and while I had hoped for Screen support for close up viewing) I found the venue was very beautiful and not overwhelming as some of the really large venues might have felt. I will treasure the experiences.
Meeting Daniela has been such a pleasing bonus to my holiday with my girls, Thank you for her role in my first outdoor Concert with Il Volo. I appreciated that she looked out for, found and guided me.
Daniela and I right after the concert ended.
I have been trying to learn Italian to be prepared for the Concert, but with very little success and appreciate Daniela’s translations. Thank you!!
My daughter and granddaughter, who accompanied me to Italy from Australia for the Concert, have dubbed me as the late blooming 84-year-old Il Volo ‘groupie’. And now my Bucket List item can be ticked off and I am still smiling at the memories created by these three wonderful personalities who are now indeed gifted and experienced performers.
Recent reviews of the songs of the set, provided by Radio and Daniela, have covered the Concert so well I am not sure that I have any significant comments to add except to acknowledge that Piero was warm and charming beyond my expectations and Gianluca is indeed as handsome as I expected (close up at Meet and Greet) and Ignazio played the prankster to perfection.
And no one, experiencing a live Il Volo Concert, can doubt the quality, power and control of the voices or professionalism of these three exceptional singers. Individually and collectively they do more than entertain, they touch and uplift us, heart, body and soul.
Gianluca’s exquisite and emotive solo reduced me to tears. Piero was amused and unperturbed by the chiming of the clock. His easy connection with the audience surprised me a little as I had seen that as Ignazio’s strength. His voice … bliss.
Even though I don’t understand Italian, there on stage chat was entertaining, especially Ignazio teasing Gianluca regarding his necklace and “protesting” about the non- ticket holders watching from the windows surrounding the beautiful Loggia.
I am glad we got to see the Concert preparations, to hear the excellent orchestra rehearsing and to be met and guided by Daniela before the Sound Check… and yes, Ignazio did miss the sound check, but it was interesting to see Piero and Gianluca in “work mode”.
I somehow found it pleasing that the audience, including my granddaughter, did respond so well to the respected and anticipated songs. It was good that the set gifted us some of the songs in English and they were also received enthusiastically. I think my favourite Italian song was SE, the words of which I had tried rather unsuccessfully to learn. Did it matter? It did not. Our guys can sing in any genre and in any language and I hope they continue to expand their play list without compromising their goal to gift bel canto to the world. I was delighted to be part of the well-earned standing ovation at the end of the evening. Heartfelt thank you to all concerned in bringing Il Volo live to beautiful Brescia.
Getting back to Milan for the flight back to Australia the following morning was a little hair-raising, as were the lineups at Airports, but we made it … and it was all so very worthwhile and rewarding.
I am so glad we made the journey and would be delighted to welcome Il Volo and fans back to Australia sooner than later. Wrapped in a letter I left Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio some Aussie manuka honey coated macadamia nuts.
Our sandy beaches, gum trees and koalas await you.
And so, we have reached the final three concerts scheduled for August, specifically:
August 27 – Lanciano (in the Abruzzo region)
The concert took place at Parco Villa delle Rose.
NELLE TUE MANI
CAPOLAVORO
NESSUN DORMA
UNCHAINED MELODY
August 28 Macerata—we are in the Marche region
The concert took place at the beautiful Sferisterio theatre.
Clips from the concert
CRONACHE MACERATESIpublished this wonderful article:
IL VOLO: THE SFERISTERIO TAKES OFF WITH A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD.
On a sweltering late-summer evening, the trio captivates the arena audience: “It is a great honor to bring our music to venues like this.”
From “‘O Sole Mio” to *Cinema Paradiso*, from Sanremo hits to the glow of mobile phones lighting up to the notes of “Hallelujah.” The finale is dedicated to the great Jimmy Fontana. (a native of Macerata and the man who made the song “Il Mondo” a hit)
Fans flutter in the stalls and boxes as the heat envelops the Sferisterio. It is a quintessential summer evening welcoming Il Volo, the stars of the second Sferisterio Live event following last Monday’s debut with Max Angioni. Yet, when the lights come up at 9:30 sharp and the orchestra begins to play, the heat inevitably fades into the background.
It is a near-sellout crowd, with around 2,000 spectators in attendance. The concert opens with the orchestra conducted by Maestro Edmondo Savio. Then, Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble take the stage. They begin with “Now We Are Free,” followed by the evening’s first prolonged round of applause.
It is an immediate journey through music that has accompanied generations, spanning opera, singer-songwriter classics, and great international hits.
Next comes “O Sole Mio,” followed by the lights turning red for “Granada.”
“I thought this was the Sferisferio, not the Macerata thermal baths,” the trio jokes, making light of the sweltering heat in the stands and instantly breaking down the barrier between them and the audience.
Il Volo is in Macerata to celebrate a major milestone, too: nearly 18 years together.
“We’re practically coming of age,” they joke.
Gianluca adds: “I graduated this year,” drawing another laugh from the audience.
Then the music returns: Leoncavallo’s *Mattinata*, *Per Aspera*, and *Chiaro di Luna*.
“It is a great honor to bring music to places like this,” they say. The Sferisterio proves to be the ideal venue for their musical journey,a program crafted by combining some of history’s greatest songs with the tracks that have defined the trio’s own path.
Mayor Sandro Parcaroli is also in the audience. And there is another quip: “Since the mayor is here, let’s get him to have an air-conditioned roof installed.” The audience laughs; then the lights dim and the tone shifts.
Then comes the moment dedicated to Ennio Morricone; the notes of *Cinema Paradiso* fill the Sferisterio, and for a few minutes, the great Macerata arena seems to transform into an open-air cinema. The *Cavalleria Rusticana* intermezzo follows, then “My Way.” The concert proceeds by alternating choral moments with solo performances by the three artists.
Gianluca Ginoble takes the stage with Luigi Tenco’s “Mi sono innamorato di te,” while he and Ignazio Boschetto share “Unchained Melody”, “the song of lovers.”
Then it is the turn of Albano’s “È la mia vita.” Ignazio, meanwhile, takes the stage with “Almeno tu nell’universo”; when the chorus arrives, he is no longer singing alone, the Sferisterio joins in, accompanying the song as the singer displays his full vocal range.
Then comes a more intimate moment. “A mano a mano” leads the audience toward one of the evening’s most evocative sights: phone lights illuminating the stands. A small sky of glowing points of light—honoring loved ones—shines to the strains of “Hallelujah.” The Sferisterio falls silent, making way for the music and the emotions.
The journey continues with the trio’s Sanremo hits, starting with “Capolavoro,” dedicated to their audience, and leading up to “Grande Amore.” This is the song that defines Il Volo more than any other, and one that the Sferisterio audience sings along to with the trio.
But the finale is all about Macerata. “Il Mondo” is dedicated to the late, great Jimmy Fontana.
It seems to be over. The trio waves goodbye and leaves the stage. But the audience isn’t having it; the applause turns into a collective demand for one last encore. Il Volo returns, joined on stage by the dancers, and “Nessun Dorma” begins. The voices of Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca soar above the orchestra, and the audience rises to its feet. A standing ovation follows two hours of magnificent music.
Another brief encore of “Grande Amore” brings the second night of Sferisterio Live to a close, with the entire arena on its feet.
Il Volo has released this lovely video.
“Another stop in a special place, thank you, Macerata!”
Mattia Carducci was also at the Macerata concert (if you recall, four years ago he went up on stage to sing with Il Volo).
Mattia is an adorable young boy who loves music and Il Volo. Our guys recognized him immediately, and the bond was rekindled!
Here is what Mattia’s mom wrote, along with the photos she posted.
….Mattia and Il Volo….The fairy tale continues! During the concert….Piero Barone spotted Mattia in the audience!❤️ Tonight, the added honor of being photographed with the world-famous manager, producer, and drummer Michele Torpedine!❤️….Even among famous names, you can meet people with hearts of gold!🥰 Forgive my loud laughter in the video of the meeting, but in moments like that, your legs shake, the emotion is overwhelming, and you just let yourself go!🥰 And for these emotions gifted to Mattia and our family, for Gianluca Ginoble’s kindness, and for everything else, I will never stop saying THANK YOU!❤️ Tonight’s hugs and incredibly sweet, gentle touches will stay with us every day, and tonight, once again….it was WONDERFUL!❤️….oh yes….with all the love I have!❤️
In the photo below, Mattia is with his brother Giorgio and Il Volo. ❤️❤️
August 30 L’Aquila (in the Abruzzo region)
The concert took place in front of the Basilica of Collemaggio as part of the Perdonanza Celestiniana event.
This concert has recently been added to Il Volo’s schedule. The Perdonanza Celestiniana is a highly significant event—a historic civic and religious celebration promoted, supported, and organized by the Municipality of L’Aquila, the Perdonanza Committee, and the Archdiocese of L’Aquila. Established in 1294, it has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2019.
INIZIO + NOW WE ARE FREE
O SOLE MIO
A MANO A MANO
PERDONANZA CELESTINIANA shared this video and these words:
Seven years later, back in front of Collemaggio.
In 2019, Il Volo took to this stage for a concert conceived as a gift to the city on the tenth anniversary of the earthquake.
Last night, Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble returned to close the 732nd Perdonanza Celestiniana, during the year L’Aquila serves as the Italian Capital of Culture.
What kind of city did they find today, and what does it mean to return and sing in a place so deeply connected to its history?
They told us just moments before they went on stage. (Scroll down on the Facebook page below to see the videos from Perdonanza Celestiniana.)
GIANLUCA = It is a great honor for us to return to Abruzzo, to my home region, and to welcome Ignazio and Piero for the closing of the 732nd *Perdonanza Celestiniana* here in L’Aquila, in one of the most evocative places in our country. We are truly proud to bring our music to such an important event, but above all, returning to my home region is always a source of great pride and deep emotion for me.
IGNAZIO = It is obviously one of the most important events—not just in Italy, but globally—and we are proud to be part of it.
PIERO = We had the opportunity to sing here in L’Aquila for the first time in 2019, and today, we have that great privilege and honor once again. Being able to share melodies from our repertoire in such a prestigious venue is truly significant for us. We will certainly continue to do so, and we thank you for your support.
I previously mentioned the Gioia 2026 award and honorary citizenship for Gianluca Ginoble; here is the video of the award ceremony.
Mattia Carducci and his brother Giorgio were also present for Gianluca Ginoble’s arrival for the GIOIA Award; here is an account of the meeting, in the words of his mother, Monica:
Not only excellence in music and elegance… but also so much sweetness and sensitivity! ❤️ Gianluca Ginoble with Gioia! 😍
And finally, a short video of Ignazio and Gabriele posted by Michelle. ❤️💙❤️
After the brief summer break, the long Italian outdoor tour resumes with a concert in beautiful Sicily—specifically:
August 22/23 TAORMINA
The concert took place at the Ancient Theatre.
Taormina is a highly sought-after destination for Il Volo concerts, firstly because two of the members (Ignazio and Piero) are at home in Sicily, but also because it was one of the places that hosted them when they were not yet widely popular in Italy. Furthermore, despite its small size, Taormina is a favorite among concertgoers, offering a magnificent ancient theater with a stunning view of the sea and Mount Etna in the background. Known as the “Pearl of the Ionian,” Taormina was also recently singled out by *The Times* for its beauty.
But let’s take a look at the concert. Look at the beautiful video Il Volo has posted.
The guitarist performing the song is Edo Ferragamo. He posted about his meeting with Piero on his Facebook page, a truly wonderful experience, and I am sharing it here in his own words.
2 hours notice. A borrowed guitar from a restaurant. A song I had never played before. 5,000 people.
What started with a question from Piero Barone, Il Volo over lunch — “Do you want to play with us tonight?” turned into one of those moments I’ll never forget.
A couple hours later I was walking on stage at the Teatro Antico di Taormina to play The Godfather with Il Volo .. and we got a standing ovation. 💗
Thank you, Il Volo for having me, and especially Piero for trusting me enough to throw me into the deep end. 😂 💗 Grateful for the trust, the adrenaline, and a night that reminded me why I love doing this. I’ll never forget this moment … But see you again tonight for round 2. 🎸
Edo Ferragamo’s wife posted these words and this video clip of second night with electric guitar.
“The most special 2 nights watching my husband perform with Il Volo at the Teatro Antico in Taormina.
Still can’t believe what I witnessed… the incredible @barone_piero singing the Godfather song IN SICILY, a 30 piece orchestra, with Edo on Spanish guitar… a style he had never played before, on a guitar borrowed from the restaurant down the street, after learning the song just two hours before soundcheck!!
I will never forget how epic these nights were… could not be more proud of you Edo Ferragamo bravissimo!!”
A short video of the Boschetto family’s arrival in Taormina. ❤️❤️💙
Shortly after the Taormina concerts, this wonderful news arrived:
2026 Gioia Award: honorary citizenship for Gianluca Ginoble of “Il Volo” and awards recognizing excellence in culture and journalism.
Gioia dei Marsi (a municipality in the province of L’Aquila) is preparing for its most brilliant night. The “” (Gioia Award) returns for its third edition; it is the year’s most anticipated civic and cultural event, organized by the Gioia dei Marsi municipal administration—led by Mayor Gianluca Alfonsi—and curated by De Siena Editore.
It is an occasion that celebrates the excellence, roots, and pride of an entire community, set against the evocative backdrop of Piazza della Repubblica.
The day’s events will begin on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall’s Council Chamber with an extraordinary meeting of the City Council for the most moving moment of all: the conferral of honorary citizenship upon Gianluca, the internationally renowned artist from the group *Il Volo*, has always maintained a deep, affectionate bond with the Abruzzo region and his own roots.
Following this, at 9:00 PM in Piazza della Repubblica, the award presentation ceremony and the accompanying concert will take place.
The Premio Gioia 2026 will be awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves at a national level in the fields of journalism, culture, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.
And so, the two beautiful concerts in Taormina have come to an end. It was wonderful, what a shame not to be there, with our guys in top form, accompanied by their families and surrounded by so much love from the audience. The natural setting was stunning; all in all, two unforgettable evenings.
Piero’s Sicilian version of *The Godfather* was superb!
It also looks to me like Ignazio has lost a few kilos and is in better shape.
Congratulations to Gianluca on the award he received.
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.
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.
See you soon:
Daniela 🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
