This story took me a very long time to write. Why? Because it shows us how between 2020 and 2023 the guys changed not who they are but how they present themselves. It’s part of maturity, of course, but not entirely! After being together constantly for 11 years they suddenly found themselves communicating by phone. A very unique thing for them. They were never more than a hotel room away.
The Last performance before returning to Italy on March 11, 2020
Sometimes people write to me and say, you know these guys so well! No, I don’t. Have I met them? Yes! Do I have a personal relationship with them? On many occasions I have communicated with one or another. But no, I’m just a fan like you! But the research I’ve done over the years has given me the tools to write my Il Volo stories. And this story required a lot of research because I needed to find the turning point the new beginning When the Tides Changed!
When exactly did that happen? I think we have to go back 2020. I think of the day when the guys walked out the door and said I’ve had enough of this and started to live their lives again. On that day, it wasn’t about isolation, it was about what they contributed during the time of isolation. It was about working their way into a new life, a new beginning.
What the guys did during this time formed the framework for a new Il Volo!
Things changed; the world changed but above all we all changed in some way. As to the guys, they stayed home but they couldn’t stay without something to do.
And so, it begins ~ 2020
In May 2020, the guys joined other Italian singers and artists to make a statement about the people and their situation. They sang about all people all over Italy; perhaps all over the world. Ma il cielo e’ sempre blu (But the sky is always blue). No matter what happens, the sky is always blue! That’s true! It was a catchy tune and before you know it we were all singing it!
In July 2020 the guys performed at the Taormina Film Festival.
During the time when they were preparing for this event, the guys did fund raisers including one for Dolce & Gabbana! Which brings me to another thing that happened during isolation. The guys took on a new line of clothing. The Armani men went Dolce & Gabbana!
They were stunning in their new Dolce & Gabbana tuxedos!
At the Taormina Film Festival they sang a beautiful Sicilian song. E Vui Durmiti Ancora (And you sleep again!) When they sang it, they brought tears to our eyes and a beautiful sense of pride to the Sicilian people! An absolutely amazing performance!
In September 2020 the guys went to the SMA Awards….
When the guys arrived on stage at the SMA Awards, they had a message for the world and all the people in the industry:
Ignazio: 2020 will be remembered as the year where the world would be constrained to be turned off.
Gianluca: For the music employees the verb “turn off” means the end of the show, when the curtains close and it is the waiting moment for the next show, but this time the waiting lasted more than expected, the silence was unavoidable.
Piero: Now, the world is getting ready to start again! Now the moment has arrived to raise the curtain! Now, we will turn on the music!
This beautiful statement was followed by the performance of the evening. Their choice of “Nessun Dorma” sent an even stronger message. It says we may have to perform under these new world conditions, but we don’t have to change who we are or why we’re here. In this ancient Arena we look to the past while following the path to the future.
From their first note the whole arena lit up. Their voices were clean and crisp. Their presence was illuminating. Their notes rose above the Arena into the night sky to let the world know music is back! The final note of their song sent the final message. All three voices rose in unison and their voices sent forth a note that took our breaths away! It said We Have Returned! “Turn on the Lights!”
What is so amazing about this is, over the months since they had left quarantine, they had almost single handedly brought back the music industry in Italy. All the work they did after their quarantine moved things forward in Italy. This included their most important project the concert in Tribute to Ennio Morricone and the recording of their album by the same name.
The guys have Hit the Restart Button! They have played a major part in the restart of the music industry In Italy!
In October 2020, the guys surprised us with a press conference with the Mayor of Rome. The meeting set the wheels in motion for a phenomenal project, a Tribute to Ennio Morricone!
As you know the event was supposed to take place in Piazza Pio XII in the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica. Due to the pandemic the venue had to be changed and the one million people who might have attended the free concert, were disappointed but, as always, the guys came through and on June 5, 2021, they held the performance of a lifetime at the ancient Arena of Verona! Who will ever forget it!
But we’ll get to that later.
This press conference was about a very ambitious project which included the genius of Il Volo and the music of Ennio Morricone. These four men, Il Volo and Ennio Morricone, have done extraordinary things in the music industry. Having worked together when they were teenagers the guys were the perfect people to present the legacy of Ennio Morricone!
On December 19, 2020, the guys went to St. Peters Square to record their Christmas Show. It was an exceptionally cold evening, and the guys were shivering as they sang. Behind them St. Peter’s Square was lit up and St. Peters and the Vatican shone brilliantly against the night sky! One light blared from the Papal residence. The light from the room of His Holiness Pope Francis. Together with Pope Francis we enjoyed a magnificent mini concert! Then the guys sent us a beautiful Christmas message!
Ten magnificent minutes at St. Peter’s Square. And this was their message to us!
In the middle of the video the guys spoke….
Gianluca: On this very special day in which, even though we are close, we are forced to stay apart, we wanted to find a way to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Ignazio: We did it in the way that best represents us with music in this extraordinary square where it seems like we are surrounded by two welcoming arms.
Piero: May Christmas with its magic bring a smile to your homes and warm your hearts. We will dedicate every note, every word on this Holy Night!
And at the end….
Gianluca: Merry Christmas
Ignazio: Happy New Year
Piero: Good life from Il Volo and Rai 1.
But there was one more message for the fans! The guys wanted to end 2020 on a high note!
How did they bring the year out? With a message from Verona!
Gianluca: Hello friends from Verona.
Ignazio: We should have seen each other in 2020, but we are ready to bring you a lot more music in 2021.
Piero: See you soon: Happy Holidays.
And so it is 2021….
On the last day of February, we got the sad news that Vito Boschetto had passed away! We were all shocked. We knew the guys were supposed to sing at San Remo but would they.
On a March evening when no one expected it, the guys including Ignazio stepped on the stage of the Ariston Theater and sang Your Love. We cried, the guys cried, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Without words it was understood that Ignazio did this to honor his father because he knew his father would want him to perform that evening!
This was the first sign of the true strength of Il Volo. A true brotherhood. From there the bond became stronger!
Your Love was and will always be the song that bonds us with the guys!
The other thing I remember very well about that night was that it was the first time we heard the song Màkari which was written by Ignazio for the Rai TV Series Màkari.
So we know Ignazio was writing during the pandemic.
I talk about San Remo and when I talk about it I have to say Carlo Conti played a big role in the career of Il Volo!
It seems every time there is a major event in their lives Conti was there.
In 2014 the guys made the decision to go to San Remo. As you know, at San Remo you must sing an unpublished song. When Michele Torpedine presented the song the guys chose, Conti said, “no they can’t win with that song.” Conti told Michele, “I know these two men who wrote a song I think is worthy.” Conti gave Michele the song and he presented it to the guys. As you know the guys didn’t like it, that is, everyone but Piero didn’t like it. Even though Piero liked the song, he didn’t think they could win with it! Of course, that song was Grande Amore!
On the evening of the award ceremony, it was Carlo Conti who said, “the winner is Il Volo.” Conti was very proud of the guys, and it was his great pleasure to present the guys with the Lion, top honors in the music industry in Italy.
As we arrive at 2021, we begin to see the results of what the guys did while they were in isolation.
First and foremost, they took on the Morricone project.
In June 2021, the guys did a concert in Verona. When I wrote about this concert I called it Phenomenal, because that’s what it was. Let’s take a look back at the Tribute to Ennio Morricone, where we witnessed an amazing transformation in their production. Not to mention the fact that it was their first Live Concert on TV with Rai 1.
This is where the tides begin to change….
I wrote about this concert, besides the superb performance by the guys, did you notice the interesting scenery? So different from what we are used to in an Il Volo concert. Spectacular scenery! And the videos that go along with each song. Such precision! Just amazing! Everything was so well thought out. Down to the last detail!
It’s obvious from this fantastic concert, while they were dealing with the pandemic, they were being very productive. Gianluca said, “We dealt with the pandemic productively, we tried not to give up. Young people must not give up the strength to believe in their dreams and pursue their goals.”
Piero reminds us that, “this is the first time we have performed a Concert live on TV.”
Yes, this is the first nod by Rai, but it wouldn’t be the last.
This was the first and only concert in 2021.
When the guys presented their songs they were presenting them in a new and different way. Each one told us what he always wanted to do in his solo and did it!
This is where it started. This is where individuality began to come into play.
They were mature, they were vibrant, they had come into their own individuality. They knew not what others wanted them to know, no they knew what they wanted, and this new idea of individuality was set into play.
They have matured in body and mind and their voices have gone to another level of magnificence!
Yes, we watched them grow but this is different. There’s a beautiful presence about them now. A certain elegance! After twelve years they haven’t waned, they’ve increased in strength and intensity! There is a certain power in their voices that grabs you from the first note of the concert to the last.
Each guy has grown into his voice and is showing a maturity and style the likes of which men who are approaching the end of their careers can only have imagined! Twelve years of a lifetime! A lifetime full of wonders and experience which most entertainers will never have the honor of knowing.
In September 2021, we had an exciting week with the guys. They went from Melpignano to Verona and shared every amazing moment with us!
I cut this video to where the guys are. If you wish to see the full concert, I added it at the end of this story.
Albano awaits their arrival of the guys on stage. He tells us about the song. It is from the region of Apulia, the region where he was born. He says, “It reminds me of the autumn song. It is the November song.”
November is the time of the olive harvest, and a man would always pass with a cart of olives to sell to the people. Albano and Ignazio sing a phrase in the Apulian dialect (“Who has olives, I have to buy them.”) Albano said when Modugno sang in the Apulian dialect he was very proud of him. Ignazio said, “So let’s hope, with this next song we will sing, to make you even more proud of your land.”
Albano tells the guys, You know that I am proud to have you here beside me…
Gianluca responded, and we are happy ….
Albano (continues) …simply because I baptized these two.
Albano is referring to Ignazio and Piero who he performed with on Ti Lascio Una Canzone. I remember those performances and that Albano was in awe of both of them. Then Albano continues about Gianluca who he didn’t perform with at Ti Lascio una Canzone.
Albano says, And to you, (Gianluca) you I baptize this evening.
Gianluca responds, One day, sooner or later, we will sing together. But it is nice, I can say, that these events make it possible to spread a musical culture like this of Taranta and it is right that young people are attached to the roots of these great events. We must not lose this desire to carry on traditions, we too, as young people, are proud to be here tonight.
Next stop Venezia! Talk about an exciting event!
In the afternoon the guys attended the award presentations where they were presented as winners of the 78th Film Italy Movie Awards.
Upon exiting the building, they were interviewed by an unknown man…
Man: This is not San Remo this is the cinema exhibition!
Piero: But it seems a little like San Remo, we meet, all familiar faces.
Gianluca: We are preparing a very ambitious recording project which is a tribute to maestro Ennio Morricone. We had the opportunity to collaborate with Vittorio Storaro in a music video, so we are here in the company of a great master of cinema, Vittorio Storaro.
Ignazio:He chose our voices for a tribute of the video of Your Love, which is shot in the Frasassi Caves, and therefore it is beautiful, this is not the first time we have come here. It is always a beautiful atmosphere. Venice is a place that is stupendous.
We were so proud of the award they won at the 78th Venice Film Festival, but that was only the beginning!
Next stop Verona…
Do you ever feel when they’re in Verona, they are home? I certainly do. To me they own the Verona Arena. Every performance there is phenomenal!
They returned to the Seat Music Awards to sing their beautiful song, “Your Love” and to pick up their second award for the week!
At the SMA awards Carlo presented the guys with their DIVA award…
Carlo said:I seriously read the inscription: Arena di Verona Award for Il Volo, for the tribute project to Ennio Morricone, represented with great success right here at the Verona Arena, live on RAI1, and for the over 10 years of career, which led them to be known and appreciated representatives of Italian music in the world.
2022 what an amazing year!
The guys are back on the road and there was no stopping them!
Their first appearance in America put all the fans in shock!
White tuxedos!
I wrote a story called Drop Dead Gorgeous, and that they were!
And what did the fans do? They went everywhere. I was in New York, Phoenix and Los Angeles. We just couldn’t get enough of the guys!
New York
Me, Sana and Kathleen
Los Angeles
Anna, Me and Rose Marie
Kathleen, Annette, Sana, Me and Anna
My biggest fan ~ Maguerite Nourian and me
After they left the states, they went to Australia!
But that’s not all they did!
They wrote a new book!
Yes, they were busy and then there was 2023. First stop Japan!
Yuko Kato interviewed the guys. These are just two of the questions she asked the guys!
Yuko Kato: I heard that you recorded a live video at Kiyomizu Temple without an audience.
Piero replied:It was a great experience. We make music called bel canto, which is an Italian tradition, and thanks to bel canto, we can sing in many beautiful places. This is also true in Italy, and again we can sing in a very beautiful temple in Japan. Kiyomizu Temple is the most important temple in Kyoto and has a great history, so it was really an honor to sing in such a wonderful place. It’s a very small place, so we couldn’t let the audience in, but I hope you enjoy what we’ve done by watching the video. Personally, I feel that Japanese culture and Italian culture are very compatible. Anyway, it has become an unforgettable memory for a lifetime, and I will continue to talk about live performances at Kiyomizu Temple in the future.
Yuko Kato: How did you feel about performing at a Buddhist temple?
PIero: We respect all religions. In fact, before the performance, we asked the monk of the temple to offer a prayer. Honestly, I didn’t understand what was said. (bitter smile). But we also have a lot of respect for that.
After Japan the guys returned to Italy and began the year that would change it all.
So where are we today for one Armani is back! But more importantly, we are on the threshold of a new and absolutely incredible adventure!
When the guys stepped on the stage in Verona for a concert which would be filmed and produced by Rai, they brought along new ideas and new concepts.
The three men on the stage were different! They had new ideas, and they were ready to share them with us!
For one, the guys invited guests to perform with them. And the production itself was different! It was everyone’s concert not just Il Volo. As the night went on, each guy told us who they are, and what their music is about!
Gianluca ~ Rock! Ignazio ~ Pop! Piero – Opera! The new Il Volo!
Italy is now ecstatic with the programs! And Rai said new productions would follow.
But it’s not just a production it’s not the magnificence of what is going on on the stage. It was three men on the stage in a production with other entertainers, showing Italy, who they really are.
Italy always complained that their music was old but that night the guys showed Italy that you can have your old classics that the people love while sharing a new concept! A new individuality!
They put on an absolutely spectacular concert that blew the minds of the Italians, actually all the fans, and grossed phenomenal ratings on Rai!
They proved that each of them is a star in his own right! And that star shines individually and collectively with one another. Each man has a phenomenal voice and each song they sang was a phenomenal event, a new beginning! We watched and listened as the tides changed and they introduced us to three new men who are at the height of their performance! They wanted to introduce us to their minds and their music and wanted nothing more than to share these new concepts with us.
The project that was three years in the making finally came to fruition on that stage in Verona! The new concept, the new individuality that started in their homes during the pandemic came full circle on the stage in Verona When the Tides Changed!
Final Note to the fans (my friends): I know many of you are not on Instagram and Facebook. Yesterday I put up a message that I would like to relate to all of you.
Over the last few weeks many of you have written to me. Some of you wished me well and had very kind words for me. Many of you prayed for me! When I walked out of Memorial Sloan Kettering yesterday, I called my sister. I could tell she was worried when she answered the phone. I said: No Cancer! She was crying. She said I was just saying a prayer for you and when I said Amen, the phone rang. I said you have good connections with the Lord!
This last week was extremely stressful for me. It was your messages and your prayers that got me through it! You all have good connections with the Lord! Prayers do work, my sweet friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
For your listening pleasure I have included the Complete concert at Verona in Tribute to Morricone.
Verona concert June 5, 2021
Notte della Taranta 2020 Concert with Albano Full Concert
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
The great evening of the first concert TUTTI PER UNO (ALL FOR ONE) broadcast by Canale 5 has arrived.
What can I say, a wonderful evening that kept people glued in front of the TV.
As promised, I’m sending you the video of the entire concert, which I hope you all can see.
I will try to translate briefly what is said and I will offer you some lyrics of songs that you don’t know.
But here’s the video, good vision, enjoy every moment. ☺
I want to tell you that this is the evening recorded on May 3, the one in which I was not present and therefore it was not raining.
But there is a small piece of the evening of May 1st and you will immediately realize from the rain you will see, and from the waterproof hoods worn by the people, surely the next episode will be much more focused on the rainy evening.
As I already told you, the concert begins with GRANADA, sung in three different musical styles and from three different places, which could not happen at the concert on May 1st due to the rain.
Seeing the Arena di Verona from above is a unique spectacle. The sets are beautiful and the stage presence of the orchestra and choir is really special and then there are them: Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca, unique!
After greetings to the public, GRANDE AMORE sets off immediately.
The first guests are the Pooh, an Italian band with a 50-year career behind them. They are very close friends of Il Volo, they love and appreciate them, years ago when Il Volo was just starting out, the Pooh invited Il Volo during one of their concerts and they sang together and the thing repeats itself tonight, Il Volo and the Poohs united by music and from the beautiful songs of the Pooh, fantastic.
Nicely, at the end of their performance, the Poohs give our boys some good advice:
1= We have never followed trends, don’t do this either and you will always be personal.
2= My advice instead is this, there are three of you, alone you represent 30%, instead together you represent 3000%, this is the strength of the group, remember this.
3= I believe that the Pooh’s real success was a little talent and a lot of passion, the same talent and the same passion that I see in your eyes and in your career, and this is a good sign for you.
Federica Panicucci, well-known presenter of Canale 5, is introduced below, it is the first time she has worked with Il Volo, but there is immediately a good understanding. Her presence will not be intrusive at all.
Ignazio is struck by the beautiful Federica and instead she calls applause for “these fantastic bearers of Italian music in the world”.
Federica explains that during the evening Il Volo will show unpublished moments with solos and duets never performed, just to show their different personalities. Ignazio explains that the three of them also have three different types of fans, mothers like Piero, Gianluca is “the one who catches the most” and children like him. 😁😁😁
Ignazio begins with the solo dedicated to Mia Martini, the good and late singer of this song. ALMENO TU NELL’UNIVERSO. ❤
Follows Gianluca who tells an anecdote of Elvis and then sings SUSPICIOUS MINDS. ❤
Closes the three solos Piero with “VIVA IL VINO SPUMEGGIANTE”, from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana.
This is followed by NESSUN DORMA.
Panicucci enters and asks Il Volo some amusing questions: She asks Piero if they hadn’t become singers what Ignazio would have done. Piero replies that Ignazio would have been a comedian, because when he arrives he brings good humor.
She asks Gianluca in which emergency situation he would never call Piero. Gianluca replies that he would never let Piero cook, because he doesn’t even know how to open a can of tuna.
To Ignazio she asks what is never missing in Gianluca’s suitcase and Ignazio answers the hair dryer and even heels, but then adds a book, because he always reads.
New guest, this time it’s a woman, the rocker Gianna Nannini who sings in a duet classic-rock with Piero: MERAVIGLIOSA CREATURA. ☺
There is a medley of Neapolitan songs: TORNA A SURRIENTO and O SOLE MIO.
A guest arrives, a young Italian singer-songwriter: Francesca Michielin who will duet with Ignazio. Before singing, both read beautiful words I think written by Francesca herself:
IGNAZIO= So, I want to open up, lay bare, tell you the crash of my heart. Sounds like the title of one of those romantic movies, doesn’t it? Which always ends badly.
FRANCESCA= Inside each of us, a chaos of voices resonates, some make us feel insecure, others invincible, some don’t give us answers, others confuse us, and then there is a voice that tells you the truth that we will only understand later.
IGNAZIO= Yes, then love arrives alone, it arrives alone. It’s useless to go looking for him, dressing like Indiana Jones in search of unobtainable love, no. Love comes by itself, and doesn’t show itself when you seek it.
FRANCESCA= One fine day you realize that he has always been there, around the corner, silently, staring at you.
IGNAZIO= Yes, it was right there, that person who, despite making you feel good, tried to push her away.
FRANCESCA= Let’s not waste time looking for something that doesn’t make sense, or holding back someone who doesn’t make us feel good, because in the end, what matters most is feeling good.
IGNAZIO= It’s feeling good.
FRANCESCA= And we deserve to feel good.
Then Ignazio and Francesca sing Billie Eilish’s song: WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER. ❤❤ Very sweet.
Follows: IO CHE NON VIVO SENZA TE
Another young and talented Italian singer: Annalisa who will perform a duet with Gianluca and will sing a beautiful SHALLOW. ❤❤ WOW, what emotions.
At this point in the concert a long piece of the concert I was at is inserted, it is clear from the rain.
The first song is MY WAY.
New guest a young Italian singer-songwriter: IRAMA. Gianluca begins a beautiful song called LA CURA (the cure) written by Battiato, another great Italian songwriter who wrote it for his woman, when she discovered she had a serious illness. The words are beautiful and Gianluca and Irama sing it from the heart. ❤
LA CURA
G= I will protect you from the fears of hypochondria From the disturbances that you will meet on your way from today From the injustices and deceptions of your time From failures that by your nature you will normally attract I will relieve you from your pains and mood swings From the obsessions of your manias I will overcome the gravitational currents Space and light for not to make old you And you will be cured of all diseases Because you are a special being And I will take care of you
I= I wandered the fields of Tennessee How I got there, who knows Don’t you have white flowers for me? Faster than eagles my dreams They cross the sea Above all, I will bring you silence and patience We will walk together the paths that lead to the essence The scents of love will inebriate our bodies The August calm will not calm our senses
G= I will weave your hair like the plots of a song
I=I know the laws of the world, and I will give them to you
G+I= I will overcome gravitational currents Space and light, not to make you grow old I will save you from all melancholy Because you are a special being And I will take care of you Yes, I will take care of you.
And now, Irama, Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio sing together the beautiful song written by Irama to remember his grandmother: OVUNQUE SARAI ❤
OVUNQUE SARAI
I= If you are wind, you will sing If you are water, you will shine If you will be what I will be And if you have time, I will wait for you Forever
G= If you are light, you will warm me If you’re the moon, I’ll see you And if you’re here, I won’t know But if it’s you, I’ll hear it
I=Wherever you will be, wherever I will be In every gesture I will look for you
I+G+P+I= If you’re not there, I’ll understand And in the silence I will listen to you
I=If I’m on the ground, you will lift me up If it’s cold, you’ll burn
G= And I know you can hear me
P= Where each soul has a color And every tear has your name
I= If you come back here, if ever, you know that
I+G+P+I= I will wait for you
Wherever you are, wherever I am In every gesture I will look for you If you’re not there, I’ll understand And in the silence I will listen to you
I will listen to you
I= If you are wind, you will sing
In the montage of the concert for TV, it was cut, but Ignazio said that evening that this song deeply touches their feelings, because he has lost his father, Piero his grandfather and Irama his grandmother. ❤
A blogger wrote this comment: “Seeing artists of this young age who manage to interpret (and well) masterpieces of this caliber is an injection of confidence.”
Small detail, we criticize Gianluca’s shoes a lot, but have you seen Irama’s shoes?? 😁
The concert continues with the beautiful soprano Aida Garifullina, beautiful, talented and elegant, she will play with Piero LIBIAM DE LIETI CALICI
Wonderful ❤❤
Damn it was raining heavily, impossible to get up and we clapped under the ponchos.
The piece from the May 1st concert ends here.
We continue with the beautiful song by Maurizio Costanzo: SE TELEFONANDO
Federica Panicucci returns to the stage. She asks Piero how his passion for singing was born. He recounts the episode in which he goes to a friend of his grandfather’s on an estate. He is struck by the voice of Mario del Monaco who sings A love so great. “That child thus recognized his vocation, that child was me.
I hope I can arouse some curiosity in the people who will listen to the next aria. If only I succeed with just one person here in the Arena or at home, then the goal will be achieved” 😘
Piero sings E LUCEVAN LE STELLE from Tosca. ❤
It’s time for a comedic guest, Giorgio Panariello.
When he enters, he stands in front of a lectern, he is serious and tells an excerpt of the beautiful plot of the film Nuovo Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore.
All to anticipate the new SE song.
Panariello is back and this time in a comic version, it’s a very hilarious skit.
Panariello tries to convince the boys that being three is not good, and proposes himself as the fourth element for Il Volo.
In the end, to show that he is up to this role, they sing the NESSUN DORMA which repeats VINCERÒ and in the highest moment, Panariello doesn’t say “I will win” but says “a draw is enough for me”. 😁😁
Then they perform an Italian song IL PULLOVER and every time someone makes a mistake, first Ignazio and then Gianluca, really nice!!
In the end Panariello, going out, says “But we are friends……(it’s true they are)….don’t call me anymore in your concerts!!” 😁😁
A beautiful and emotional moment follows.
IGNAZIO= Now is a very emotional moment for us, we have decided to sing this next song to reach all the people who have suffered in these years, to all the people who continue to suffer, and to all those people who unfortunately today, we, they watch from up there. Let’s hope that our song, our thoughts, can reach them up there. IL Volo sings HALLELUJAH!
There are no words! One magical moment and people responded by lighting their hearts. ❤❤❤
Immediately afterwards Piero sings with a beautiful song from 1942, VOGLIO VIVERE COSÌ.
Federica Panicucci returns, this time she seats the boys and asks more questions. She immediately asks Gianluca what gift Piero would like to receive on his birthday and Gianluca replies a nice tennis racket and Ignazio jokingly says that he would have given him a watering can for his flower on his jacket! 😁
Federica asks Ignazio what superpower Gianluca would like to have and he replies the power to lengthen his legs. 😁
She asks Piero to tell some funny figure of Ignazio and he tells that in Vienna Ignazio greeted the public saying: “Good evening Berlin”.😁
Federica compliments the boys on their tour that has just finished and a video of beautiful images starts and Federica asks what is the best memory.
GIANLUCA= Seeing people’s faces is oxygen for us and a privilege. We are young and we are living the life we have always wanted to live, and it is amazing how this music overcomes the barrier of language, and reaches all ages, and we are proud to be able to give these emotions to all of you. 😘
It’s time for a solo by Ignazio and he pays homage to Celine Dion. Sing MY HEART WILL GO ON, a part of this also in the original key. Fantastic.❤
At this point begins a tribute to another Italian singer-songwriter: Sergio Endrigo.
Il Volo sings a trio of beautiful songs by Endrigo, starting with CANZONE PER TE, followed LONTANO DAGLI OCCHI and last GIROTONDO INTORNO AL MONDO, this is a beautiful hymn to peace and friendship, in the background war videos, unfortunately …… Piero says: “This song was written in the 60s but unfortunately it is still relevant today.”
Very nice to see Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero putting their hand on each other’s shoulders at the end of the song.
GIROTONDO INTORNO AL MONDO
G= If all girls The girls of the world They shook hands They shook hands Then there would be a roundabout Around the world Around the world
I= And if all the boys The boys of the world Wish once Becoming sailors Then a great bridge would be made With many boats Around the sea
P= And if all the people He shook hands If the world, really He lent himself a hand Then it would be a roundabout Around the world Around the world
G+I+P= What if all the people He shook hands If the world, really He lent himself a hand Then it would be a roundabout Around the world Around the world
The Gianluca concert continues with a solo, the beautiful WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, a very sweet song. ❤
Now still in trio, Il Volo performs a song well known to us: PIOVE, homage to Modugno.
Followed by a solo by Gianluca with the choir, the beautiful KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR by Bob Dylan.
Another guest, the baritone Gianfranco Montresor, in duet with Piero, performs an aria by Bizet in French: AU FOND DU TEMPLE SAINT
Beautiful duet! ❤
Last solo, it’s Ignazio’s turn singing a song by Evanescence: MY IMMORTAL.
How much passion. ❤
Federica Panicucci returns, announcing the end of the concert, greets everyone and makes an appointment for next week.
And how does it end? As it should. HERE’S TO YOU by Ennio Morricone. The three boys descend into the audience to shake hands and take selfies. Very respectful public, people approach them but without causing problems.
It was a very long concert, but what a concert.
I have no words, despite the numerous guests, our boys shone with their own light in every song.
Beautiful duets, magnificent solos.
It goes without saying that the concert recorded the highest ratings of the evening and people’s comments were very many and positive, everyone admired their way of being, polite and never excessive, in addition to their skill. As for the newspapers, only a couple wrote about the concert, the others did not write positive or negative comments, as if there hadn’t been any concert.
But it doesn’t matter, people got it, they’re waking up from their slumber, they really appreciated it.
On this Fanpage.it Facebook page, not dedicated only to Il Volo, which published this beautiful photo with SUPERLATIVES written the morning after the concert, people started commenting and even today after 4 days they continue to write enthusiastic comments, and they are not only written by Il Volo fans, they are all the people who saw the concert, and this makes me so happy.
Francesca Michelin, who duetted with Ignazio, posted this comment:
“I could say that my voice didn’t shake like when I was a child, or that it was a normal performance, but I would say a lie, because it was one of the most powerful and beautiful moments I’ve experienced on stage, I felt fragile and strong like never before thank you very much Ignazio and Il Volo for this shared magic.” ❤
ALL MUSIC ITALIA posted this photo with the caption, and this comment:
IL VOLO, ITALIAN PRIDE IN THE WORLD, WITH THE SHOW ON CANALE 5 HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR DUCTILITY, IN THE FACE OF CERTAIN PRESS…..
Yesterday evening on Canale 5 the first of two special evenings full of guests was broadcast, recorded at the Verona Arena, starring IL VOLO.
From La cura di Battiato with Irama to Celine Dion, from Sergio Endrigo to Mia Martini, from the duet on Shallow with Annalisa up to the classical lyrical repertoire, the Italian trio that the whole world loves, and that some Italian journalists snub or boo, has shown flexibility, talent and love for our tradition… which is not something old but tradition, roots and history.
And this news has just been published by I POOH:
AMAZING NEWS
AFTER THE GREAT SUCCESS of the show where we were guests of 3 INCREDIBLE guys, we decided to return the favor, and to invite Il Volo to two unmissable live events in stadiums this summer: July 6th at the G. Meazza Stadium in Milan and on July 15 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca, SEE YOU ON STAGE! 😊
WOW WOW WOW 😊
Well, I have nothing more to add. I await your comments and if you want clarification, please ask me.
And now I’m waiting for Saturday to fully review my rainy evening!!
A nice review of the Taormina concert by Janet. Thanks Janet for what you sent us. A hug Daniela: 🤗
First time I was in Taormina, maybe 20 years ago when my Mission Dolores choir did a singing/concert tour through Italy and Taormina. I do not remember which church we sang in, but many, many people came and we loved it.
Taormina is still beautiful and the theater is historic and perfect for a concert. My husband and I had 7th row seats one night and seats on the stone steps the second night.
The concert was magical from both places. Our guys were relaxed, funny, sweet and the singing was magnifico. The night was warm and a full moon rose over the theater.
Igna’s solo, “All By Myself”, was so emotional and well done it brought tears and a standing ovation.
Piero sang an aria I had not heard him sing before and it was beautiful. I hope he sings this on the US tour.
The audience seemed to feel connected to them and repeatedly called their individual names, called out greetings from places like Marsala and one woman sort of stopped the second night show calling for a selfie with Igna, and he posed as she came down from her seat for the photo.
This theater and stage are much smaller than the Arena in Verona and it felt more intimate. Near the end of the concert The audience was allowed to stand along the edge of the stage to hopefully touch the guy’s hands as they passed by, and they reached down to touch the hands of many fans. A love fest between these 3 wonderful artists and their fans.
Around town:
We saw GG up close in the restaurant. First he and Eleanora walked by the two tables of fans visiting from afar and he greeted us with “ciao” then he was eating with his parents, Barbara, Michele, Giampiero and their drummer. All sitting casually in a corner of a sidewalk cafe not being bothered by anyone.
Then a nice conversation with Barbara and Michele as they sat near the theater watching the audience go in. Barbara was so sweet and willing to converse for a minute.
Then I saw Piero having lunch with friends the day after both concerts. I wanted a picture but did not want to interrupt his privacy. So we just walked on. But he and the others and the crew mingle with the public and the public respects their privacy it seems.
Then I met and chatted with Dario twice at Bam Bar.
They are all such nice real people who just blend in with us common people. That is why we love them.
A trip I will always remember: Janet 😘🤗
Some of my photos!
Even Mary and Mark Minton were in Taormina.
Here is their review. Thank you for your words and photos. I am so glad you came to Taormina and also that you met our friends.
A hug: Daniela 🤗
My husband and I attended both concerts in Taormina. We looked forward to them with great anticipation since we purchased the tickets two and a half years ago!
An added bonus was that Gianluca and his girlfriend were on the same plane as us flying from Rome to Catania!
The first night we had tickets in the fourth row at the incredible Teatro Antico and met Jeanette and Deborah there.
It was amazing to be up close and the guys did not disappoint. They sang all the same songs as in Verona with the exception of a new one by Piero. There were standing ovations for almost every song. I particularly enjoyed the new songs from the tribute to Ennio Morricone. The guys came into the audience during “Here’s To You” which was a thrill for everyone.
The second night we got tickets for further back so that we could also enjoy the scenery as Mt. Etna was steaming and the lava was flowing in the background. It was also better to get a view of the whole stage and the incredible lighting. During the Hallelujah song everyone had their phones lit up and there was also a full moon to add to the beautiful atmosphere. Visiting Taormina to attend these concerts is something I will never forget, it was a wonderful experience!
Goodbye Italy, to our next Italian adventure: Mary and Mark 🤗🤗
We made it through the first weekend of summer and arrived at Memorial Day! I make it a point of never going anywhere on this weekend but, this year, I decided I needed a break. I’ve been working on the book for two months and now it’s coming to an end so, I decided to run away!
Why I chose to go to the Jersey shore is beyond me. I have never been there on Memorial Day but, my friends were there so, I said, why not! If you live on the east coast of the United States, you know the weekend was rained out. It’s Sunday night and the rain is finally stopping.
So, what did I do all weekend? I watched Il Volo interviews and concerts on YouTube. Always fun! This weekend gave me a lot of time to reminisce over guys last 12 years. As we’re preparing for the big event on Saturday, a “Tribute to Ennio Morricone,” I thought about where the guys came from and where they are heading.
My mind wondered off to 2018. That moment when the guys were crossing over, making some very interesting moves and beginning to come into their own They were very successful and, they were very comfortable in their performances. All was so right! The albums keep coming! The success keeps coming, the tours in North and South America keep selling out and the boys have grown into fine attractive young men. And now they’re ready for a new experience. The music evolves and they are ready to crossover.
In 2018 they released one of the most exciting Latin albums to come out in years. I would go so far as to say Amame is the most exciting Latin album that was ever produced. It’s opera, it’s rock, it’s classical, it’s pop and it never stops giving. The rhythm in songs like “Noche Sin Dia” is amazing. You have to move with the music. You can’t sit still.
I love this album. With this album, the guys spread their wings! It is a departure from their usual style. They have shown their skill with Spanish music and with this album, they leave you wishing for more.
A song like “Maldito Amor” is a phenomenal experience for your ears. The delivery is smooth. It pulls away from the traditional Latin music and it delivers a sound that is very intense. Different! Very Different! The sound is pure and clean and, their voices are spot on! It’s one of those songs that stays with you forever.
Gloria Estefan and the guys really nailed it with Ay Ay Ay Amor! It screams for your attention! And it certainly keeps it!
If you like modern Latin music and Il Volo, then you will like this album. When I thought about this album, I thought about how I would write about it. All I can say is these three amazing guys absolutely floored me. They are multitalented. They can sing every genre. To be able to take opera, rock, classical, pop and Latin and create an album like this is amazing. The beat is so intense and, they are spot on. I think they knocked it out of the box with “Noche Sin Dia.” With Latin music you don’t just sing it, you feel it, and if you don’t feel it, you don’t cut it. This album cuts it! Good move!
As if that wasn’t enough, they follow up with Musica! This is the album that proved that great can get greater. This album is representative of where these young men are now. It’s beautiful, it’s sensitive, it’s romantic. It’s about love. It’s about them being ready for love. It comes from deep within them. All the sweetness and humility of these guys is in this album. It moves your senses. What I am saying is they have evolved and, their voices have evolved.
By 2018, they had grown into their voices. Their voices are mature and have expanded in such an amazing way. There’s an intriguing balance in their voices. To experience this amazing evolution in voice and song you need go no further than “Be My Love.” Gianluca’s voice vibrates and expands to realms I’ve never heard before. Ignazio makes your heart stop as you journey along his notes which lead to absolute ecstasy. Piero fills all your sense and brings you to such passion and heights that you have to stop and breathe. This is Musica che resta!
This was definitely the album fans were waiting for. Their talent and skills brought an amazing balance of melody, harmony and rhythm to the music. It’s all the joy of bel canto along with the passion and intrigue that they bring to the music! Musica is an enjoyable mix of old familiar songs and new exciting songs that offer something for everyone.
With this outstanding album, the guys come at you full force, on top of their game with a selection of love songs that go straight to the heart. “Be My Love” and “People” are just beautiful and “Meravigliosa Creatura” (Wonderful Creature) is an absolute treasure.
Click the photo below to hear Meravigliosa Creatura.
We have watched these three very talented young men evolve and the difference in ten years is the polish they bring to the performance. Their voices have evolved, and their vocal technique has expanded, they have become more intense in their delivery and more romantic. They are truly amazing!
Hands down they are the best Classical Pop singers on earth. They can sing anything. Their whole world is music and it’s obvious in their music. Their voices form a symphony that changes lives.
In 2019, they recorded The Best of Ten Years! The songs they chose are beautifully rendered. Their voices are a gift from God that they share with us. The three voices blend beautifully! Their choice of songs is quite eclectic and shows off the range and the beauty of their voices. Individually they are wonderful, put them together, they are magic!
The Best of Ten Years is a compilation of songs released over the ten years they have been together. It is the Best of Il Volo’s repertoire, from “O Sole Mio” to “Grande Amore.”
Just this past week Sony attested that “The Best of Ten Years” has attained a Gold CD! As Daniela said in her recent article, “It is a nice milestone, as real sales are now extremely difficult, and the awards are now counted on the streamed listeners and not just on the actual sales made.” Congratulations guys a phenomenal CD! You deserve the acclaim! You did it again!
Reliving the past Twelve years was exciting!
So, here we are in 2021, at the end of a pandemic and, bringing back the live concerts. Who better than Il Volo to start it up again!
We had the pleasure of hearing “Your Love” at Sanremo 2021 and we anxiously await the event of the year, a “Tribute to Ennio Morricone” and the new album by the same name. We know Morricone’s music and, we can’t wait to hear what the guys have done with it.
On Sunday, the rehearsals started and, they continue throughout the week. The guys took a short break today to sing the “Mameli Anthem” for Italian Republic Day.
In a few days the magic will begin! They will step out on the stage of the ancient Arena of Verona and steal our hearts all over again! And we will remember how it is ~To Feel You Close Once More!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
