Tag Archives: Michele Torpedine

General news

IL VOLO TO FESTIVAL DELLO SPETTACOLO by Daniela

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The 2025 Festival dello Spettacolo is the first edition of a new event in Milan, taking place over three days, from October 24th to 26th, dedicated to all forms of entertainment.
Born from an idea by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni (a weekly television, music, and film magazine), it will transform Superstudio Più (the venue in Milan where the event will take place) into a huge exhibition area with live events, previews, talks, workshops, and direct interactions between the audience and artists from film, TV, music, sports, and food.
It’s a unique event: it’s the first time a festival in Europe has brought together all the languages of entertainment in one place.
There will be eight themed areas open from 10 a.m. until late at night.
Closing the Festival, on October 26th, Il Volo will take the stage, it won’t be a concert, but a nice chat.

(From the Facebook page Lemammeilvolovers Fangroup, which I thank, I took the video and am sending you the translation.)
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
GIANLUCA= Good evening everyone, good evening.
IGNAZIO= Hello, hello everyone.
(There’s confusion because when the guys entered, people got up and moved closer to the stage to take photos, so there are voices shouting “sit down.”)
HOST= Did you like my presentation?
GIANLUCA= Yes.
HOST= Thanks.
PIERO= I didn’t hear anything (due to the confusion)
HOST= I studied it carefully, I even forgot something, but everyone knows you, so I won’t add anything.
(people don’t sit down or go back to their seats)
I’d ask the people in front who are standing to sit down otherwise those in the back won’t see, thanks!
I’m curious….well, when Piero… (Piero, in the meantime, has gone to the front of the stage and pointed to someone, maybe a little girl, who knows Il Volo’s songs, and Piero tells the host)…. oh well, then we’ll have them sing a little bit.
If you’d sit down (referring to the audience), we can get started. Most importantly, I need to send a video about you (Il Volo).
IGNAZIO= Oh, come on!
GIANLUCA= A video?
HOST= Sure, a video, yes!
(The video starts and summarizes Il Volo’s latest South American tour)
Wow, how exciting!
IGNAZIO= It’s beautiful!
HOST= You’re making the girls cry like before with Renato Zero, I’d say (He’s a great Italian singer who was on stage before Il Volo).
So, guys, first of all, I’m curious: do you always position yourselves like this? Seated, in a row, when you take photos, with Ignazio in the center.
IGNAZIO= It’s automatic now.
HOST= And you’re always in the center.
GIANLUCA= He’s the tightrope walker, he’s in the center because Piero and I are kind of opposites, right?
HOST= Okay!
GIANLUCA= He keeps his balance a bit.
HOST= Sure, sure!
GIANLUCA= So he has to be in the center.
HOST= Of course. But when you sing, you always start, Gianluca, then Piero, and then Ignazio. Is there a reason? I don’t know, like different voice distributions… tell me.
IGNAZIO= Simply because of our vocal characteristics: he’s a baritone (Gianluca), we’re both tenors. A baritone’s characteristics are in the medium-low range, with a slightly warmer voice, so it’s better if he starts the song than me. It also depends on the song.
GIANLUCA= It’s a dynamic of vocal growth that then explodes with Piero’s voice, obviously.
HOST= Piero, we explode with your voice.
GIANLUCA= Exactly, we explode with his voice.
PIERO= We decided, it’s like a pecking order.
HOST= You’re last, though!
PIERO= Jokes aside, it was all very spontaneous: the projects, how we met, even how we decided to divide a song. To be clear: 15/16 years ago, dividing a song was more complicated because we didn’t know each other well and we didn’t know our personal limitations.
Now, when they propose a song to us, just from the lyrics we understand who should do what part, what’s best. There’s much more awareness, more maturity.
HOST= You just returned from a sold-out South American tour, which started on October 3rd, and then in a few days you’re leaving for a European tour. I read London, Paris, Berlin, and then you’ve already announced new dates in Latin America in March 2026. And then I’ll turn the page because you have so many dates, including Italy, you’re coming back in December 2026 (applause).
I wanted to ask you, out of 365 days a year, how many days do you stay home?
PIERO= The last number!
HOST= Five??
IGNAZIO= It depends, it depends on the years, it depends on commitments. There were years when we were home for two weeks (in a year).
HOST= Really?
IGNAZIO= Yes, there were years when we were home for 2-3 months.
But as you grow up, you realize that even to be a little more productive, you have to take a break every now and then, so we try to take a break for a month and a half, two a year maximum.
HOST= Okay!
GIANLUCA= And stopping these days is a luxury, being able to afford to choose not to work.
HOST= Sure, sure.
GIANLUCA= It should apply to everyone, to understand
that perhaps as much as work makes you free, trying to take some time off, even in one day, this applies to everyone and is very important. (applause)
HOST= The first thing you do when you come home from a tour.
IGNAZIO= Take off your shoes, that’s for sure, otherwise my wife will kill me!
GIANLUCA= Good, I agree, how many of you don’t take off your shoes at home?
(Piero raises his hand)
HOST= I take them off.
GIANLUCA= You always have to take them off. I make everyone take them off, even those with holes in their socks, it doesn’t matter!
PIERO= If I come to your house and you make me take off my shoes… I won’t come to your house.
HOST= No, I don’t let others take them off.
IGNAZIO=  (to Piero) You have to come to my house on Thursday.
PIERO= I’ll keep my shoes, I’ve never taken them off at your house.
The first thing I do. I personally live by the sea, so I go for a run by the sea to rebalance myself mentally and physically.
IGNAZIO = You said at home, not outside, do you run at home? Do you have a beach at home?
PIERO = Oh, you meant inside?
HOST = Indeed! I also wanted to ask you what it is about Italy that you miss most when you’re away?
GIANLUCA = Coffee. By the way, I saw the interview with Tiziano Ferro (a famous Italian singer who lives abroad) and he said the same thing. It doesn’t take much to make a good coffee. It’s impossible! Maybe we found a good coffee in Colombia.
PIERO = But we can say it. You know when we talk about artists’ vices, they ask for who knows what.
We only ask for one thing in our dressing rooms.
GIANLUCA = (he jokes) red carpet, red curtains…
PIERO = …we eat any food, and in recent years we’ve requested, because it’s something all three of us have in common, a Nespresso coffee machine in the dressing room. Before a concert or maybe when you arrive, and it makes you feel good, being able to savor the flavors of home.
GIANLUCA= Which is a Swiss company (meaning Nespresso is a Swiss factory that developed coffee with an Italian flavor), but those are details.
HOST= Those are details for a great coffee!
PIERO= We help the economy grow in Switzerland too.
HOST= I wanted to know who’s the fastest at packing their suitcase.
PIERO= Me.
IGNAZIO= No, not you.
GIANLUCA= (to Ignazio) But you do it?
IGNAZIO= Yes.
GIANLUCA= But since when?
PIERO= Since when?
IGNAZIO= What are you talking about? If we have a plane at 1:00 PM, I’ll pack my suitcase at 10:00 AM.
GIANLUCA= The clothes in Ignazio’s suitcase fold themselves, it’s his method.
PIERO= I discovered something incredible, guys, three days ago. I tried it, and unfortunately, it works.
Do you know who packed my last suitcase, the one for the European tour? ChatGPT (a chat that gives quick answers on any topic).
HOST= Come on, did you ask ChatGPT how to pack?
PIERO= I put my calendar on ChatGPT and said,
“Pack my suitcase,” he told me what to pack. He advised me that it rains in Germany this time of year, so bring a raincoat, bring x number of underwear, and socks, incredible!
In a few days, Chat will even do the laundry! (laughter)
GIANLUCA= Soon he’ll be singing for us too, the time will come, sooner or later, you’ll see.
HOST= ChatGPT aside…
PIERO= Guys, it exists, we all have it at our fingertips.
GIANLUCA= Evolution can’t be stopped.
PIERO= We should never be surprised; on the contrary, we should take advantage of evolution.
IGNAZIO= Do you know what worries me most about this Artificial Intelligence?
GIANLUCA= He (Ignazio) is more conservative, we (Gian and Piero) are more progressive…
IGNAZIO= There won’t be a method anymore, the kids won’t have a method anymore, because now for everything they’ll ask ChatGPT how to do it? (applause)
The suitcase with ChatGPT (points to Piero teasingly).
PIERO= Then when you come to me and say:
“Can you lend me a sweater, I forgot it? I’ll let you go out without it.
IGNAZIO= It doesn’t fit me, with your sweater I look like a cured meat. (laughter)
HOST= In fact, I wanted to ask you which of the three is the most absent-minded and has left things all over the world.
(both Piero and Gianluca put their hands on Ignazio)
IGNAZIO= It used to happen!
PIERO= Use ChatGPT
GIANLUCA= Look, if he starts using it, you’ll appreciate it.
IGNAZIO= No, it used to happen, but it hasn’t happened for a while now.
HOST= You forgot some of your things all over the world.
GIANLUCA= I have to admit I’m not particularly practical, so maybe…
HOST= Maybe your head is a bit in the clouds…
GIANLUCA=…a little…
HOST= But whose suitcase is the heaviest?
GIANLUCA= My last one weighed 34 kg.
HOST= Wow!
What’s the first thing you pack, Gianluca?
GIANLUCA= 20 kg of books and then…
IGNAZIO= What he doesn’t understand is that books are great at home when you read them, but when you travel, you get a Kindle (e-book reader) that weighs nothing, you take it with you and you have all the books you want.
GIANLUCA= Then I pack the various outfits, all the things you have to be prepared for when you travel, the medicines, you always have to bring a kit, a pharmacy, Piero does that too, right?
HOST= Do you do that too, Piero?
PIERO= Also.
GIANLUCA= When you’re away for two months, maybe you need some kind of medicine…
HOST= Sure, so who’s the pharmacist of the three?
GIANLUCA= Maybe a little more Piero.
HOST= Piero, okay.
The first one to arrive at the airport?
IGNAZIO= We’ll arrive together.
GIANLUCA= Same car.
HOST= Oh, you arrive at the airport together, you don’t meet up…
IGNAZIO= If we’re in Bologna and we have to get to the airport, I always arrive last. Because then I calculate the time.
HOST= Have you ever missed a plane?
IGNAZIO= Yes, it’s my fault.
PIERO= When?
IGNAZIO= In Miami (when the night before departure, Ignazio was unknowingly drugged in a nightclub and woke up in a traffic jam while everyone was looking for him everywhere. Because of this, everyone missed their plane and had to book another afternoon flight, and they had the concert that evening).
PIERO= Oh, well, it was a special moment.
IGNAZIO= But we missed the plane.
PIERO= Yes, but never because of a delay, we’re very good at that.
HOST= Let’s take a step back. It was 2009 and three very young singers showed up at TI LASCIO UNA CANZONE. (An old photo with Antonella Clerici appears behind them.)
There you are!
Gianluca doesn’t even look at the photo.
GIANLUCA= You see, miracles happen in life, you see, this is the example that God exists.
If you want a pragmatic and possible example, here’s that photo. (He means the appearance of all three of us.)
HOST= But do you remember what you thought of each other the first time you met there?
IGNAZIO= So, Piero and I were a bit more of a clique.
PIERO= It wasn’t us who were cliquey, but we weren’t considered by those who were cliquey (he means that Piero and Ignazio weren’t considered by the slightly more snobbish group where Gianluca was also).
IGNAZIO= Because unfortunately, when you’re with a lot of people, cliques form: the “fighettini” (meaning the slightly better looking and slightly more haughty ones) and the more social ones.
He (Gianluca) was part of the “fighettini”.
And so he was always with this circle of “cool” kids who stayed away.
Then there were us, and Piero and I had bonded a little more. Then they put us together….
HOST= Did this happen to you?…
PIERO= You can say it’s unfortunate. (he’s joking, obviously)
IGNAZIO= And even today we try to make him (Gianluca) understand that hanging out with the “preppy” kids isn’t…
GIANLUCA= But think about it, when you say… the laws of the universe, how is it possible at the right time… the timing… in the right place we meet, we sing individually on a TV show, we didn’t know each other, for the first time in 10 years on a show like that, three 14/15-year-old kids meet singing the same genre of music, then Roberto Cenci had the idea of putting us together, then Michele Torpedine, along with the producers at the time, Tony Renis was also there, they saw us on TV and everything started from there, so there must be something bigger.
HOST= Of course, since then you’ve become a trio, so you’ve learned to get along, you spend most of your lives together.
Can you tell me the happiest moment the three of you have spent together?
PIERO = A few days ago, a month and a half ago, Ignazio became a father. (applause)
HOST = Yes! We’ll talk about it later.
PIERO = This is part of our private lives. We’re experiencing a moment of happiness right now, a great moment, and I believe we need to talk about good times out loud and acknowledge that we’re living a good time, so that when the bad times come, you can look back.
This is a moment in which we recognize that we’re three privileged young men because we’re doing what we love, we do it with great responsibility, we have to admit this because all three of us are soldiers in our work; when we go on tour, we’re very responsible for everything.
But we live with the greatest passion; for us, the greatest passion, our highest capacity for expression is music, and living with your passion, making it a career, I think is a great achievement that I wish for everyone. There’s a beautiful phrase I like to repeat often: “Not all of us can do what we love to do,” and when you do a job that perhaps doesn’t reflect your passion or vocation, you have to be able to learn from what life has led you to do. Therefore, happiness and serenity are a daily commitment that must always be persevered in and acknowledged. (applause)
HOST= Great!
And that time you told each other to go to hell?
PIERO= A little while ago. (laughter)
HOST= What happened?
IGNAZIO= I think it’s also normal for a relationship involving two or more people to have a dialogue, and sometimes that dialogue can be constructive and sometimes destructive. Fortunately, we’re three very intelligent guys, and we’ve made our dialogues, our clashes, constructive for us as people but also as artists, and that’s why we’re still here together today, making music, having fun, and enjoying ourselves. However, I think that not being alone is a choice, and we try to remind ourselves every day that we’re not obligated to be together; it’s a consequence, a choice all three of us have made over the years. The choice must be continuous, daily, and that’s what unites us, this desire, this shared goal of music, but also because I’m not saying we’ve become one, but objectively, who knows us better than the three of us if not the three of us?
HOST= Of course!
IGNAZIO= And this unites us so much, there you go! (applause)
HOST= I’d like to take another step back.
The year after the trio was founded, in 2010, you participated in “WE ARE THE WORLD FOR HAITI.” You were about 15 years old, so very young, and you found yourself alongside 80 international stars—we’re talking Lady Gaga, Bono, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand. What do you remember about that first international experience? (A photo of the guys with Celine Dion appears behind them.)
PIERO= I remember that scarf.
HOST= That scarf?
GIANLUCA= Those outfits.
PIERO= Look at the three scarves.
HOST= Actually, I hadn’t noticed the three scarves.
PIERO= But Celine Dion has a scarf too.
IGNAZIO= But anyway, I’m more or less the same, but you (to Piero) are truly a miracle (laughter), you’re a handsome guy now, but I wouldn’t have bet a single cent on that.
GIANLUCA = In fact, in the phases of a career, imagine how difficult it is to be authentic and it also takes the courage to be yourself artistically, because it is easier to conform, to follow trends, and you need that person who believes in you at the right time, who supports your courage to ensure that you can express your full vocation and Michele Torpedine was this for us, he was that push that allowed us to become what we are today and we want to thank him publicly and again as we always do. (applause)
(Meanwhile, the photo behind them has changed, now it’s the three of them with Beyoncé)
PIERO= He’s not Michele Torpedine, but she’s Beyoncé.
GIANLUCA= Exactly!
So, you think that back then, Michele had seen these three children and had already seen beyond, as he had already done with Giorgia and with Bocelli.
HOST= Of course.
GIANLUCA= Especially with Bocelli, he was the one who created Andrea Bocelli.
PIERO= While you’re talking about Michele Torpedine, he’s there in that dressing room (it’s a glass space so everyone can see it) having a meeting… Michele!
HOST= He’s not paying attention at all!
PIERO= (he turns to Torpedine and the people with him) You’re not listening to anything we’re saying, we’re talking about you, stand up! Bow! (applause) And then you can go back to the meeting.
HOST= (to Torpedine) Yes, now you can continue talking about other things.
I wanted to share this beautiful memory I have. In 2012, I accompanied you to Los Angeles where, acclaimed like stars, you sang with Barbra Streisand (behind them is a photo from Il Volo with Barbra).
I have this memory: in your dressing room, before you started singing on stage, I remember Gianluca struggling with the hair dryer and hairspray and trying to tame his quiff, Ignazio eating breadcrumbs to clean his voice…
GIANLUCA= He still does it!
HOST=….and Piero who was very pleased with the fact that the shade of his red glasses matched the color of his earphones.
So, if you wanted to look back, what would you say to those three kids, because you were truly three very young people?
IGNAZIO= But nothing has changed in the end…I keep eating bread, he (Gianluca) keeps adjusting the quiff….
GIANLUCA= And Piero changed the frame…
IGNAZIO= Yes, he (Piero) keeps changing the frame based on the in-ears. Nothing’s changed, everything’s the same.
GIANLUCA= Basically, the enthusiasm is the same as it was back then, and that’s what should accompany all artists in general. Then maybe we’ve grown a little, hopefully more mature, wiser.
HOST= Of course, that’s true. In 2015, you won the Sanremo Festival with GRANDE AMORE (applause – behind them, the victory photo).
Here you are!
What did it feel like to win the Festival in Italy after so many international successes?
IGNAZIO= That Sanremo there, besides having an important meaning in Italy… we arrived in Italy as almost three unknowns because here we hadn’t done much compared to what we were doing outside of Italy…. so besides having had the satisfaction of winning Sanremo, everyone in Italy has Sanremo in their dreams, but for us it had an important meaning because we were coming from a very difficult year in 2014, and we were perhaps in a bit of difficulty, because in any case ours is a genre where you have to work a lot, you have to come up with lots of ideas and 2014 was a very important year in some respects, in others it was difficult and very particular, so it was a bit of a gamble on Sanremo and arriving at the victory, It wasn’t just saying “I won Sanremo” but I won in the choices I’ve made up to now. That’s why 2014 is so significant for us.
GIANLUCA = Yes, and then it was the great return of “bel canto” to Italy, because after Andrea Bocelli, there had been no one who, in some way, courageously brought bel canto back to Italy. This is a musical genre that, I wouldn’t say, is more appreciated abroad. With hard work, the right choices, and the support of our manager, we managed to bring this musical genre back and make it successful again in Italy. After CON TE PARTIRÒ in 1994 (Bocelli at Sanremo), there had been no one, so it was a great return of bel canto, and we’re very proud of this because it’s not a question of being too nostalgic or melancholic. That’s the point. We’re all influenced by the past, even today’s great pop artists, young artists, singer-songwriters, just as we are influenced by a certain type of art and artists who, over time, have brought this music around the world, and we’ve realized how much our musical culture is truly appreciated by everyone.
Listening to NESSUN DORMA is like walking through the streets of Rome, something eternal with Puccini’s music and we become the vehicle of this cultural heritage that we have inherited, trying to bring it, with great pride, to the new generations as well. (applause)
HOST= But who has the prize? Who’s holding it? (I think she’s referring to Sanremo)
GIANLUCA= Torpedine has the prize.
HOST= I suspected so, Michele Torpedine.
IGNAZIO= He’s lost in meetings.
HOST= Okay, he has it anyway.
IGNAZIO= Yes.
HOST= In your phone book, there are the numbers of the biggest music stars, of Hollywood. Which one do you use most often?
GIANLUCA= I have Ignazio’s number!
IGNAZIO= The one we call most often?
HOST= Among these greats…
GIANLUCA= (to Ignazio) A little while ago with Renato Zero (famous Italian singer).
IGNAZIO= Yes, but it’s better to ask him (Piero), I’m a bit neglectful of relationships.
PIERO= There’s a dear friend of ours we keep in touch with all the time, at least once every two weeks we exchange a message. She’s Priscilla, Elvis Presley’s wife.
HOST= Oh, yes!
PIERO= She often comes to our concerts in Los Angeles.
IGNAZIO= But I can say that there was a time when we often felt like friends with Sharon Stone.
HOST= Wow, guys!
But is there a number you don’t have that you’d like in your address book?
IGNAZIO= I don’t have yours yet.
HOST= Okay, I’ll give it to you later.
PIERO= Pope Leo XIV.
HOST= But you do have the photo with him.
PIERO= Every now and then I’d have a blessing, and every two weeks a confession of sins.
HOST= By the way, you’ve met two Popes, for whom you’ve sung. Pope Francis and then Pope Leo, right? What did he say to you?
PIERO= You know he’s very nice.
HOST= Who are we talking about? Pope Francis or Pope Leo?
PIERO= We’ve had several opportunities to meet Pope Francis, at World Youth Day in Panama and at Family Day in Rome. Pope Francis was as we knew him, straightforward as a person.
Even today, we’ve had few opportunities to meet Pope Leo to say, at least personally, his character; that comes with time, character, personality. We’ve had the opportunity to meet him directly, and he was very nice to us. We had an audience a few weeks ago, and the cardinal told him, “They’re Il Volo,” and he said, “Of course, I’ve been listening to you since you were 15 or 16.”
GIANLUCA= The Pope is Venetian (he says that because Piero used a Venetian accent while speaking; in reality, he was born in the U.S.).
PIERO= Yes, he’s a Venetian Pope, from Rovigo (he’s joking).
HOST= I wanted to ask Ignazio something, if I may.
IGNAZIO= You can.
HOST= What’s the song you sing to Gabriele to put him to sleep?
IGNAZIO= Well, sometimes I make them up.
HOST= Do you make them up?
IGNAZIO= Yes, I sing like (and he hums): “Goodnight my love, goodnight”… I make them up.
Or when he’s excited because he has colic, the usual baby stuff. I wrote two songs before he was born, and only those two songs calm him down, because when my wife was pregnant, I always played songs to the belly.
PIERO= It’s amazing, if he (Gabriele) cries, he hears the first note sung by him (Ignazio) and calms down.
HOST= Can you tell us the first note?
IGNAZIO= Ciao….
I+G= Ciao ciao bambina…. (laughter-it’s the beginning of the song Piove)
(The video stops here but I was able to pick up the last bit of speech from another video.)
HOST= It works?
IGNAZIO= It works well!
HOST= Beautiful, beautiful.
IGNAZIO= But it’s also nice because it’s the first time
I didn’t believe she (his wife) sent me the video. I thought, “Well, it’s the music, and like any child who listens to music, he calms down.” They tried playing any music or song, but nothing, he (Gabriele) didn’t calm down. If she plays mine, he calms down, and I was thrilled. It’s a beautiful thing, especially because we were on tour in Latin America, and so I received this video, and it’s touching!
HOST= Great! Speaking of the tour, before we end this lovely chat, let’s remember your upcoming concerts: Italy in December 2026, the 2nd in Florence, the 7th in Milan, the 17th in Rome, the 19th in Turin, and the 20th in Bologna, and we’ll be there!
Thanks guys. (applause)
GIANLUCA= Thank you, thank you all.
We’re working on new things, new projects, aside from the various tours, and we’re really happy to be the bearers of bel canto.
Thank you for all the love you’ve shown us over the past 16 years, for those who have followed us from the beginning.
Now we’re back on tour, we can’t wait to see you all.
Thank you!
HOST= Thanks to you guys.
I had just finished the translation, when I saw on Facebook the entire translation of the video with English subtitles, posted by Il Volo American Fan Group (thanks Donalee) and so I’m attaching this too.

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

A short summary published by the Festival dello Spettacolo.

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

Our guys are leaving the event venue.
Always paying special attention to the less fortunate.❤️

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

Before the event, Il Volo was briefly interviewed by Rai1 for the program LA VOLTA BUONA. (Thanks again to Il Volo American Fan Club for the subtitles.)

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

But that’s not all. This wonderful interview Il Volo did with Lilia Kablin of Brazilian television was also published in the same days.
(Turn on subtitles)

Two lovely chats with our beloved guys, always kind and with profound and appropriate words!
How sweet Ignazio is when he talks about his feelings for Gabriele.
And that’s all, but really for a very short time, because it’s been announced that on October 29th, the Canale 5 evening program THIS IS ME, hosted by the talented Silvia Toffanin, will also feature Il Volo, so see you very soon!!!
Daniela 🤗

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

General news

IL VOLO IN JUNE: FAMILY EVENTS by Daniela

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So, I wanted to summarize separately all the events our guys attended but in family form and I would say to start with the wedding event of Piero’s brother, Francesco.
The wedding between Francesco and Rita took place on June 12th in Naro, here is a nice summary video.

At the beginning of the video the bride’s friend asks if Francesco will cry at the wedding and Piero responds like this:
PIERO= But Francesco doesn’t cry… (and we see the moment of the bride’s entrance into the church and Francesco who instead gets emotional)
RITA= But at least a tear, two…
PIERO= I’ve never seen him cry, I struggle to imagine him.
…….and instead Francesco gets emotional, indeed, because you know Piero, emotion plays bad tricks and you can’t control your heart….❤️
And here is Piero singing the Ave Maria and then signing the register as a witness to the marriage. 😍

Torpedine and the entire Ginoble family, including Claudia, were present at the wedding.
In the following video, there is the wait for the bride and groom to leave the church and you can clearly see Claudia turning and giving Gianluca a kiss.😍
As you may have understood, Ignazio and his family were not present at the wedding.
Piero and Gianluca singing MY WAY during the wedding party.

But even in the Boschetto household there was a reason to celebrate, in fact on June 15th Michelle turned 31, here she is while receiving a beautiful bouquet of red roses sent by Ignazio, I would say that Michelle is in great shape and her belly is now visible!!
I end the moment dedicated to Ignazio with these two short reviews dedicated to him.
In the first short video a vocal coach writes comments on Ignazio’s performance of Mia Martini’s song.
I translate the comments for you.

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

Ignazio Il Volo, Mia Martini sings, vocal coach Aldo Sabatini.

“Ignazio Boschetto sings Mia Martini’s song  E NON FINISCE MICA IL CIELO in an exemplary way, he manages to reach challenging notes with great confidence, projection and adding local distortions in line with the style of the song.
Sound projection and dynamics, top, top!
A challenging song that lingers several times on A4 and touches Bb4, he manages to get there in different ways, sometimes adding controlled vocal distortions and in line with the characteristic style of the song.
The confidence, projection and use of vibrato are synonymous with excellent vocal management and control.
Also from an interpretative point of view, in my opinion, he hits the song’s intention very well.”
In this second video, the same vocal coach analyses how Ignazio manages to reach certain notes, the song is THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

How did Ignazio Boschetto reach those notes in the original key on the Queen song?
“How did Ignazio reach the notes with that sound? Yesterday we saw the singer who performed on the TV show LIKE A STAR was unable to do this same passage.
It is absolutely not a comparison or a confrontation between the two, I take this episode to explain something that could be useful to singers.
The reasons why Ignazio can do those notes are:
1-Vocal texture, this does not mean that if you are a baritone you cannot do those notes, but reaching them with that sound is not easy.
2- Ignazio did not think of bringing the chest voice up there, but he used mechanism one with consonances of mechanism two, therefore a sort of mix belt.
3- That sound is the result of talent, musical intelligence, training and technique, because that sound requires a certain muscular athleticism, therefore that sound, on that note is not for everyone, but if you understand how to lighten, channel the sound and project it or in any case get there without lowering the tone you can succeed.”
Well, what can I say, he made some beautiful compliments on Ignazio’s skills, what do you think?
Now I dedicate myself to Gianluca.
After the wedding in Naro, Gianluca and Claudia took advantage of it, since they were in Sicily to go to Taormina where the Film Festival was taking place.
Of course. Gianluca and Claudia also enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere in Taormina.
Here is Gianluca with a local group of musicians.
And here Claudia and Gianluca at the inevitable Bambar.
I would say that the Gianluca Claudia couple is working really well and I’m happy for them.😍
In June there was also a nice interview with Ercole Ginoble who proudly talks about his son Gianluca, here it is.

CLICK HERE to view the IL CENTRO article

Gianluca Ginoble, pride of father Ercole: My son is an ambassador of Abruzzo

Interviewed by Domenico Ranieri at the Centro party in Roseto degli Abruzzi, he talked about the strong bond between the tenor of “Il Volo” and his homeland
“We show off our merchandise.” With these ironic words Ercole Ginoble, father of the famous tenor Gianluca of the trio “Il Volo”, talks about the indissoluble bond between his son and his Roseto. Originally from the hamlet of Montepagano, where he still lives with his family, Gianluca Ginoble is promoting Abruzzo in every corner of the world through his singing talent. His father Ercole himself proudly underlined this during the interview given to the editor-in-chief of the Center, Domenico Ranieri: “Gianluca is very attached to Roseto and Abruzzo and, through his activity as a musician, he makes our beautiful territory known throughout the world,” he said.
A commitment that is also reflected in the many television appearances on national networks, where the tenor never misses an opportunity to reiterate his origins: “Piero and Ignazio, the other two members of Il Volo, are Sicilian, a region much better known, for various reasons, than ours,” added Ginoble, “this is also because Abruzzo is not sold well, it is not promoted as it deserves.”
It is for this very reason that Gianluca chose to be an ambassador for his region. His father Ercole then told an anecdote: during a dinner in a restaurant in New York, where director Woody Allen was also present, Gianluca, when asked where he came from, referred to Montepulciano wine: “I am originally from Abruzzo, the region where Montepulciano is produced,” a product much appreciated by Americans.
Gianluca’s talent, his father always said during the interview, emerged from an early age: “I noticed that he was particularly in tune around the age of three, he repeated cartoon songs. Growing up, it was Andrea Bocelli’s music that captivated him: in the car he wanted to listen to it continuously.” At eight years old Gianluca joined a small choir in Roseto and began performing in summer recitals on the seafront or in evenings at the municipal villa. The turning point came with his participation in the Rai Uno talent show hosted by Antonella Clerici. From there, an extraordinary career began which, despite his young age, already boasts collaborations with artists of the caliber of Barbara Streisand and Sting.
Back to Piero, because June 24th was his birthday, Piero turned 32.

BUON COMPLEANNO PIERO!!!🎊🎂🎉❤️

Piero you are a charming, serious, intelligent man, an artist of excellent qualities and a good son.

You are strong, we love you!! ❤️

It was a nice roundup of events related to Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca and their families.
I want to assure you that no privacy has been violated, because what I have reported to you has been published on countless fan pages and also highlighted by the newspapers.
And now I hope that they have a restful July, here in Italy it is really very hot and the three of them deserve to relax their body and mind, recharge their batteries and dedicate themselves to their families.
Daniela 🤗

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

Tour News

IL VOLO TOUR 2025: TREVISO – FIRENZE – BOLOGNA – TORINO by Daniela

38 Comments
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!!!”

January 18: TURIN

The concert is at the INALPI ARENA.
during the rehearsals

CLICK HERE to view the rehearsal video

 

ROCKET MAN Gianluca

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

CLICK HERE to view the video

LA CURA Gianluca

HALLELUJAH

E LUCEAN LE STELLE Piero

Piero among the people

GRANDE AMORE

SE

This medley filmed by Ercole Ginoble is very beautiful!
This beautiful video shows photos of Il Volo now and at the beginning of their career, a gesture to thank all their fans!!

CLICK HERE to view the video

And this review that I translate for you is equally beautiful.
CLICK HERE to view the article

Il Volo a CAPOLAVORO at the Inalpi Arena.

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.
A hug to all of you!!
Daniela 🤗🤗

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

Tour News

IL VOLO WORLD TOUR: ATHENS – ZÜRICH – DUBAI by Daniela

33 Comments
The Il Volo tour proceeds at a very fast pace, but full of many emotions and many people who show truly incredible affection towards Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero.

October 21: GREECE

The concert is held in TAE KWON DO arena.

NESSUN DORMA

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER

CARUSO

MISERERE

HALLELUJAH

AMAZING GRACE

CAPOLAVORO

GRANDE AMORE

And very beautiful this video from BG Sound Stage

Torpedine always present!
These subsequent photos were posted by BG Sound who promoted the concert, with these words:
“🎼 Dear friends, we are happy to share with you some beautiful moments of Il Volo’s Tae Kwon Do concert in Athens.
🌟It was a unique evening full of emotions from their wonderful music.
❤️Thank you, see you soon!”
It seems that everything is going very well for the tour and the next stop is in SWITZERLAND:

23 October ZÜRICH

The concert is at the Hallenstadion.
Look how cute this video by Luciano Claudio is, it’s in Italian so I’ll translate for you. 😁

CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel

Good morning Luciano, how are you?
LUCIANO= Hi handsome.
MAN= Is everything okay? Yes? See you then?
LUCIANO= Tonight in Zurich!
MAN= No, but what Zurich, in Bern, my beloved INTER (Italian football team) playing against the Young Boys!
LUCIANO= Your beloved Inter, look, I have the tickets here too, but I’m not going. I’m not going there because tonight look here….
MAN= Where are you going?
LUCIANO= (he points to the Il Volo poster)
MAN= Ah, ok!
LUCIANO = Il Volo international group, unmissable.
MAN= We can see that you are there.
LUCIANO= It’s normal, I got the tickets, family first, I want to go and so does my wife. We are waiting for you.
I recommend Forza Inter. Love Forza Inter.
MAN= Love Forza Inter! Great!

 

NELLE TUE MANI

CLICK HERE to view the video

SOUND OF SILENCE

OPERA

CAPOLAVORO

CLICK HERE to view the video

O SOLE MIO

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLE WATERS

HALLELUJAH

the final

The ItaloBlogger group was present at the concert in Zürich and posted these beautiful photos with these words:
“On 23 October 2024, the Hallenstadion in Zürich hosted an extraordinary concert by the Italian trio Il Volo, composed of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble.
This event celebrated the 15-year career of the group, known for their unique lyrical pop style. Organized by GC Events, the concert was part of their TUTTI PER UNO world tour, which saw the trio perform a setlist that covered the greatest hits of their career. The atmosphere was electrifying, with an enthusiastic audience filling the arena.”
After these two other successful concerts on European soil, Il Volo left Europe for a country in the Middle East, and precisely for the United Arab Emirates.

25 October: DUBAI

The concert is held in the Dubai Opera.
On the streets of Dubai:
Video of the interior of the Dubai Opera before rehearsals, filmed by maestro Grani.
A collage of some moments of the concert starting from the beginning with the curtain closed!
Another nice collage with a small snippet of speech in English.

NELLE TUE MANI

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

GRANADA

CARUSO

CLICK HERE to view the video

MEMORY

LIBIAM DE LIETI CALICI

CLICK HERE to view the video

In Dubai there are many Italians and I publish this short video by Grande Amore with the exact words with which it was published:
“A great concert is a moment where first you get goosebumps, and then you get tears in your eyes.
And after just over a month I realize how much I miss Italy 🇮🇹
Il Volo”
And here are the beautiful  words and a collage of photos published by Dubai Opera:
“Last night, we were swept away by the mesmerizing harmonies of Il Volo at #DubaiOpera. With their unique blend of operatic pop and captivating stage presence, Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca enchanted us all. It was truly a night to remember!”

CLICK HERE to view the video

In Dubai there is Radio Italia Dubai, which followed the Il Volo concert and then met them backstage.
An enchanting night at Dubai Opera with the spectacular performance by Il Volo.
Our lucky ticket winners, interviewed on Radio Italia Dubai, experienced an unforgettable evening!
And then our Piero was able to say goodbye to his friend Maxim!!
A photo backstage with some members of the orchestra
After the concert Il Volo had dinner at the BELCANTO restaurant.

CLICK HERE to view the video

Here are the beautiful words published by Paolo Petrocelli, cultural manager, academic and journalist, superintendent of the Dubai Opera.
“An emotional reunion with the exceptionally talented artists of Il Volo, who made their Dubai Opera debut! It feels like just yesterday that I met them nearly 15 years ago in Rome, recording their first pieces at the legendary ‘Forum Recording Studios’.
I’m so proud to witness their extraordinary growth over the years, both artistically and personally. Their unwavering authenticity and humble spirit continue to shine through, making their success all the more inspiring. Grazie, ragazzi!”
And here are the beautiful photos of the concert.
Still much, much deserved success for our beloved Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero.
It was the first time for a concert in Dubai and I think it was very popular.
There are two pieces of news published recently, here they are:
The first news was given by London One Radio

London One Radio

London (editorial team) – After having enchanted audiences in major European capitals such as London, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Frankfurt and Athens, Il Volo continues to amaze with its highly anticipated 2024/2025 World Tour, produced by Michele Torpedine.
But there is news that will make the next Paris event even more special: the October 31st concert will be broadcast live simultaneously on Radio Italia (in Italy), in the United Kingdom on London ONE Radio and in New York with ICN Radio marking a historic moment for the band and its fans from all over the world.
The Paris concert: a global event live on radio
The most famous Italian trio in the world, composed of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, will give fans a unique experience, not only to those present in the French capital, but also to those who are kilometers away. In Italy, the concert will be broadcast on Radio Italia, while in the United Kingdom it can be followed on London ONE Radio, where listeners can tune in via the app downloadable on iOS and Android, or listen to it on DAB for those in Scotland.
The second news was given by the IL Volo staff.

The international edition of the Il Volo album “Ad Astra” will be released on November 22, 2024. You will have the same songs as the album published in Italy with the addition of five songs:
Now We Are Free from the movie “Gladiator”, Hallelujah,
The Sound of Silence, Amazing Grace and Masterpiece in English.
This edition of “Ad Astra” will be released in the USA and can be pre-ordered now on Amazon USA

CLICK HERE for the Amazon link

 

The success of the European tour therefore continues with a stop in the Middle East too. It seems that the success for Il Volo is a well-established component and how could it be otherwise?
They have wonderful voices, they are beautiful people with a lot of charisma and humility, so they are equipped with essential ingredients for a successful world tour.
And now ready to face the last 6 concerts.
See you soon: Daniela 🤗🤗
______________________________________________________
PS= One last thing.
This interview has been published relating to the Rigopiano tragedy of January 2017, the avalanche which, as you will remember, swept away a place of stay managed by Roberto Del Rosso, a friend of Gianluca Ginoble and where Gianluca should have been in that period.
I translate for you.

E POI IL SILENZIO  (AND THEN THE SILENCE)
MAN = It is a moment that defines the course of a life, of multiple lives. What is unacceptable, however, is realizing how much this boulder can sometimes be moved by infinitesimal forces.
The choice of a departure date of the place where you sit and wait, or the place to park the car, the choice between going out or staying where you are, leaving a moment earlier or later, granting a shift change to a colleague or No. Small things, however insignificant, have the power to generate catastrophic consequences and can make the difference between living or dying. This is why the idea of “destiny” fascinates us and terrifies us at the same time.
GIANLUCA= So, it was a bit of a traumatic experience for me, especially for the relationship I had with Roberto.
I met him in 2015 immediately after our victory at the Sanremo Festival, thanks to some friends who advised me to go there for a few days of relaxation.
MAN= Gianluca Ginoble is one of the members of the group IL VOLO, the trio of very young tenors of which he joined when he was just 14 years old and still living with his parents in Montepagano, a village on the hill above Roseto degli Abruzzi. After that first stay in February 2015, for Gianluca Rigopiano it had become the place of his heart, where he could take refuge when he needed to unplug and be alone for a while and in January 2017 he intended to return again. The day he had chosen was Tuesday 17th, he wanted to relax and also take a look at the renovation project of his new house that Roberto Del Rosso was working on, but as we know, it had been snowing in Abruzzo for days.
GIANLUCA= Two days before, Roberto and I spoke on the phone to organize ourselves. There was my father next to me and Roberto in a very kind and generous way, despite everything he had offered to come and get me and my father said it wasn’t possible because the situation was dangerous, he was worried because the storm had also reached the sea in Roseto degli Abruzzi. We were locked in the house and that wasn’t the case. Maybe my father had sensed the danger and he insisted so much, saying that it wasn’t possible, that I couldn’t go in these conditions.
Initially I also insisted by saying: “But what can happen? I’ll go there for a few days, relax.”
My father even raised his voice, well, he had realized the situation, I don’t know, but anyway he stopped me. I followed his advice by saying that maybe I would return at another time, and thus the phone call with Roberto ended.
MAN= On Thursday 19 January, Gianluca woke up and heard the news of the avalanche and then saw the images of the rescue caravan and the first operators among fallen trees and rubble of the hotel rising in the snow.
GIANLUCA= At that moment when I saw that structure completely destroyed by the avalanche, my blood ran cold, it felt like I was in a movie, as if it wasn’t real, a bad dream. You know there is a part of me that wanted to remove this story a little, partly because of the relationship I had with Roberto because he was a friend and then because that place was a corner of paradise and I carry it in my heart. I probably subconsciously tried to remove the memory, because those images were so strong. Certainly, thinking of those people, and imagining that maybe I could have been there too and that I had escaped death.

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

Our Stories

MY EXPERIENCE – MACERATA SEP. 5, ’24 – by Kirsten, Denmark

41 Comments
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.