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 5^th. 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.