Come with me to three Il Volo concerts: Florence – Summer tour 2024, Prague – Tutti per uno tour 2024, Florence – Ad Astra tour 2025
Dear Flight Crew members and readers,
You don’t know me because I have never commented or interacted with anyone here, but I have been visiting this site for some time … I found this amazing site because I was looking for a translation of an article. And since then, I’m frequently coming here and checking how well (or not) I understood an article, an interview, or a video in Italian.
My name is Klára, I’m from the Czech Republic and live with my cat, Mr. Paw, in a small town near Pilsen – the city of beer. I’m a translator, I translate mostly from German into Czech and vice versa. I love reading, travelling, cats, figure skating and, of course, Il Volo.
I heard about Il Volo first when I was listening to a song by Andrea Bocelli on YouTube and the next suggested video was his message to Gianluca in Ti lascio una canzone. That was maybe eight years ago; I googled and found out that Gianluca was part of a musical group. Then I listened to some songs, read some interviews… My interest sparked again around 2020 when Italian pair skaters Rebecca Ghilardi and Philippo Ambrosini skated their free program to Grande Amore. And since then, I wanted to attend a concert in person.
Happy in Milano
As everyone here, I also love reading all the wonderful recaps and summaries of concerts and reports from people who were there in person. And even though it’s not really the most recent event, I thought that you might be interested in reading about three Il Volo concerts I have attended.
I want to share my excitement, recount some memories from the travels (from the point of view of someone who’s learning Italian) and I hope this article conveys how much I like Italy and Il Volo.
I’d like to take you with me back in time to Florence, Prague and to Florence again and show you the three concerts I have attended; show you the places, tell you how adventurous or not it was to get there, which songs stood out for me, which solos I loved the most, what happened at the soundcheck etc.
I have to admit I don’t have many photos of the concerts… But we could read here amazing reviews of the concerts with many videos and photos attached already, so I hope you won’t mind that this text contains so few pictures.
How it started
It all started last year in spring.
Before that I had watched Il Volo in videos on the internet from time to time… Then I had bought a ticket for the concert in Prague in 2023 (their first concert in the Czech Republic) but in the end I couldn’t go because my grandpa was ill. Fortunately, the guys decided to return in October 2024, I bought a ticket early in spring… and then, as I said, it started!
In anticipation of the concert in Prague, I was watching a lot of videos from earlier concerts and bits of interviews and realized (which wasn’t that big of a big discovery) that in Prague the guys were going to speak English – and that’s great because it’s certainly the language most people there would understand… But I’m a translator, love languages, challenges, and above all, I love Italy. At that time, I had been learning Italian for a while and just urgently felt that I needed to see the boys in Italy, in their home country, speaking their native language even though my Italian was quite basic.
And once you decide to do something, you find more and more reasons why you absolutely have to do it, right? 😉
Apart from Italian and Italy, my main reason was that I also wanted to hear Gianluca sing La cura and was a bit worried he wouldn’t sing it outside Italy. So, I spontaneously bought a ticket for a concert in Florence (Pratolino) for July 2024… And then I was hooked. 😊
Florence/Pratolino: At home under the moon (22nd July 2024)
The whole trip was a 100% Italian experience. It was so hot – 38°C! A friend of mine very kindly invited me to stay with her for a few days before going to Florence for the concert… I hopped on a bus in Prague and about 20 hours later I met my friend. We went to the sea, visited the San Galgano monastery and Siena, cooked pasta with home-made basil pesto, screamed Il Mondo and Grande Amore while she was driving and I was trying to read the map, and the day before the concert we went to the theatre in Siena for Donizetti’s opera Don Pasquale, sort of a starter before the main course. 😉 And then, finally, I went to Florence.
Siena, sea, opera in Siena, San Galgano
Place: Florence/Pratolino
The summer concert in Florence was part of the Musart festival that was for the first time in its nine-year old history taking place in Parco Mediceo di Pratolino. I bought a ticket for the concert in Florence and then was very surprised when all pieces of information were talking about Pratolino. ‘What’s that? What’s going on?’ I thought as I repeatedly received emails about limited parking possibilities and instructions on how to get there by car. (As if I had an. 😉) And so, I discovered that Pratolino is about fifteen kilometres away from the city centre of Florence and that it was possible to get there by public transport. But going back? There was no public transport that late in the evening.
Fortunately, I visited the website of the festival and learned what ‘navetta’ meant. Shuttle buses! Indeed, there was a special train going from Florence to Vaglia and from there shuttle buses were going to Pratolino.
In reality, it was a bit more complicated, as the shuttle buses weren’t waiting directly at the train station… Fortunately, there was a lady travelling in the train who had attended a concert in Pratolino the day before, so she safely guided us to the buses.
When we arrived at Pratolino, there were carabinieri everywhere managing the traffic, signalling for the cars which temporary car park they should use, guiding the buses through… And I thought: If I were one of the boys and saw this chaos, I’d fall unconscious and would be unable to sing! At this moment I truly realized how famous Il Volo was.
We got off the bus and there was about one kilometer walk through the park waiting for us and then, finally, I saw the stage!
The park is a lovely place and it’s getting gradually reconstructed. There are statues, a beautiful Villa Demidoff and a chapel that was open for the concert visitors.
I’d say there were about five thousand people of all ages, and from the snippets of conversation my impression was that for many of them it wasn’t their first Il Volo concert.
Park Pratolino
The Florence vs. Pratolino thing made even Piero confused 😉 Here’s what he asked at the beginning of the concert.
Piero: I don’t want to offend anyone so what’s correct? Florence or Pratolino? Audience: Florence! Piero: Good, because I said at home that I was going to sing in Florence.
The concert
The concert started at 9:30 p.m.; it was already dark and still so warm…
It was my first time hearing the boys live and this is a part of the message I immediately sent to my friend. It just sums up my impressions:
And I can’t even describe the singing. What Ignazio can do 🤯🤯 And hearing Piero singing the arias live 😮 And Gianluca such a soothing voice 🥰🥰🥰 And the best was going back to the bus and just hearing bits of conversation of the many fans and all of them were so excited.
The boys were so relaxed, natural, warm and friendly, they talked about the songs a lot, joked, and didn’t rush. I have to say I was quite proud of myself because I understood more or less everything they said in Italian.
Songs that stood out and solos
The boys came on the stage and immediately started singing Nelle tue mani, it was such a powerful beginning; Caruso was very moving… I love the Ad Astra album and was so happy that they sang about half of the songs from it: Succede, Il mondo all’incontrario, Capolavoro and especially Frammenti di universe, I love the part where Gianluca’s and Ignazio’s voices interact with each other.
The concert also contained six solos. As I said, La cura was one of the main reasons I travelled to Italy, and I got everything I wanted and more. My friend told me that La cura is often sung at weddings because of the lyrics. Whenever Gianluca sings “Perché sei un essere speciale“(because you are a special human being) I always add in my mind: yes, you, Gianluca, you are a special human being.
I was equally enchanted by Piero’s E lucevan le stelle. And then Ignazio’s Almeno tu nell’universo…, you have to listen to it, it cannot be described. From the first second you understand that this song has a deeply personal and special meaning for Ignazio, and he makes you feel it, too.
We also heard Ovunque sarai, Amor vida de mi vida and Can’t help falling in love.
The public was so energetic and warm, applauding, cheering and very often singing with the boys; everyone knew the lyrics of Capolavoro, and of Ignazio’s solos.
And then came one of the best experiences of my life: the guys invited everyone to stand up, come closer to the stage and join them in singing the last song. And so, together with about five thousand people, I was singing/screaming Grande Amore at the top of my lungs, standing on my feet, clapping my hands. It was such an exciting ending of the whole concert.
All of us on our feet, singing Grande amore
Fun
The concert was a perfect mix of brilliant singing, relaxed atmosphere and some fun.
When the guys started talking about the song Ad Astra, they said: “We were in Mexico” and a whole row of people waved, so they interrupted the introduction of the song and greeted Mexico and the Mexican fans who were there.
Then Gianluca started listing countries, asking if there was someone from the US, Canada etc. etc. and people were waving and raising their hands.
Ignazio: That’s a lot of people. Is there even anyone from Tuscany? (the region around Florence) Gianluca immediately: And from Abruzzo?
Then there was another very funny moment, and I haven’t seen any video of it so here’s a summary.
Piero: There’s somewhere a friend of mine in the audience. He’s a waiter. Can you get up? We met a month ago when we were doing a press conference here. And he’s the best waiter in the world. He prepared breakfast for me. And if I remember correctly, it’s Massimo’s birthday today.
Meanwhile, the man got up.
Il Volo started singing and the whole audience stood up and joined the guys in singing Tanti auguri(Happy birthday).
When they finished, Gianluca heard something and then said: What? Your name is not Massimo? It’s Tomasso!! Piero: Well, the breakfast was at 6.30 a.m…. but I did remember the birthday correctly. Gianluca asking Tomasso: I still don’t understand. But why did you get up when he said Massimo? Tomasso: He also said that I was a waiter which is correct.
Then the guys were about to introduce another song, Se from Ennio Morricone.
Ignazio to Piero: No, you don’t say his name.
Kindness
It was a funny moment, but it also shows how kind and friendly Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio are. And kindness doesn’t stop with them, also all the volunteers were very nice, not to speak about all the people who organized the transport to Pratolino. There may not have been that many pieces of information, and being in a foreign country, the journey felt like an adventure at the beginning, but everything worked out.
I was a bit worried whether the buses were going to wait for everyone after the end of the concert but then I convinced myself that there were worse things than waiting at the station for some early train in the morning, especially as the evening and night were so warm. Of course, the buses waited.
And then while sitting back in the train, well past midnight, suddenly an applause erupted there – it could rival the standing ovations the boys received just an hour ago – the train staff decided that the train wasn’t going to terminate at the Campo Marte station but was going to continue to the main train station in the city center! For many people it was much more convenient.
Booklet
We were given a 50-page long booklet containing the programme and introduction of the Musart festival, the individual artists, the Demidoff villa…
Here is a translation of the part about Il Volo:
(translated by me, revision done by my Italian friend)
Since forever, flying or the flight (il volo) has been one of the biggest dreams of humankind. Not only in the physical sense but also in the metaphorical one.
Flying (il volo) represents liberty, surpassing the limits, and the aspirations to reach something higher.
Flying (il volo) is not only a matter of wings or motors but also of soul and desire. Paulo Coelho once said: “The man has an inner greatness that moves him to fly, even though his wings are invisible.” These words reflect the truth about every dreamer: flying (il volo) is, first of all, an act of believing in oneself.
Music, like flying, lifts us up and transports us in unexpected places. It’s by means of our voice that we reach the highest, farthest goals, breath-taking and alienating, while communicating through one of our most profound senses.
It’s incredible how much freedom may lie in those few lines that represent the stave. The voice flies, soars, contorts itself into the various notes, adjusts to the tonality and communicates its feelings through the minor and major chords.
Flying (il volo) is the utmost representation of the human desire to rise above the circumstances of everyday life and reach something sublime. In every note, in every melody, in every word, we can find a piece of sky. And thus, we join the choir, soaring high, guided by the art and the beauty of the flight.
And Il Volo(now with the capital letter) is also the beautiful story of these boys – young men now – who with harmony and on the sound of high notes perform all over the world and shortly they will be welcomed in the park of the Demidoff villa. I share with them the experience of participating at the San Remo festival. I also was part of a trio but that wasn’t a long-term project but only a brief intermezzo. And also, we didn’t have such a beautiful and inspiring name!
Luca Canonici, opera singer
Prague: Warm encounter with old friends (12th October 2024)
The “old friends” in the title refer to the songs, as Il Volo was celebrating 15 years of career, and the guys sang there all the important songs of their journey… and “old friends” also refer to the European capitals as Il Volo had had much success there in previous tours.
Prague was more of a “standard” concert I’d say – no more open air but a huge modern arena.
The public was very appreciative, but I missed a bit the spontaneity of the predominantly Italian public from Florence and their readiness to join the boys in singing various songs.
Place
O2 Arena, before the concert, from my seat
The O2 arena in Prague is modern, spacious, with a subway station nearby… The capacity of the arena is about 18.000 (though at first, the organizers weren’t selling tickets for the second gallery seats, so the number of spectators was lower).
This is off topic but next year, the World figure skating championship will take place there and given the Olympics are in Italy I expect a lot of skaters to choose Italian music next season, maybe even from Il Volo.
Prague is a beautiful city, though as I didn’t have to make such an effort to get there, the concerts in Florence feel – subjectively – even more special to me.
I was very happy when Gianluca shared pictures from the National Gallery in Prague. And then he also posted a picture of a statue and even though I lived in Prague for two years, at first, I didn’t know where it was! The guys discovered more places in Prague in two days than me in two years 😉
Gianluca’s photo of the Kafka statue
Soundcheck
I wholeheartedly recommend going to the soundcheck if you have the chance. On one hand it’s much less expensive than meet and greet and on the other hand wherever you sit then during the concert you’ll still have this unique experience of sitting in the first or second row and seeing Il Volo from close.
You can see a bit of what is going on behind the scenes, you see the guys in casual clothes, leaning on the piano, scrolling on the phone while waiting for something, discussing details with the technicians…
This was my first time attending a soundcheck and I was amazed! We quietly walked into semi-darkness, and suddenly we heard The Sound of Silence. It was so clear and loud and absolutely mesmerizing. Meanwhile we sat down and then the boys sang Opera – arguing good-naturedly about the lyrics, Piero suggested trying the ending of Hallelujah and then he did a solo. And afterwards they sang with the guest, Elina Nechayeva, and were so sweet and attentive to her.
Concert: Songs that stood out and solos
The song that stood out for me was definitely The Sound of Silence.
The boys stand in a semi-circle close together, they start singing, it’s almost dark on the stage and you can hear only their voices. And if you haven’t thought about it before, now you realize that this is all they need. They don’t need crazy costumes and hairdos, dancers or aerial artists on the stage, flashy lights; just with their voices and personality they make the show.
Un amore così grande made me, literally, cry; then there was the playful La donna è mobile that made me smile. And the cherry on the top was Opera. Again, it’s dark, and suddenly you hear Opera! Opera! Opera! loud and decisive reverberating in the whole arena.
The Estonian singer Elina Nechayeva joined Il Volo for Libiamo ne’ lieti calici and she also proposed a toast in Czech! During the brief pause in the song she danced with Piero and Ignazio and danced with Gianluca 😉
There was one song I had been looking forward to so much – The Music of the Night – hoping Gianluca would sing it. And he did. He sang so beautifully; his voice was soft and yet powerful. The lyrics are, in my opinion, so complex and difficult and yet Gianluca’s pronunciation is so clear (clearer than of many native speakers I dare say) and you can understand every word.
Then came a big surprise. I was expecting maybe Can’t Help Falling in Love but instead, Gianluca gifted us Bridge Over Troubled Water. And because it was so unexpected I think I enjoyed the song even more.
Piero received thunderous applause for both E lucevan le stelle and Amor vida de mi vida and Ignazio sang Memory.
Kindness
In Prague there were some people holding posters saying they were from Molise (which is a region neighbouring Gianluca’s Abruzzo) so he switched to Italian and thanked them for coming to the concert. Then, back in English, Ignazio explained that Gianluca greets friends everywhere and that during the summer tour in Italy he had friends in every city.
After that the guys remembered that their friend from Mexico was also at the concert, so they switched to Spanish and greeted him, too.
It’s just one gesture but I think it really sums up so well what makes the guys so special. They genuinely care for their fans; they don’t see us as consumers of their music. And they are also able to spontaneously communicate with the public, in three languages no less!
After this concert in October, I wanted to write an article summarizing the concerts in Florence and Prague. This was supposed to be the end of the article:
The only thing to decide is: where to go for the next concert? Italy in January (because night bus rides through the Alps in winter are truly magical), Tutti per uno concert in May (because this way I’d get to know more about other Italian artists) or Germany/Austria in November (because it’s always nice to visit the neighbouring country) 😉.
I didn’t finish the article at that time, instead I did buy bus tickets to Italy again and a ticket for the concert on 15th January in Florence as I couldn’t miss the opportunity to hear more songs from the brilliant Ad Astra album. (And I might have bought a ticket for Tutti per uno in Mantua, too.)
Florence Ad Astra tour: Reaching new horizons (15th January 2025)
The January tour was dedicated to new songs from the Ad Astra album and what an amazing idea it was! Personally, I love all these songs, would choose them over any other and love discovering new words in Italian and the feeling that the more I’m listening to them the more I understand.
With the visuals and themes of planets, universe, and stars it was a perfect opportunity to use abstract images on five big screens, changing colours, lights and laser lights resulting in a unique show. To add a bit of a dramatic touch the boys start singing Chiaro di luna while hidden in a drapery that, after a few lines, falls down.
I said earlier that the boys didn’t need any “tricks” or dramatic shows, but they wanted to try something new, and it was great indeed. (Though I have to admit that while all the laser lights and huge screens looked amazing in the photos, I enjoyed it a bit less in person. However, I think it was caused by the placement of my seat, either from further away or from closer it would probably look better. I was in the 29th row and while concentrating hard on just seeing the boys on the stage I didn’t have enough time to appreciate the light show properly.)
The concert lasted two and a half hours! The boys sang an incredible number of songs, compared to the summer concert they didn’t talk that much, there simply wasn’t any time for longer conversations!
The light show as seen from my seat
Place
This concert in Florence took place really in Florence, in the Nelson Mandela stadium, and, coincidently, quite close to the hostel I was staying in so I could just go there on foot.
The capacity of the stadium is about 8,000 seats; it was full, and the spectators were very enthusiastic, knowing all the lyrics of the songs.
Nelson Mandela stadium
This time, I didn’t see anything else in Florence, I came really just for one afternoon, though I spent the following day with my friend in Bologna.
Bologna
Soundcheck
First, the boys sang Saturno e venere and then it wasn’t a soundcheck anymore but rather Ignazio’s show. 😉 He was in a really good mood. Piero wanted to do his solo E lucevan le stelle and while he was singing Ignazio was accompanying him with ballet moves, then Ignazio sang E lucevan le stelle as a solo, too. It was amazing! And then Ignazio sang Un amore così grande on Il mondo music and tried to convince Piero to join him, finally he sang all three parts of Il mondo imitating Gianluca and Piero. Gianluca was observing all this from the auditorium with his brother.
The concert: Songs that stood out and solos
Cecille was a guest and sort of an opening act in Florence. When the curtains were still closed, without the live orchestra, she sang two songs, A Natural Woman and her own song Solamente farfalle. I really liked them, especially the Italian one (another artist to add to the library on Spotify 😊). Later she joined the boys and sang E più ti penso with them.
I absolutely cannot pick just a few songs that stood out for me in Florence because I love the whole Ad Astra album. And out of the ten original songs we got nine! Including the instrumental Per Aspera that the orchestra played before the guys appeared on the podium and including Saturno e venere with the boys also singing Irama’s part. (The only song left out was L’infinito.☹) Hearing Tra le onde and Se/Nuovo cinema paradiso live was also very special.
I was fortunate enough to hear La cura live for the second time. Gianluca congratulated his mom on her birthday and dedicated this song to her.
And then another surprise from Gianluca! Eleanor Rigby. I fell in love with this song while watching the Tutti per uno concerts and especially listening to Gianluca’s introduction of the song.
Piero doesn’t change a winning team. 😉 He sang E lucevan le stelle again and it was amazing again. And his second solo was No puede ser.
Ignazio sang The Show Must GoOn and what a show it was! And then rocker Ignazio disappeared, and we got a tender E penso a te with many spectators knowing the lyrics and joining him. Ignazio’s versatility is truly breathtaking.
Some more interesting bits and pieces
After the soundcheck we had to leave the stadium. I remained waiting near the gate and slowly, people who had tickets only for the concert started gathering there, too. The gate was still closed, though, as it was really early.
Then I noticed a beautiful lady in an elegant coat standing nearby. ‘She looks like Veronica Berti, Andrea Bocelli’s wife’ crossed my mind. ‘But that can’t be her, that’s crazy, right?’ I thought. Curious, I checked Veronica Berti’s Instagram and saw a picture from Miami published two days ago and concluded that this lady was just a bit similar to her and “the real Veronica” and Andrea Bocelli were probably still in the US.
However, after a few minutes at least five people came to the gate, opened it just for this lady and accompanied her inside. And I had some doubts again…
After the concert I looked at Veronica Berti’s Instagram again and saw a story! There was a photo of the boys. She was at the concert indeed!
Here’s what she wrote: Two hours and a half of music flew by… how amazing it is to listen to you. Thank you for the beautiful evening.
Veronica Berti’s Instagram story
What an amazing coincidence that I caught the three or five minutes when she was waiting in front of the gate.
They are stars but also much more
I’m sure we all share this feeling: The guys are stars. And we, the spectators, admire them, of course. I think though that the guys don’t want the spectators to leave the concerts “only” with admiration but want the people to be happy. They are making us feel happy during the concerts and for days to come. They joke, walk through the crowd, accept gifts while on the stage, adjust the set list to the place where they are performing…
It’s also so considerate of them that when they leave the stage and sing among the public, they don’t stop in the first rows but really sing in the middle of the people, going through the whole arena so that as many people as possible can see them up close.
And it’s amazing that they communicate with the public so much and do so in three languages! They joked in Prague in English as much as they did in Florence in Italian.
I really liked the moments when they talked about the individual songs and introduced them. And on all three occasions I loved listening to bits and pieces of conversations while leaving the venue. Everyone was happy and praised Il Volo!
Front row?
We usually get stories from fans in the first rows, but I’d like to assure you that the seat is not that important. Wherever you sit you won’t be disappointed. In Pratolino I sat in row fifteen, it was great. In Prague I was far away – in the gallery across the whole ground floor. And yet, during Here’s to you Gianluca came all the way through the whole ground floor and waved to the people sitting in the gallery. And in Florence I sat in row twenty-nine on the ground floor. (There was a big screen but only on the other side of the arena.) During the Vicinissimo mix Piero passed by half a meter from me! So really, there are no bad seats.
Alone?
Even if you don’t have anyone to go with, don’t worry about it! I was alone at all three concerts, but you are never really alone, there’s a friendly atmosphere, you smile at one person, hear this remark, reply to that remark… In the train to Pratolino, I said literally one word in Italian and was already pulled into a conversation and ended up having a nice chat in English-Italian about Prague with a fellow fan. And because there were so many people at the concerts, I felt safe even walking to the hostel at 1 a.m.
Italian
I’m sure I’m not the only one learning Italian (mainly to understand the lyrics and the interviews). And I know I said that during the July concert in Florence I understood more or less everything the guys said. But let’s be honest, it’s because I’ve seen a lot of videos from previous concerts and also because you can kind of know what to expect. The guys (most) certainly won’t talk about physics or mineralogy… So, my Italian wasn’t put to the test there that much… But a guided tour? That’s a different story.
When we visited Bologna, my friend and I booked a two-hour long guided city tour. It was in January, so there were very few tourists and no possibility to book the tour in English. Even for the Italian one there were only four other people beside us. I was a bit worried.
Because in July last year when we visited the San Galgano monastery, I tuned out the Italian guide after twenty minutes… I understood quite a lot of words, yet I couldn’t get the meaning of the whole speech, and he was talking in Tuscan dialect which didn’t help…
Guess what happened six months later in Bologna? While listening to the guide, I laughed when the Italians laughed, I was surprised when the Italians were surprised, I exclaimed “oh no” when the Italians did… I understood the guide!
The boys and their songs are a great motivation to continue studying and I hope that I’ve motivated some of you with this story.
In case you want to compare, here’s a list of songs the guys sang at the concerts…
List of songs Florence, summer tour:
New:Capolavoro, Ad Astra, Frammenti di universo, Il mondo all’incontrario, Succede
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, Grande amore, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Caruso, Here’s to You, Ecstasy of Gold, Se telefonando
Solos:E lucevan le stelle, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Ovunque sarai, Amor vida de mi vida, La cura, Almeno tu nell’universo
List of songs in Prague:
New: Opera, Capolavoro, Ad astra
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, Grande Amore, The Sound of Silence, My Way, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Caruso, Funiculì funiculà, La donna è mobile, Libiamo with Elina, Here’s to You, O sole mio
Solos: E lucevan le stelle, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Memory, Amor vida de mi vida, Phantom of the Opera
List of songs in Florence Ad astra tour:
New:Per Aspera, Chiaro di luna + Opera, Capolavoro, Frammenti di universo, Ad astra, Tra le onde, Saturno e venere, Succede, Il mondo all’incontrario
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, E più ti penso with Cecille, Grande Amore, The Sound of Silence, My Way, L’amore si muove + Vicinissimo + Musica che resta + Per te ci sarò, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Se telefonando
Solos:E lucevan le stelle, Eleanor Rigby, The Show Must Go On, No puede ser, La cura, E penso a te
The concerts in the Italian sports halls are going great!!
Great response and success with the public, people love Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero!!
Very nice newspaper articles that write praise because Il Volo is entertaining and exciting with a show with beautiful and well sung songs.
Fantastic plays of light on large screens, a good orchestra and then them ….. skilled entertainers and their wonderful voices!!
In short, so far so good and another four concerts have been performed, but as always let’s go in order:
January 13: TREVISO
The concert was at the Palaverde di Villorba.
PER ASPERA – CHIARO DI LUNA – OPERA The fantastic star of the concert. 🤩
MISERERE
WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER
MUSICA CHE RESTA – with the people
This was posted by the MUNICIPALITY OF VILLORBA:
🎵 Yesterday evening, shortly before the start of the concert at the Palaverde, Francesco Soligo, Mayor of Villorba, met the young members of the “Il Volo” trio behind the scenes. The mayor gave them the volume “Venetian Villas. Art and memories in Villorba” which tells the history and artistic beauties of the 18 Venetian villas present in the municipal area. A gift much appreciated by the kids who wanted to thank the entire community of Villorba for the amazing welcome they received on the occasion of this extraordinary event.✨
💛💙 Heartfelt thanks to Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble who put on a show in a packed Palaverde full of energy and enthusiasm. 💪
Some photos of the evening:
January 15: FLORENCE
The concert was at the MANDELA FORUM.
UN AMORE COSÌ GRANDE
PER TE CI SARÒ – VICINISSIMO – (among people)MUSICA CHE RESTA
Gianluca during Musica Che Resta met his friend Eraldo
FRAMMENTI DI UNIVERSO
GRANDE AMORE
NELLE TUE MANI
During the Meet & Greet, Piero asks people where he is from and a lady replies that she is from Azerbaijan.
CAPOLAVORO
January 17: BOLOGNA
The concert is in the Unipol Arena.
Naturally this is a particularly awaited concert for Il Volo, because as you know, Bologna is the city where Ignazio, Piero, Torpedine live and where Barbara also lived.
during the afternoon rehearsals
short summary
TRA LE ONDE
SUCCEDE – the presentation is witty and I will translate it for you
PIERO= This song talks about things that only Ignazio can describe. (then Piero looks at Ignazio’s ring finger and sees the ring).
Ignazio, did you get dirty here?….Ah no, it’s the ring, I was wrong (laughter). 😂 There was a mark, I thought you got scratched.
GIANLUCA= This song talks about love and when we talk about love you have to sit down. (all three sit on the stools)
IGNAZIO= It’s a song that is part of the album, and like many songs on the album it talks about love, because it’s true that love is one of the most beautiful things that exist in the world. The beautiful thing is that it is a subjective feeling, everyone feels and feels love differently….
PIERO= Thank goodness.
IGNAZIO= Yes, thank goodness, and although love makes you experience extremely beautiful things, sensations that you have never experienced in your life, it can also make you suffer, that’s life.
The meaning is, that despite everything, even the most unlucky person like you (Piero), SUCCEDE (it happens). applause 😂
GIANLUCA= Sorry, there is a girl dressed in red, a really nice dress and she has a sign: “Piero, I’m not asking you to marry me, but only to take me running with you.” (laughter)
PIERO= Every Sunday morning….how?
IGNAZIO = (the girl answers something)…..on horseback? In what sense? Go slow, from going horse racing!! 😂 Then if you go with this dress….
GIANLUCA= This dress is very beautiful!!
PIERO= On Sunday morning you can find me there at the Margherita gardens.
GIANLUCA= I saw that there are people from all over the world, thanks!
IGNAZIO= Piero has many suitors.
PIERO= But what have I got to do with it, continue introducing the song….
IGNAZIO= I’ve already said it, that even though you’re unlucky: SUCCEDE (It happens) 😂
GIANLUCA= Let’s also dedicate it to you (to Ignazio) who recently got married. (applause)
IGNAZIO= Why me, sorry? Even my wife! ❤️
GIANLUCA= Also to your wife of course, who is here!🥰
IGNAZIO= (to Piero) Don’t worry anyway, don’t worry! (then turning to Gianluca) Don’t you know?
GIANLUCA = I don’t know….(these are the first words of the song!!)
ANGELS Gianluca
VICINISSIMO Piero embraces his family
SE TELEFONANDO
Certainly, the most exciting moment of the evening, the dedication to Barbara Vitali!! ❤️
On the large screens there are plays of light and this … these words appear:
GIANLUCA IGNAZIO PIERO TO BARBARA FOREVER WITH US.
Standing ovation from the audience.
UNIPOL ARENA published these words and these beautiful photos:
Last night Il Volo made Unipol Arena a true masterpiece 🎤💫
The voices of the three tenors, already extraordinary on their own, blend together in a perfect harmony that touches the soul. Accompanied by a majestic orchestra, they gave us a journey through their timeless songs and masterfully reinterpreted covers, capable of becoming new jewels.
For Aspera Ad Astra.
A friend of mine, Annalisa Valeriano was present at the concert and wrote these beautiful words:
“The concert in Bologna on Friday evening was fabulous and in my opinion it is the most beautiful concert I have seen by them!!! The beginning was breathtaking and it was the icing on the cake!!! The scenography was fantastic with lights and lasers! Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero were fantastic as always and they were beautiful, very elegant and very nice!!! Those 2 hours flew by, I screamed, I sang at the top of my lungs, I laughed, I got excited and I had shivers when they sang Hallelujah and when the dedication to Barbara appeared on the big screens.
Thank you for the emotions you have made me feel for almost 10 years!!! I am proud to be a Volover and I will always be!!! I don’t know when I will recover from this different concert from the others! I hope to see you again soon, but I know it will take a long time! PUPPIES, I LOVE YOU!!!”
Turin has been blessed by the great talent and professionalism of the most loved trio in the world: Il Volo.
Ignazio Boschetto, Gianluca Genoble and Piero Barone were able to excite the audience at the Inalpi Arena from the first note to the last.
A wonderful band with a professional orchestra masterfully accompanied our three Italian voices.
Great successes such as “Grande amore”, “Masterpiece”, “Tra le Onde” and great classics like “My Way” meant that the Arena became a single chorus in unison.
There was no shortage of jokes on stage (they have always joked and made fun of each other) regarding football, especially between Piero and Ignazio, one a Milan fan and the other a Juventus fan, on the same evening the two teams were also facing each other and therefore a fair enough teasing!
The moment in the audience was exciting when the 3 artists came down to sing among their fans who surrounded them with affection, selfies and hugs!
The latest album has been presented “Ad Astra” which is already their ninth studio work.
After leaving the house of music of the Inalpi Arena, Turin still sang in a tenor voice all the songs heard and experienced firsthand in memory of a concert that taught us that beautiful voices and Italian melody will never die!
Photos from the evening:
Truly so much pride and satisfaction with how the concerts in Italian sports halls are taking place, and finally it seems that even the newspapers are highlighting the success and skill of Il Volo!!!
I conclude this roundup of four concerts with a piece of news from a little while ago, Il Volo, before leaving for the tour abroad, will be present one evening in Sanremo, will duet with the singer Clara in the evening dedicated to the Covers!! So we’ll see them in Sanremo, really great news!! Il Volo will not be in the competition, he will perform a duet with Clara who is instead taking part in the competition.
I remind you that Clara sang a duet at the Verona Arena with Gianluca in May 2024.
I end with this beautiful interview done by Robert Bannon and which I don’t have to translate!!!
Good viewing.
And that’s all for now, but there will be more news and updates soon.
On December 13, just returned from the U.S., Il Volo was a guest in Milan on Radio 102.5, this radio also broadcasts on a television channel and therefore there is the video of the interview.
Before starting the translation, I propose the arrival of the boys at Radio 102.5, as you can see, Ignazio arrives with Michelle 😍 and Piero with Torpedine.
The show is called THE FLIGHT(not on purpose 😁) and the two presenters are La Zac(woman) and Matteo Campese(man).
The part dedicated to Il Volo lasted an hour but was interrupted by various songs from Il Volo.
M.CAMPESE= Not only on the wave, they have arrived in the studio: Il Volo ladies and gentlemen.
IGNAZIO= Hello, hello everyone.
GIANLUCA= Hello everyone.
PIERO= Hi, explain to me why you who work on radio all have a voice like that (you mean deep, persuasive).
GIANLUCA= It’s a setting that works.
LA ZAC= But it’s not true, it used to be like that, Piero.
M.CAMPESE= But you actually say that you’re a singer.
PIERO= It’s like….vroom…
M.CAMPESE= Yes, because once upon a time we wanted to be pilots and we have wheel friction!
GIANLUCA= Hi everyone, it’s nice to be back, we’re really happy, after a long time, to return to: The Flight.
LA ZAC= We were talking before, we were imagining your passports, how many times did you have to renew them, because there were no more pages to put the stamps on?
IGNAZIO= If I’m not mistaken, I’m on my fourth, fourth passport.
M.CAMPESE= Do you keep them? No, you can’t?
IGNAZIO= Yes, you can, just cancel them.
GIANLUCA= We’ll play cards then, it’s a new game.
LA ZAC= What country are you missing, so to speak.
GIANLUCA= I would like to go to India, or Iceland, or Alaska, they are places we have never been.
PIERO= I would like to go to Sardinia.
M.CAMPESE= Easy!
GIANLUCA= You don’t need a passport there.
IGNAZIO= By the way, you gave me some news the other day, without your knowledge.
M.CAMPESE= Tell me.
IGNAZIO= Your Instagram published a video of a restaurant in Bologna.
LA ZAC= Yes.
IGNAZIO= That’s the restaurant where I went.
M.CAMPESE= That is, when you had a quarter of an hour free you rushed over there?
IGNAZIO= It’s near my house.
M.CAMPESE= Ok.
IGNAZIO= And so every now and then I had sushi there, those quick things….you published that video…
LA ZAC= That of fish made outdoors?
IGNAZIO= My stomach was bad for half a day! (laughter)
LA ZAC= Anyway, let me introduce you to Ignazio, the married man.
IGNAZIO= Hi, what do you mean….
LA ZAC= Okay come on, that’s an achievement, we’ve literally seen you grow, professionally but also humanly and see someone getting married…….
GIANLUCA= Sleep the signs of time passing for everyone!
LA ZAC= That’s right.
GIANLUCA= When you reach that age where you get married and you are no longer a fifteen year old, a twenty year old.
M.CAMPESE= Who sang at your wedding?
IGNAZIO= Me.
GIANLUCA= To our ??? Of the three of us? When we get married we get married alone, not as a threesome.
IGNAZIO= I sang at my wedding. In truth it wasn’t one of those weddings where you feel obligated to sing.
PIERO= No, you just set up a stage that looked like the one at the super bowl.
IGNAZIO= There was the band, but really, whoever wanted went on stage and did what they wanted. Think my sister sang too. We had fun.
LA ZAC= Well, Il Volo is with us today, send your messages. Soon we will give you a series of dates and information, we’ll talk about it shortly, but in the meantime FRAMMENTI DI UNIVERSO, Il Volo!
LA ZAC= The voices of Il Volo that magically intersect (Ignazio screams saying ABRACADABRA and everyone laughs) I knew it, I try to make a good presentation and Ignazio as usual….
M.CAMPESE= But why ABRACADABRA?
IGNAZIO= Because she said magic voices. (laughter)
LA ZAC= Then in your concerts there is always this atmosphere that lends itself to this type of presentation, but that’s enough, I won’t say anything more! You continue.
IGNAZIO= We are very happy with this album, because it is an album for everyone, it is Il Volo as perhaps you don’t expect it or as you expect it.
I personally am really happy because it’s that side that I liked people to be able to notice and see.
LA ZAC= Piero is showing your side.
IGNAZIO= Ah, ok, the side. I’m also very happy especially with TRA LE ONDE, which we left there, and so I suffered a bit, waiting for the right moment to arrive…
GIANLUCA= TRA LE ONDE is the new single you listened to a little while ago.
LA ZAC= Yes.
M.CAMPESE= The whole journey actually started from Sanremo for this latest album.
PIERO= We returned to Sanremo after 5 years, from 2019, we decided to participate in the festival by highlighting humility and modesty and we titled the song CAPOLAVORO (MASTERPIECE, he jokes)
M.CAMPESE= Rightly so.
IGNAZIO= Obviously inspired by our colleague and friend Gianluca Ginoble!
PIERO= The song was dedicated to him (Ignazio and Piero are joking, meaning that Gianluca is a masterpiece).
Jokes aside, it all started from Sanremo, then after Sanremo the world tour began from Nagoya in Japan, it was April 25th, and on April 25th 2009 we sang together for the first time, in the program where we met.
M.CAMPESE= Was it 2009? So 15 years this year of an honored career!
PIERO= Yes, almost 16 years, we are celebrating this milestone with a demanding tour, 150 dates in a year and a half, so we are really happy.
M.CAMPESE= How old were you in 2009?
IGNAZIO= We were 15 years younger. (laughter)
PIERO= 14 (Gianluca) 15 (Ignazio) 16 (Piero)
M.CAMPESE= Did you recognize the narrative of a slightly sacrificed childhood or not?
IGNAZIO= But, sacrificed……it depends on your point of view…
M.CAMPESE= Let’s skip beyond the pleasantries…
PIERO= Do you mean if we missed some stages?
M.CAMPESE= Yes, that.
IGNAZIO= Exactly, it’s exactly that because maybe you missed the whole phase where you say…can you say bad words??
M.CAMPESE= Yes, you must.
IGNAZIO= Where you do shit with friends…
LA ZAC= Piero turned off his microphone!!
IGNAZIO= …..but we got to know the world….
PIERO= You met me!
IGNAZIO= Yes, what an ass! (laughter)
LA ZAC= You got it, it’s going to be such a fun hour.
IGNAZIO= We have learned many things about the world that perhaps we would not have known.
PIERO= He’s the one speaking, you must know that he doesn’t know anything in the world, ……
IGNAZIO= I met the hotels.
PIERO=….because he travels… and always stays in the hotel, while Gianluca and I go around, see monuments, various things, he always stays in the room.
IGNAZIO= You have 10 more seconds to denigrate me, go! (laughter) Go.
LA ZAC= Well friends, stay with us, more incredible surprises with Il Volo in The Flight.
LA ZAC= Until the end, rightly so, MASTERPIECE, Il Volo on RTL 102.5.
IGNAZIO= You should have said “CAPOLAVOLO”
LA ZAC= Gianluca you have something.
GIANLUCA= I want to say that this song was an important step in our career, especially in Italy, but also around the world it was much appreciated and getting back into the game after 5 years and proposing a project of unreleased songs, the first album of unreleased songs after 15 years of career, in short our fans, like everyone else, know that we have based our career for 80% on a repertoire of “covers” (already known songs) taking inspiration from the great songs of the past and re-proposing them, certainly for those who already have them knew, but also for the younger ones that we had never heard some songs from the past.
So from GRANDE AMORE our construction of unreleased songs began, and then finally, after this project, we can say that we are really satisfied with this new adventure, with CAPOLAVORO, with this album, with the new single TRA LE ONDE, because we are expressing a part of us that perhaps most people didn’t know, so we are satisfied.
LA ZAC= Well your career is made up of many pieces, you have truly conquered every corner of the globe and you have added different things each time. There’s also an appointment with Christmas, we’re there now, right?
PIERO= Now on December 24th, Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve, you will see this concert that we created at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. In 2025 Agrigento will be the Italian capital of culture and we created this concert. I must say that we are satisfied because it was really complex to hold the event there, but now we have had the opportunity to see the initial images of the concert and it is impressive to see the Valley of the Temples in that way.
M.CAMPESE= With your repertoire it is a little easier to access those places that are the right setting.
IGNAZIO= Yes absolutely.
PIERO= It’s also the reason why we had the opportunity to sing in more exclusive places, like perhaps the Kiyomizu Dera Temple in Kyoto or inside the Tower of David in Jerusalem two years ago for the Christmas concert.
IGNAZIO= But also singing for the Pope, as much as I adore Vasco Rossi (Italian rock songs) I listen to him every day, but I don’t see him singing in front of the Pope.
M.CAMPESE= I couldn’t wait. (he says this meaning that it would be a really strange thing – laughter)
GIANLUCA= Actually recently Blanco (Italian Hip-hop/rap singer) sang… (in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican), so it is not only linked to our musical genre. Surely what we want to convey is that it is an experience to live, for example the Nessun Dorma, even if you don’t listen to classical music, it is an experience, something that must excite you, because it is not earthly as a melody, it is almost linked to an energy, I don’t know, universal! Do you understand that there are types of music and writing that truly embrace all ages, it’s almost not tied to a genre, it’s an experience like walking through the streets of Rome or Tuscany, you understand? It’s linked to that sensation there, to that emotion!
M.CAMPESE= True, but is there an absurd location that they proposed to you, like the first concert in space in history?
PIERO= The Kiyomizu Dera Temple. You must know that it is the oldest temple in the city of Kyoto and no one has ever held a concert there, because it is a temple overlooking a forest, so there is no audience there, and because they had to make a special to then broadcast in cinemas in Japan and therefore we recorded this concert without the audience, so it was the conductor or the orchestra who applauded. It was special and I also remember the heat and humidity of that evening, but it’s beautiful!
M.CAMPESE= ….and you can’t forget the overhang either…
PIERO= But it was dark, so you didn’t notice.
LA ZAC= While waiting for this festive event in Agrigento, I would say to get into the mood with the song Happy Christmas War is Over.
LA ZAC= This is the international version (they laugh because at the end of the song Ignazio was humming the song)
M.CAMPESE= Sorry but abroad, what is the Italian song that they ask you to sing the most?
PIERO= The one he was singing (Ignazio)
IGNAZIO= GELATO AL CIOCCOLATO (it is the title of a much sung Italian song). No, no, you know one of the most coveted is always IL MONDO, it’s one of those songs that….
M.CAMPESE= Where you go, they ask you.
IGNAZIO= …..everyone sings it, our audience, wherever we are, always sing it. Like now we’ve finished the tour in Europe and IL MONDO was one of the last songs on the set list and everyone was singing it.
GIANLUCA= And most don’t speak Italian, so they know the text by heart.
PIERO= Actually, I agree with what Ignazio said, on the European tour IL MONDO was the third to last, then after two or three dates we realized that it was the most awaited and therefore we decided to end the concert with IL MONDO .
IGNAZIO= But then the nice thing, there are a lot of people who meet us and tell us:
“You know we started studying Italian for you. I speak a little Italian because I wanted to understand your songs, because I always listen to you and I want to learn Italian.”
That’s also one of the goals we’ve always had, to be an example, to encourage people to do something good with our songs, whether it’s listening to them, or singing them and learning Italian.
PIERO= The best thing we heard, we were in the U.S. last week…..
IGNAZIO= But did you put THE FLIGHT on because we are guests or is it the title of the program???
LA ZAC= Both!!
PIERO=…… we were in the U.S. in Chicago, a lady comes to us and asks us: “But do you sing PAVAROTTI in your concerts?”
Do you know what that lady meant? NESSUN DORMA was titled PAVAROTTI for her.
LA ZAC= How would the NESSUN DORMA Pavarotti version do?
IGNAZIO= Okay, MUSICA CHE RESTA!
LA ZAC = Now begins a tour called ALL FOR ONE AD ASTRA LIVE in the Palasport, from January 10th in Iesolo, then followed by Milan, Treviso, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Rome, Eboli, Bari and Messina, and then there is it’s the whole European session in autumn 2025, so, in short, the guys are always around.
M.CAMPESE= When they come back through Italy they withdraw 200, like in Monopoly and then they go. Stay with us if you have any questions, see you soon with Il Volo in the studio at RTL 102.5.
In THE FLIGHT it is 3:48pm. I imagine people stopping you on the street and out of nowhere asking you: “Excuse me, are you giving me a sharp note?”, coldly, like that!
IGNAZIO = On the fly (immediately)
PIERO= (turning to La Zac) Do you remember I told you about the airport?
LA ZAC= Ah it’s true: “Take a flight to Il Volo” (in Italian THE FLIGHT is IL VOLO – laughter)
IGNAZIO= No, come on, guys, please!!
M.CAMPESE= But it doesn’t happen that many times.
IGNAZIO= Always.
M.CAMPESE= Come on!
IGNAZIO= I swear, always!
M.CAMPESE= But isn’t it true, come on, in Italy?
IGNAZIO= Always, the best thing is that whoever says it also feels cool. “On the fly with Il Volo ah ah ah”
PIERO= Matteo (Campese) always does this.
M.CAMPESE= Of course, I always do this.
IGNAZIO= Ok, and now what are we talking about?
LA ZAC= There are many things to say, and precisely because there are many we try to skim and say the most immediately important things.
PIERO= A little while ago you spoke about the Palasport. Will you come to Milan?
LA ZAC= Yes, I really think so.
GIANLUCA= Yes, Zac, also because we are returning to the Palasport where we will always play the important songs of these 15 years, but we will also play all the new songs from the new album AD ASTRA and then we are building things for the first time, also in the musical part different ones we’ve never done. So in the musical part there will be some interludes…..
PIERO= Don’t spoil anything….
GIANLUCA= Let’s not spoil but also the beginning, it will be a very exciting beginning, so it will be a show for everyone, not just for lovers of this musical genre.
IGNAZIO= Let’s say that the tour in the arenas will be more of a show in all respects, rather than a television concert.
GIANLUCA= And I would like to say that this summer we were on tour, but now we are going to propose a totally different type of show compared to what they saw this summer, furthermore in Palasport a different concept of tour is usually proposed compared to theaters or to summer outdoor seats. So we are very happy to be able to return to the Palasport.
LA ZAC= We remember: 10 January IESOLO, then Milan, Treviso, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Rome, Eboli, Bari and Messina, then maybe we will also give you the European dates, but then we said that there is also the appointment with this great concert from Agrigento for the holidays, so in short, we will have Il Volo available.
GIANLUCA= Yes, we’ll join you for dinner on the 24th.
PIERO= Christmas Eve.
LA ZAC= Good, good. And now SATURNO E VENERE.
M.CAMPESE= RTL 102.5 at 3:53pm, a lot of messages have arrived in the meantime at this time here, there is one asking if you are planning the release of a new book.
GIANLUCA= No.
PIERO= We are not Fabio Volo (writer)
GIANLUCA= I also wanted to say hello to IRAMA, Filippo (real name of Irama who sang Saturno e Venere with Il Volo), apart from the fact that he is a friend, and we are very happy to have made this contrast of musical genre, which then we are the first to have done it, it all started with MISERERE with Zucchero and Bocelli and then with Pavarotti and Friends which brought this series of vocal collaborations. And then it’s nice to be able to follow in the footsteps of our idols again and with Irama we are happy to have brought lyrical pop to everyone again after so many years, even with Irama it was a beautiful collaboration.
M.CAMPESE= (in the meantime Piero and Ignazio and La Zac were laughing and then Matteo asks why) What happened?
IGNAZIO= Nothing, you’re a curious guy. He’s right (Gianluca), the beautiful thing is not to put barriers to music, it’s one of the most important things, not many people understand it and so we are happy that Filippo, Irama, has agreed to do a duet with us, especially here in Italy where perhaps our gender is always seen as something unusual for three thirty year old boys and we tend to avoid it, it was like this until we won Sanremo and we are following the path we are following, it is useless to deny the evidence, therefore for we are very grateful to Irama for this.
LA ZAC= Incidentally, just yesterday Matteo and I were remembering the time Barbra Streisand called you on stage: “Ignazio, Gianluca, Piero, Il Volo.”
PIERO= That was one of the best collaborations because in the end we were busy for 12 dates, about two months in the U.S. with her, we weren’t the opening act, we were an integral part of the show and we entered with the background of this song (he hums the tune), a very nice thing, and then the situation changed because we sang SMILE by Charlie Chaplin and when she entered , I remember it was 10 years ago now, she came in with this voice, I can’t describe that voice…
IGNAZIO= Magical!
PIERO= Magical! Ignazio found it and so I have to say that the tour with Barbra was a great school.
LA ZAC= It was also one of the first great goals of your career.
IGNAZIO= We leave you in AMONG THE WAVES.
LA ZAC= Il Volo on RTL 102.5.
GIANLUCA= I want to take a few seconds to thank all the authors, the producers who are truly the best in Italy at the moment, who we have relied on in this year and a half to be able to pull together and write this album, so I don’t all the names otherwise I’ll forget some but thank you so much for your support and for helping us express ourselves musically like we’ve never done.
M.CAMPESE= Thanks to you guys for this magical hour, it must be said!
IGNATIO= Abracadabra!!! (laughter)
LA ZAC= Thanks to Il Volo!! In January in Palasport.
PIERO= Happy holidays!
IGNAZIO= See you in the Palasport.
GIANLUCA= Bye everyone!
Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca have participated in several radio interviews in recent days, I won’t give you any other full translations, also because the questions are repeated, there aren’t even full videos, and therefore I will translate the best things for you, except for one of them, the interview with RAI RADIO 2 which is really very beautiful. Later, perhaps after the Christmas holidays, I will send you the entire translated interview because the questions and answers really deserve to be read!
The short video I propose below is part of the ISORADIO interview. Turn on subtitles!!
The next video is part of the RADIO NORBA interview.
In the short telephone interview they talk about the new tour, the new projects for the new single and the meaning of the lyrics of the new album. Then they talk about the Christmas concert, then remember the dates of the Palasport and wish them Christmas wishes!!
While I’m writing to you, I’m listening to the interview live onRAI RADIO 1,so I can’t keep up with these three who NEVER stop!!
Furthermore, just today on the weeklyTV SORRISI E CANZONI TVthere is a nice interview with Il Volo.
It will be a magical eve, the evening of December 24th on Canale 5. With the special Christmas Concert from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
SO THE HOLIDAYS TAKE IL VOLO
Guys, the time difference is bothering you!
IGNAZIO= The Melt stops being melted and we become melted….
PIERO= We sleep on the plane and don’t feel tired.
GIANLUCA= We’ve already done 45 minutes of running.
When we reach them on a video call, in Italy it is 7pm and at their place it is 10am. The artists of the Il Volo trio, connected from the U.S., appear relaxed and relaxed. Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble are in America because they participated as super guests in a special Andrea Bocelli event in California.
On the stage of the Kia Forum in Inglewood (Los Angeles) you sang IL GLADIATORE and O SOLE MIO in duet with Bocelli, with the audience in a frenzy.
GIANLUCA= When Andrea, who was next to Zucchero, announced our entrance on stage by saying “Make way for the young people” a roar could be heard.
IGNAZIO= Enormous affection.
PIERO= It means that, even if we are still guys, in 15 years of our career we have sown. But you never get used to certain emotions.
Now another magical night awaits you: on December 24th you will be the protagonists of the Canale 5 concert, Il Volo – Natale ag Agrigento.
PIERO= The opportunity to admire the Valley of the Temples as you have never seen it. It is a special moment: Agrigento will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025.
Will you perform with the orchestra and choirs?
GIANLUCA= Complete package: there will be 120 of us on stage. Lineup of the evening?
IGNAZIO= If I’m not mistaken there will be 28 steps 😁
PIERO= Ignazio loves to joke, but in reality, as in any self-respecting concert of ours, there will be our successes, unreleased ones, hits like Capolavoro, but also all the great Christmas classics.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
GIANLUCA= White Christmas, in the 40s version of Bing Crosby, because it started Christmas songs as we understand them today.
PIERO= For me Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano
IGNAZIO= I say “Astro del ciel” , because I sang it as a child in school plays. What a beautiful Christmas atmosphere, with family lunches and all the gifts.
Do you three exchange Christmas presents every year?
PIERO= It’s not obligatory, because we think about it when it happens, without waiting for anniversaries.
GIANLUCA= Promise, we’ll make it this year.
IGNAZIO= Just don’t give me books that only you like and that I will never read.
PIERO= Ignazio, don’t do that, come on. This year is his first Christmas as a husband, you have to understand that.
Ignazio, tell me: how did you get on with the decorations? Have you delegated everything to your wife Michelle?
IGNAZIO= No, we made the tree together. In mid-November it was already decorated, because my wife is Venezuelan and the Christmas atmosphere starts earlier, on October 31st.
An essential Christmas Eve ritual?
PIERO= Dinner with relatives.
GIANLUCA= With bingo, cards, but not only: I like many unconventional board games.
IGNAZIO= Panettone with raisins and almonds.
If each of you were a character from the nativity scene, who would it be?
IGNAZIO= Right now the ox, maybe I should go on a diet a bit.
GIANLUCA= The little child who brings light to the other two.
PIERO= Then I am Saint Joseph who will give you a stick on your head. 😁
In the Canale 5 schedule, however, you are like the Three Wise Men. You have just hit the Auditel, even in reruns, with the TUTTI PER UNO concerts, three evenings at the Verona Arena. Does Mediaset already pamper you for other events?
IGNAZIO= With Pier Silvio Berlusconi (CEO of Mediaset) we have established an excellent relationship of trust and mutual respect.
PIERO= The conditions are there.
GIANLUCA= We have many ideas that we would like to realize. Meanwhile, the 2025 agenda is filling up with commitments….
IGNAZIO= In January we return to Italy in the indoor stadiums, in March we then fly to America for the World Tour.
GIANLUCA= And in autumn we have added new dates in Europe and others will arrive soon.
Good resolutions for the new year?
PIERO= I would quote maestro Franco Battiato (Italian composer and singer) “Being the best version of us.”
What do you wish the readers of Sorrisi?
IGNAZIO= To spend the holidays in harmony with the family, not only at Christmas but every day of the year: this is the most important thing.
GIANLUCA= To put aside grudges, forgetting problems.
PIERO= To watch the concert on Canale 5 and sing with us!
And these two short videos have just been published, they concern the wishes sent by Il Volo during the presentation of the Mediaset schedules!
And with this for the moment we want to close by sending everyone our warmest wishes, from all the Flight Crew staff: ✨🎄
O HOLY NIGHT
May the weapons fall silent and peace triumph everywhere. ❤️❤️🙏❤️❤️✨
OMG – A RAINDROP!!! Was it really a raindrop on my head? And the rumble in the distance the sound of thunder? NO, NO, NO – this cannot be true, I think, while the worst feared scenario of all slowly appears for my eyes and ears. Yes, it has started to drizzle – and the stage crew rushes to amplifiers and monitors trying to push them under the roof or cover them in plastic. I am about to panic and my thoughts go straight to my experience some 1½ years ago when in Arena di Verona I spent more than 4 hours soaking wet in pouring rain while watching one of IL VOLO’s now legendary grand “Tutti per Uno” Canale 5 Shows. Was it going to be like that again? Well, at least I came well prepared this time having packed a big bag with several raincoats/covers, numerous sweaters, umbrellas and you name it– and, well I had studied the weather chart for weeks hence knowing that rain was a possibility in Macerata on the day in question. Likewise, after all this was yet early evening and just at the Soundcheck. But still…. OK, I am getting way ahead of my story, so let’s get back to the very beginning.
WHAT CAN I SAY? Having generously promised Daniela that I would write a personal review of my concert experience in Macerata I feel a bit in a loss right now sitting here by the computer – as what can I possibly add to the lovely article that she and Pat published a few weeks ago already filling you in on practically everything hence leaving very little uncovered? Yet, I shall be more than happy to share with you my personal ups and downs and many emotions in connection with same as well as try to take you along the concert as I did experience it through my eyes and ears. Do please bear with me though, if you feel you have heard it all before.
55 MINUTES IN DESPAIR! Suddenly – back in February – a mail from IL VOLO ticked into my inbox and in no time brought a lot of hulla-baloo and decision changes about. It was the revealing of tour dates and places for the upcoming Italian Summer concerts kindly offering the fans pre-sale. Wohoo. Yet the mail reached me around noon while the stated pre-sale would open later same day – in fact in less than 1 hour! I.e. leaving me with some just 55 minutes to figure out IF this was of interest at all, and IF so to act on same. Can you imagine the panic arising? Luckily, my husband was at home. I called him – eh, would you consider going to Italy (again) for our 2024 summer holiday? And if so, would you like to join (yet) an IL VOLO concert? We were already holding tickets for one of the Verona concerts in May – and at this stage a wine tasting tour to Burgundy in France were in the early talks and planning – so? I stroke luck, my hubby was ready to change plans. So far so good. BUT – which concert should we go for? And where in Italy should we spend our new holiday? A quick glance at the list didn’t make it easy as in fact very few of the mentioned venues were known to us… OK we do know a lot of Italy, yet, these were towns and places we had never heard of before – and knowing that we wouldn’t enjoy Rome, Naples or other big cities in the hot summer months we needed to do some speedy research. My husband quickly opened Google Maps and plotted in the potential venues to which I would comment – oh, that’s by the Northern Lakes, no, we will have covered that area in connection with the Verona concert; ah this is on the popular West coast but I’d rather try something less touristy – and Sicily, that’s too far away. So it went on, while the clock ticked. Finally, we learned where Macerata was located – and being early September, this seemed the right place for us to choose.
By now we had about 20 minutes left before the pre-sale opening, so we were going from panicking to hearty sweating. Next was to get logged into the Fanclub to get the needed booking code. Having an extremely slow internet, however, this is easier said than done, hence we sat down by both of our computers as well as activating the cell phone trying to get through. My husband succeeded, wohoo, but when opening the TicketOne booking site we were met with information in no way corresponding with the one listed by the Fanclub! The dates were not the same – how could that happen? Now we were totally frustrated – but by co-incidence I clicked one of the incorrect dates and voila the right date appeared on the next page! What??? By then we realized that somehow TicketOne had all the dates one month wrong on the opening page while the correct dates would appear if you continued. We found Macerata only to learn that this venue – as an exception – would not open for pre-sale for yet a week though. Jesus… Well, by now the pre-sale start had passed anyway. Before closing the computer, I thought I would click Macerata anyway though – to possibly learn the seat figuration and be better prepared. What? Now an unexpected active booking box popped up! Eh? Apparently it worked and bookings were already made! OK, back to panic trying to fill in the form as speedily as possible. This is yet an obstacle for us as none of us understand any Italian and the computer automatically tries to translate parts into a very bad Danish – leaving us most of the time guessing resulting in me ticking more or less all boxes off very well knowing that I do no doubt purchase insurances we do not need or postage by regular mail contra e-mail etc. But there is such a little time to fill in these forms if you are not to lose the seats you are trying to book – no alternatives though. Finally, the booking went through and apparently we were now holding two front-row tickets to the concert in Macerata coming September the 5th. Sigh and a big relief 😊. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one going through these nightmares each time booking IL VOLO tickets – or can you recognize yourself in this story?
Tickets
SOUND & “SIGHTING” Now back to the beginning – namely our arrival in Macerata and the Soundcheck to which we had obtained access as well. We were just some 25 fans and did easily find good seats right in front. Gianluca had already finished his first song – “Eleanor Rigby”– while we were waiting outside, and Piero was ready to take over. Duly instructions as to not use our cell phones or to take direct contact to any of the guys were given. All fine with us. A quick glance around and we realized that just behind us Ignazio’s girlfriend Michelle and brother were seated. Does she ever look sweet with a pretty smile. A bit further up Michele Torpedine and Gianluca’s father were standing in the aisle checking it all out – and not far from us his brother Ernesto Jr. and friends were chatting. Hence, we were surrounded by familiar and lovely people. The guys rehearsed several tunes when suddenly we hear the first notes of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber tune “The Music of the Night” (Phantom of the Opera) – and Gianluca starts singing in the softest of softest voice… It sounds fantastic and I give him the thumbs up. Apparently he had finally decided to try out this song in Europe for the very first time. (It was on the Japanese set-list). I think I was just as excited about this experiment as he – and I could hardly wait to learn if he would actually do it. As you all know by now – he did! 😊 He never sang “Eleanor Rigby” though.
But we were in for more treats! Towards the end Piero did suddenly come down and greeted each and every one of the fans with a genuine handshake and honest attention to each of us. I had not seen this coming and it was a great and wonderful surprise. And what gorgeous brown eyes and lovely smile that guy has…😉. I must admit that he “won” an extra star with me right there. It didn’t take many minutes, so any of them could easily have done so. Gianluca passed just next to us a couple of times – his mind, however, elsewhere with looks firmly directed at Michel and his father to whom he went to discuss over some issues. I didn’t really “feel” Ignazio this time – but his thoughts were probably fully occupied with the upcoming wedding and his Michelle being around. They were, however, all at the end called to one corner of the stage for a small PR activity – and then the first drop of rain reached my head… What now? At first it did, however only drizzle for a bit and with the check apparently being officially over, people started leaving. When hubby and I left our seats we were few meters from Ercole Ginoble only – and having met him very briefly in Verona together with Daniela – well, I thought it would only be OK and right to go and say a proper hello to him. And so we did. To my delight he did recognize me and we got a nice handshake and a couple of words. By then the rain started up for good and both he and we were asked to leave the theatre. We left the Arena happy though – glad that we had attended. But now it rained… Unlike Verona, Macerata appeared to be a rather slow place with very little activity – but we did manage to find a café that was ready to move people together in shelter of the few umbrellas available and had prepared for some ready-to-go anti pasti we could enjoy while waiting to be let into the theatre again. We ended up in good company – as not long after Michel Torpedine, Ercole Ginoble and a few others from the management team showed up and were seated two tables away from us only. We were now all “in the same boat”. Luckily, after an hour or so the rain did however stop and it cleared up. We were sooooo relieved!
Me in front the Arena
Husband in the rain waiting for concert
SFERISTERIO DI MACERATA – AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM Already at our arrival in Macerata the evening before we acquainted ourselves with this arena – and what a beautiful place it appeared to be! Not the least when illuminated in the evenings. Coming inside we were re-confirmed in the fact that this arena indeed is a true architectural gem. Having visited Arena di Verona a number of times I am still impressed and in awe when entering same – but albeit Sferisterio di Macerata isn’t 2000 years old but rather “just” a mere 200 – it gives you the same whir of history and feeling of grandness. The first stones were laid in 1823 and the construction in Neoclassical style with impressive arches is considered the masterpiece of the Italian architect Ireneo Aleandri. Originally serving as a playground for the ancient sport “Pallone col bracciale” but likewise as the venue for circus, equestrian events, tennis etc. – not until one hundred years later it became the home of the famous Macerata Opera Festivals. It is oddly oval-shaped with a tall 3-story “gallery” on the three sides while the fourth is one long tall brick wall with no frills that seems to function as partly stage by means of a cat-walk like narrow path while a rather small stage is found at the very center of same. The latter puzzled me as I lack to see how they can transform these facilities into the grand scenery needed for big operas. In fact I was surprised that the major stage wasn’t broader hence the purchased seats that I had thought would be kind of front mid appeared to be to the furthest left of same… Well, a bit disappointing but worked out all OK and gave good visibility of everything throughout the show. Further the guys were good at taking in the long cat-walks from time to time giving those seated far out a thrill too. A true unusual setting indeed – even with a railed boardwalk down to the audience placed right in the middle and grass under our feet! This amazing venue added to the entire experience and was a highlight in itself.
NOTE: In spite of our good seating we would have appreciated a couple of big screens too though as watching IL VOLO you gain so much more when you can observe their facials and small antics close up – and it would be so much to the advantage of those seated far out or high up. Yet again, personally we shall not complain and now we know exactly where to choose seats should we get yet an opportunity.
The Arena all lit in the evening
Arial photo of the Arena inside
Me seated in my front row inside the Arena
“IL VOLO” FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING IL VOLO doesn’t just bring us wonderful musical experiences – they also bring people from the entire world together. Just look at our little community here – but not the least when we meet up personally at concerts and get to greet each other face to face. We unite regardless of race, faith and nationalities – bound together by our common appreciation and love for these guys and their beautiful music. Some friendships evolve and become true long-lasting relationships. At this concert I had the pleasure of meeting up with a couple of our Australian fans – Zdravka Stepic-Clark and Angela Hobson. We had briefly exchanged words on Facebook – and now, we were suddenly meeting in the flesh chatting and sharing experiences as had we known each other for ever. It was such a pleasure and lots of fun. Waiting in line for the Soundcheck everyone was likewise chatting with each other. In all kind of tongues, by means of Google translate and finger languages as coming from none the less than Brazil, Chile, Australia, the US, East Europe, Italy – and of course Denmark. 😊
At the café in the rain by chance we were seated next to a very nice lady who turned out to come from Finland – and in no time we were engaged in interesting conversations. This is exercising “international understanding” in its finest form! IL VOLO may not be fully aware – but I can testify to that having worked with this topic for years both voluntarily and professionally. Among others as exchange student/returnee with the Intl. org. “Youth for Understanding” and as staff in the Int. org, “People to People” started by president Eisenhower years back. Doing it IL VOLO-style is, however, a lot more fun. 😊
Me and the two Australian fans
TOP NOTCH CONCERT By now you may be thinking – is she ever coming around to tell about that concert? Of course – but having read all of Daniela’s many fine reviews on this year’s Italian “Tutti per Uno” concerts you are probably all very well familiar with the concept, the core repertoire and the way of execution of same – but I’m naturally more than happy to fill you in on exactly my evening. The repertoire was indeed very varied duly representing the many genres they master – maybe with an overweight of songs from the new “Ad Astra” album. As we have come to learn they seem to tailor-make each single repertoire to the particular audience in front of them – hence never being exactly the same. However, taking place in Italy and being part of their process of reaching out for a younger crowd as well this choice felt only natural. As a consequence of this, the legendary Bel Canto songs were likewise omitted – unless you count “Un Amore Così Grande” into this category. I trust, however, that it will be the other way around once they prepare the repertoire for their upcoming US Tour. As in Verona they opened the evening with “Nelle tue mani” from the Gladiators – a pompous and majestic tune perfect for the purpose and truly showing the strength and capacity of their beautiful voices. Down this more lyrical line we were likewise pampered with their always forceful interpretation of “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot and the beautiful “Miserere”. Albeit being the “Tutti per Uno” concept they did in no way let us down as to beloved tunes from their basic repertoire such as “My Way”, “Caruso”, “Il Mondo” and of course “Grande Amore”. To my great personal pleasure, they had likewise decided to perform quite a range of songs from my absolute favorite album: “IL VOLO sings Morricone” including “Ecstasy of Gold”, “Your love”, “Se”, “Telefonando” and “Here’s to you”. I was thrilled as I do truly love all these tunes.
All 3 guys in the opening song.
As apparently having become a tradition they went off stage and into the audience while singing the latter. We had the pleasure of Gianluca passing right by us handing out loose handshakes to those who could catch hold of his hand – but really not looking at anyone directly… – while at the next section of fans in wheel-chairs he stopped and greeted each and every one with a thorough handshake/touch and big personal smile, which was very thoughtful and loving. A bit later we caught sight of him again – now in the middle of the Arena where he found one of the Stefano twins and other of his personal close friends. They got big hugs. Meanwhile Ignazio had worked his way up the mid aisle smiling, hugging and shaking hands with many fans. Piero we couldn’t follow as he was spending his time at the other side of the Arena. No doubt this gesture – and big trust in their audience – is one of the highlights of their concerts very much appreciated and loved not only by the fans but undoubtedly likewise by themselves. They seem so happy doing it. I cannot, however, avoid worrying about that one day there may be a lunatic amidst the crowd…
Gianluca greeting fans in wheelchairs
Piero strolling one of the long cat-walks
Likewise having turned into a tradition seems the dedication of the legendary Leonard Cohen tune “Hallelujah” to those less fortunate – i.e. people in the services, in need, sick or otherwise suffering and not the least those that are being thoroughly missed. Asking the audience to light their cell phones and sing along it is a very touching and moving moment. With the recent big loss of their beloved Barbara in mind I had, however, feared this song a bit – but the guys seemed to have come to terms with the situation and coped ok. A close-up at a big screen may have revealed something else though – I don’t know. No matter what – their profound and heartfelt interpretation of this song is always beautiful.
All 3 singing Hallelujah
Songs from the new “Ad Astra” album prevailed this evening including among others: “Capolavoro”, “Succede”,” Framenti di universe”, “Who wants to live forever” and the long version of “Ad Astra”. I must admit that I am still struggling a bit with this album – it shall never be my favorite – but I am truly in awe with their version of the Queen song. It is such a fantastic tribute to Freddie Mercury and in my opinion even better than the original… Ignazio is truly challenging the high notes here which he, however, effortlessly reaches as a piece of cake and embraces with his unique strong, rough and yet delicate voice. WOW. All while Gianluca and Piero add warmth, softness and fervor to the profound words leading up to same. And yes, I did write, warmth, softness and fervor – not words I would normally connect with Piero, but I am sure that all of you have likewise noted that Piero has added new dimensions to his voice? He seems now to master soft and less lyric timbres just as well as Gianluca and Ignazio – at times leaving me in doubt as to whom is actually singing a particular phrase.
“Who wants to live forever” Ignazio
A special force of “Il VOLO” is no doubt the capacity of their highly individual voices and personal musical preferences – and the concept “Tutti per Uno” enables them to deliver a unique repertoire broader and more varied than any other performing groups I know of. Genial! Hence, I am always looking forward to their soli and wondering what they will choose that particular night – none the less this time. Piero pampered us expectedly once again with lyric arias incl. the beautiful “Amor , Vida de Mi Vida”. Not being particularly versed in the field of opera I am embarrassed to admit that I cannot recall nor know the name of the other ones… but as always he impresses us with his powerful voice and dedication to deliver to perfection. I can only repeat myself – he gets better and better – certainly now harvesting following the many hours spent rehearsing and learning. Ignazio chose among others to sing “Almeno tu nell’ universo” – an absolute favorite of his undoubtedly meaning a lot to himself personally and hence performed with such a fervor and passion immediately spreading to the audience making us all feel his pains and emotions. Beautiful.
Piero in one of his soli
Ignazio singing solo
AND “THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL” are the words I do normally use referring to Piero, who at my five previous concerts undoubtedly always has obtained the most and longest standing ovations. Not this time though… as – finally – Gianluca showed everyone the broad range and vocal capacity of his voice. Confirming what an awesome and unique singer he truly is! Likewise, being able to embrace demanding, strong and challenging pieces of music. Coupled with his profound embodying and passionate interpretation of text and character he gave us an unforgettable performance of the beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber song “The Music of the Night”. WOW!!! – huge kudos to him. I have waited for so long for him to take this step – and those of you who have read my previous reviews will have noticed that over and over I have applauded Gianluca’s solo performances but likewise – right from the very beginning – added that I didn’t think he did challenge himself sufficiently and hence didn’t show us his full potential. Stating that I would love to hear him sing i.e. “The Phantom of the Opera” – so very little knowing, that I was actually going to experience him doing so. It didn’t come as a total surprise though. Early this year we did learn that it was to be found on the Japanese set list – but not being among those chosen for the Verona concerts I thought he might have given it up… Hence, my surprise was huge when at the Soundcheck I heard him rehearsing it. Yet again, would he actually do it? But, yes, indeed he did – and I cannot find words to describe my feelings when listening. I was mesmerized… I have never heard him sing any song this beautifully. The first phrases softer than soft – immediately capturing you. And the way in which he built up the story taking you along all the way – he didn’t just sing the song – he WAS the Phantom! You owe to yourselves to watch some of the videos clearly showing how he “entered” the character and embodied same with beautiful narrative arm and hand movements… The high and powerful notes of the highlight of the song were effortlessly reached without as much as a raised eyebrow. I was breathless – the hair rose on my arms… I had to give up videotaping as I wanted to give this moment my full attention and not one to be experienced through a lens. And the audience loved it giving him the biggest standing ovation of the night – albeit I felt it should have been even longer and louder. If you listen to some of the videos, I am sorry to say, it is my loud wow-wow-wooowwwwws you can hear, as I couldn’t stop myself. Gianluca was “The King of this Concert” and the winner of it all this evening!
Gianluca in one of his soli
“The Music of the Night” from IL VOLO e Clase, YouTube
POST CONCERT BLUES Having so many forceful and strong songs in their repertoire these days it seemed that they had difficulties in choosing the closing-tune as several times towards the end I was presuming that this must be the last song – yet only to experience another great tune to follow. Even though they did actually all leave the stage for a moment – they did return and, of course, they couldn’t terminate the concert without their all-time biggest hit “Grande Amore” followed by Ignazio’s legendary reversed countdown. And away they were. Immediately leaving me with an empty feeling and a rising new craving … I was already suffering from the “Post Concert Blues”… In no time the arena was empty but we couldn’t just go home and call it a night, so albeit finding Macerata so absolutely without any signs of night-life, we did spot lights at a single bar in the town square and headed towards same to slowly throttle down over a night-cap. More people followed along and shortly afterwards we were joined by musicians and technical crew who apparently needed to unwind a bit too before going to bed. A wonderful evening had come to an end!
THE ICING ON THE CAKE Sometimes you can strike luck – and so we did when a couple of days later we “stumbled” across Gianluca in the street and enjoyed a few minutes’ private chat. He did even offer to take the selfie himself! What a likeable, humble and totally down-to-Earth young man he is. Swiftly you forget that you are chatting with a huge international star – albeit I did get a bit star-struck and stumbled over the words at first – but apart from among others congratulating him with the fantastic concert in Macerata I did manage among others to briefly discuss with him IL VOLO’s lacking presence In Scandinavia and the various attempts I have been launching in this respect in the hope of creating awareness and getting them played in Danish radio and TV. He was aware and tried to comfort me telling that work was in process and in a couple of years…. Very sweet. In no time five or more minutes had passed and he walked on to do his business. What can I say – this meeting was way above my highest expectations. Apparently dreams can come true. The best thinkable holiday memory had just been created – a moment I shall never forget and cherish in my heart forever.
Selfie of Gianluca, Kirsten and hubby, Steen
I hope you have enjoyed reading my story and send you all my love.💗 Kirsten.
ATTN: All footage and video clips are private and credit of Steen & Kirsten Langer.
Exceptions: Arial photo of Sferisterio Arena – photographer unknown. The full video of “The Music of the night” credit “Il Volo e clase”, YouTube.
The summer Italian tour, which began in Caracalla, continues through several beautiful Italian locations.
June 30 CATTOLICA
Cattolica is a beautiful town located in Emilia Romagna, and overlooks the Adriatic Sea, a destination for many summer tourists.
The concert included both the new songs from “Ad Astra” and their “workhorses”.
Many short videos from fans whom we thank in advance. I offer you some:
It all started with “NELLE TUE MANI” (Now we are free) from Gladiator!
WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER
UN AMORE COSÌ GRANDE
FRAMMENTI DI UNIVERSO
THE ECSTASY OF GOLD
SUCCEDE
I propose to you the beautiful words published by Annalisa Valeriani …
Last night’s concert was wonderful!!! Those 2 hours flew by and I sang at the top of my lungs, I laughed, I was moved, I screamed and I felt indescribable emotions!!!
My mom and I were in the second row and we saw them very well!!! Then before the concert my parents and I arrived as rehearsals were starting, we listened to them outside the Arena and I liked them very much!!! What about the 3 of them? Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero were beautiful, very elegant and full of energy!!! They give me so much without knowing it, they make me feel good and make me happy with their songs!!! I am very happy that they have returned for the second time to Cattolica, a seaside city that I have loved since I was one year old!!! PUPPIES I LOVE YOU!!!
And this was written by PULP CONCERTI.
Il Volo, what a Masterpiece! 🎼🎤
An evening full of emotions and great music that inaugurated the 2024 season of concerts at the Cattolica Arena. ❤️
Two hours of passionate and moving repertoire with tributes to great singer-songwriters such as Battiato, Cohen and Sinatra.
Having successfully archived the concert in Emilia Romagna, Il Volo will go to Veneto where it will perform two concerts: Marostica and Venice.
The governor of Veneto: Luca Zaia published these beautiful words:
🗣️🎤🎶 This weekend will be a “Masterpiece” with the double concert of Il Volo in Veneto!
The opera trio, which this year celebrates 15 years of career, will enchant two of the most beautiful squares in our region: Piazza degli Scacchi in Marostica this evening and Piazza San Marco in Venice tomorrow evening.
WELCOME TO VENETO GIANLUCA, IGNAZIO AND PIERO‼
July 3 MAROSTICA
3 July, the concert is in Marostica in the beautiful Piazza degli Scacchi (where the chess game is played with real people).
Unfortunately the weather was not favourable, it was cloudy all day and it rained in the evening, the Il Volo concert opened the concert season in Marostica.
But despite the weather it was a success. I immediately propose this article from THE FRONT ROW:
IL VOLO: SOLD OUT FOR THE FIRST EVENING OF THE MAROSTICA SUMMER FESTIVAL
The first evening of the Marostica Summer Festival featured the famous trio Il Volo, who gave the public an unforgettable musical experience despite the adverse weather conditions. With a sold out which confirmed their popularity, the three young tenors demonstrated once again their talent and their ability to enchant audiences of all ages.
Despite the pouring rain that accompanied the evening, the audience of the Marostica Summer Festival did not let itself be discouraged, filling every corner of the suggestive Piazza Castello to watch the trio’s performance. Il Volo was able to transform a meteorologically unfavorable evening into a memorable event, performing with great energy and passion.
Il Volo, composed of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, began its journey in 2009, when the three met while participating in the talent show “Ti lascio una canzone”. Since then, their career has been a crescendo of successes that has led them to tread the most prestigious stages in the world.
In 2010, Il Volo released their first album of the same name, which quickly climbed the international charts, achieving great success in Italy and abroad. Their unique style, which blends Italian opera tradition with pop, has won over a large audience, making them ambassadors of Italian music in the world.
Throughout their career, Il Volo has collected numerous awards and recognitions, testimony to their talent and dedication to music. Among the most important awards, the victory at the Sanremo Festival in 2015 with the song “Grande Amore” stands out, which marked a turning point in their career, leading them to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest of the same year, where they placed third.
Their album “Grande Amore” went platinum in Italy and consolidated their international fame. The trio has also received numerous other awards, including Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Special Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wind Music Awards.
The concert setlist included some of their most famous songs, alternating with pieces from their latest album. The perfect harmony of their voices, combined with their stage presence and ability to interact with the audience, created a magical atmosphere that warmed the hearts of those present.
The trio once again demonstrated their professionalism, adapting to the difficult climatic conditions and maintaining a high level of performance. The audience, for its part, responded with enthusiasm, applauding and singing along with the three tenors, in an engaging exchange of emotions.
The success of Il Volo at the Marostica Summer Festival is yet another confirmation of their ability to unite different generations through music.
Their modern interpretation of the opera tradition continues to win fans around the world, making them one of the most loved and respected Italian groups internationally.
The first evening of the Marostica Summer Festival was a triumph of talent and passion, thanks to the extraordinary performance of the Il Volo trio. Despite the rain, the audience was able to live a unique experience, confirming once again that quality music can overcome any obstacle.
And here are some videos in a nice summary of the evening made by Due Punti Events.
Despite the rain, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca joined the audience during HERE’S TO YOU.
HALLELUIAH + SUCCEDE
This article from TV A VICENZA which I translated for you is also very nice.
WITH “IL VOLO” THE MAROSTICA SUMMER FEST TAKES OFF
Thank you emotions last night in Marostica thanks to the performance of “Il Volo”, in a Piazza degli Scacchi seething with enthusiasm despite the rain.
VOICE= The rain does not slow down the take-off of the Marostica Summer Festival Volksbank. Il Volo immediately sold out at the fourth stop in Piazza degli Scacchi where it debuted in 2014.
GIANLUCA= Thanks for still being here after 10 years. (cheers)
IGNAZIO= Especially on these summer evenings, arid, not very humid. (laughter)
PIERO= However, I have to tell you, the water I see in Veneto, nowhere. (laughter – he means that the rain he sees in Veneto, he doesn’t see anywhere, remembering that even the concert in the Arena one year ago, Verona is also in Veneto)
VOICE= Under ponchos and cloaks, 4,000 applaud Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, standard bearers of pop-lyrical music that conquers international audiences.
The 10 years of the Festival coincide with the 15 years of career that the trio celebrates with the TUTTI PER UNO – CAPOLAVORO tour, from the title of the song taken to Sanremo.
New projects but also a return to their origins in the square that saw them take flight.
July 4 VENICE
And here we are at the 4thofJuly, a very important date to remember for you Americans!!!
The concert is in Venice in the beautiful Piazza S. Marco, a truly beautiful corner that serves as a backdrop for our guys.
The weather is beautiful, the sky is blue and in the afternoon Gianluca sends us this short and beautiful video of the concert venue.
The evening is wonderful and Piazza San Marco is filled with people, everything is ready for the concert.
And here they are: Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero. ❤️❤️❤️
There are many videos from the evening that I am going to propose to you.
NELLE TUE MANI(Now we are free) from Il Gladiatore. (video from La Voce di Venezia)
SHOW MUST GO ON (Ignazio)
LA CURA (Gianluca)
AMOR VIDA DE MI VIDA
HERE’S TO YOU with Piero , Gianluca and Ignazio into audience and then ECSTASY OF GOLD.
The first concert in San Marco of the summer: the music stands out IL VOLO.
In Piazza San Marco, in Venice, two hours of music performed in the ‘classical bel canto’ style by Il Volo: an unforgettable evening.
The first concert in San Marco of the summer could not have had a better start. Pietro Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, aka Il Volo, won over the 6 thousand spectators (including coffee) with their fantastic voices used as perfect instruments (video below). It was an exciting evening as hasn’t happened in Venice for a long time.
A finally clear sky, a summer but cool evening, the splendid monumental setting of the most beautiful square in the world, were the setting for a special evening. On stage the musical group that has been enchanting the audience for 15 years with their harmonies and a classical repertoire that winks at the modern one loved by all.
The notes of opera arias by Puccini and Verdi, of songs by the legendary Ennio Morricone, of traditional Italian and international songs resonated in the San Marco wedding favor with great elegance. But all tastes will have been satisfied having ranged from A Love So Big to Nessun Dorma, from Caruso to At least you in the Universe, through the famous music of Gladiator, up to Hallelujah. And at the center of the program are their great successes: “Grande Amore”, and “Capolavoro” , which is already a Gold Record.
“Good evening Venice, for us it is a great emotion to be here to celebrate our 15 years of career together”. But the audience felt the emotion (and some shivers) of being able to hear those instruments with perfect intonation.
All the “women” of Il Volo were present at the concert: (from left) Eleonora Ginoble, (not very visible, she is turned away), follows Caterina Boschetto, Eleonora Barone, Nina Boschetto and Michelle Bertolini.
In the short video, during Here’s to You, Piero goes to kiss his mother, that day was Eleonora Barone’s birthday. 🎉🍾🥂🎂
Maestro Grani also published this photo with these words:
“I think back to the concert in Piazza San Marco, and I still feel a very intense emotion. I think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever played. And I think I’m very lucky. Thank you.”
But that’s not all, because the next day POOH performed in the same square, which you will surely remember well. POOH were guests of Il Volo last year in the Arena and Il Volo was their guest at the stadium.
Well POOH asked Il Volo to be their guests during the concert in Venice, they will sing two songs: PIERRE and UOMINI SOLI with them and the concert will be presented by Michelle Hunziker.
This concludes the adventure in Venice, now off to Val d’Aosta!!
It was certainly a spectacular concert which would certainly have been nice to attend, both to be able to applaud our golden boys again and again, but also for the beautiful location.
I watched the whole concert via web cam in the square, but of course there was no audio, but from the movements of our boys I could imagine their songs.
Outside the barriers of the square, many people had gathered to be able to listen in the distance and they always remained there until the end of the concert.
I read that the various “cafés” that have tables in the square asked for 120 euros to sit at a table where it was not possible to see the concert due to the barriers, but they could hear.
At the same time as me, Pat from Missouri and Kirsten from Denmark were also watching the webcam and exchanging impressions with me and once again we thought how much Il Volo and their music can unite and weave invisible threads from one extreme to the other.
In short, this time too everything went well, a great success, and a lot of satisfaction for our boys who are receiving wonderful reviews and a lot of warmth from the public.
Daniela 🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
Siena, sea, opera in Siena, San Galgano
Park Pratolino
All of us on our feet, singing Grande amore
O2 Arena, before the concert, from my seat
Gianluca’s photo of the Kafka statue
The light show as seen from my seat
Nelson Mandela stadium
