For a few days already, the various Facebook fan pages had announced a seminar in which Piero would participate.
This is a meeting with the students of the KORE University of Enna (Sicilian city) on the topic: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE ARTIST AND THE ABILITY OF “KNOWING HOW TO BE”…
I propose to you the complete video of the event, published by Kore University.
I will translate briefly.
After Piero Barone’s university room entry, the speaker, Professor lacolino, explains the title of the seminar, that is, being at the center of visibility but at the same time guaranteeing the essential values of life. He says that he knows Piero and his family because they live in the same town: Naro. He says that he has always followed Piero’s career and one thing that has always amazed him is the simplicity and humility of his being, which is not something to be taken for granted for those who have achieved success. The topic was considered very valid to give motivation to those students who want professional success at all costs and Piero is taken as an example, for the possibility of succeeding, but also of maintaining the fundamental principles, which are not always linked to the economic aspect, which is important, but not as much as the family, emotional, relational and love values that will accompany us throughout our existence.
He also explains that success is ephemeral, because there are often people at the top who then fall into oblivion. Then he thanks Piero and asks the principal to say a few words.
The principal thanks Piero and says that it is their most important seminar.
In such an important moment in the world an artist brings his culture and his message to the world which never more than in this case must be a bringer of peace.
Then he wishes everyone a good listen.
Below Prof. lacolino reads a formal thank you to the entire university and to Piero for having accepted the invitation and for making this event special.
Piero greets everyone and sits down with these words:
“Good morning guys, hello everyone. For this event I have decided not to prepare anything, because I want to be spontaneous and transparent, I talk to guys my age, I will answer all your questions and I want to be the most sincere and talk about the deepest part of myself.”
He goes on to say that his greatest fortune was to have people next to him who always encouraged him, and this is also the task of teachers, to encourage students, because often during the journey there are dark moments and you have to have the right people next to you, who maybe are also the people you have at home. In his case, the family and their advice play a fundamental role, which he considers the cornerstones of his career.
At this point there is one intervention by a teacher who explains the context of the seminar. (She delves into the aspect of the artist in the theme of psychology.)
Before giving the floor to Piero, another teacher reads a tribute that covers all the stages of Il Volo’s career.
At the end of the tribute to Il Volo, Piero thanks her saying that here in University they are very well prepared on Il Volo topic, and that he had many things forgotten also.
Prof. lacolino says that what was read is Piero’s artistic life and now they want to listen to his most hidden life. And now he himself asks a question:
“Who is Piero Barone in life?”
Piero replies that he is a person who questions himself every day, because if you stop questioning yourself, you stop learning. Doubt is the stimulus that keeps you going.
His and his colleagues’ strength is the fact that they always think about the future and do not sleep on the past, however beautiful it may have been. Growth brings different thoughts, different points of view, social, personal, professional.
The most important thing is to recognize your identity and defend it. Maturity brings new consciences and it is important to have good people around you.
Professor lacolino asks Piero what is the hook which allows him to overcome a moment of crisis.
Piero replies that it is as if he lived two separate lives, the Piero of Il Volo who is a public life and the Piero of Naro, where he was born and raised and Naro and his loved ones are his safe haven, in a moment of crisis and doubts and problems, he returns to his “safe haven” with the right people, and in a few days every problem has a solution. For Piero, family and the type of education received are very important, as is respect for grandparents who represent a testimony of life lived. Piero states that his grandparents passed on education to him through demonstration, with small gestures and moments that Piero assimilated, nothing was imposed. This strong identity allows him to travel safely around the world, in contact with different ethnic groups, different traditions, but always having a clear understanding of who he is.
At this point Prof. lacolino greets Gaetano Barone (Piero’s father) and his sister MariaGrazia, confirming the affection that binds this family.
Piero confirms that his results obtained are due to the presence of his family, to the firmness of his father and then talks about the importance of his brother and sister who were “the fundamental and predominant part of my life”, because he explains that in the first years of Il Volo, Francesco and MariaGrazia understood, without jealousy, that the family’s attention was entirely for Piero and he recognizes that if he was able to have success he owes it to them too.
Piero says that when it’s Christmas and gifts are given, he doesn’t want anything from his parents because they have already given him the best gifts, his brother and sister.
The students’ questions begin.
In the first question Piero is asked how the idea of forming Il Volo was born and Piero responds by explaining all the randomness of TI LASCIO UNA CANZONE and then ends by saying that Torpedine is the fourth Volo and that in April they will celebrate 15 years of their career. He also explains that they right away signed a contract and moved to America and he didn’t know anything about English, they learned quickly. He also talks about meeting a woman in an elevator in Nashville who recognized him and told him “Piero remember, being successful is luck, maintaining it is a job.”
In the second question a girl asked what moments he experienced with Il Volo were to remember and Piero replies that one of the moments was having sung in Kyoto at the inauguration of the renovation of the Kiyomizu Dera temple, another moment was the tour with Barbra Streisand and then the more emotional last year on family day singing in front of the pope, because he had promised his mother, who is a very believer, that one day he would bring her in front of the pope and that day, not only was he there with the whole family but he was singing in front of the pope and his mom, a moment that will be difficult for him to forget.
In the third question Piero is asked, “If in a day is Piero’s simple part more dominant or does the artistic part prevail?
He replies that when he leaves home it’s as if he activates a change, he enters the more artistic mode within him. Piero confesses that for him music and Il Volo are his world and that he is giving up many things in his private life for them.
He says that it is difficult to do something personal among his many commitments and that his presence in this seminar was confirmed only 15 days before, instead Prof. lacolino had already requested two years ago. He admits that he doesn’t feel like an “artist” he is just Piero, and he is making his passion his daily life, he states that he has never worked (in the true sense of work) because for him music is a passion.
For Piero, passion, responsibility, identity, are the things that distinguish an artist and he says that Il Volo focuses on identity and spontaneity, proposing a genre that is a little outside the box of the musical genres that are fashionable today, and finally he also remembers that last Saturday Il Volo was supposed to hold a concert in Tel Aviv.
In the fourth question, Piero is asked what the preparation is like before the concerts. Piero replies that there are two preparations, the vocal one and the physical one and they are both important.
Physical preparation serves to increase breathing and endurance to face long journeys. He confirms his stubbornness in pursuing sports and also talks about his physical preparation for the New York marathon.
As regards vocal preparation, Piero says that during the Covid period he discovered that he can do lessons remotely and thanks his teacher Fulvio Massa for his constant availability at any time due to the differences in time zones. Piero has daily singing lessons, and confirms that it is important to discover every day that you can always do better, never set yourself a limit and therefore never stop studying.
He also confirms that a good psychological preparation is needed, because when Il Volo is on tour, there are crowds waiting for them and it is certainly beautiful, everything is exhilarating, you are praised every day, then you arrive home and you are alone, the first years it was difficult, and even now, sometimes you are on the other side of the world, you need to hear someone and you can’t because of different hours they are sleeping at home, so you are alone with yourself and therefore you have to recognize the limits of the moment. When you are on stage you have to learn to enjoy those moments because you have to understand that you are on that stage not because you are omnipotent, but because those people have paid for a ticket, they have left home to come and see you and listen to you so you have to be grateful to them.
Another important thing for Piero is to listen to people and at this point he introduces a woman, Nora (whom he greeted and hugged as soon as he entered the room). They met by chance years ago while they were both waiting in Frankfurt for the flight to Sicily which was heavily delayed. They started talking and continued for hours, since then a beautiful friendship was born with Nora who is 80 years old, speaks five languages and has traveled all over the world, she only understood that Piero was a member of Il Volo upon arriving in Catania. Since then, every now and then, they call each other to have a nice chat. Piero says that dialogue and listening to people is a great fortune that must be exploited.
Piero also talks about the importance that his grandfather had for him, not only for having discovered his voice, but also and above all for having passed on to him this great love for music.
Piero says that as a child he spent summers in the countryside with his grandparents and there was a neighbor in the countryside who had purchased one of the first small cameras with a door. Every evening he came and filmed something, but they were children and didn’t understand what it was. After this man’s death, his house was sold and the one who bought it went to Piero one evening and brought him a CD and told him to watch it. It was the summary of all those videos that he made in the countryside and Piero states that it is the only visual document of his childhood and in those videos, there is not a moment in which his grandfather stops singing, and this is the love for music that his grandfather passed on to him.
Remembering his grandfather, Piero says that his grandfather’s importance was, is and will be fundamental.
In the meantime, the president of the Enna Kore University has arrived and is invited to go on stage.
The president thanks Piero for his availability, knowing how difficult it is to be present given Il Volo’s busy calendar.
He appreciates the fact that Piero said that Il Volo is successful even if the most widespread musical genre is different and this is because when there is quality, when the artistic level is high, and there is determination, as well as the various coincidences of path, you can be successful in life. He says there is only one from Il Volo and the example they are bringing us is also that of friendship, in them there are many positive examples for young people and for this he wants to thank them, and he says Il Volo’s message can be summarized as follows: “if I want I can do it”.
Piero concludes by saying that his greatest goal is to respect his own code of ethics. He has some personal commandments that he always tries to observe and they are important for himself: “To be grateful, to be loyal, but above all to be serious about everything you do.”
The president says that these words must be respected and nothing must be added.
At this point the university seal is given to Piero, followed by final thanks to Piero for his availability. Piero also compliments Prof. lacolino. The president exits.
Prof. lacolino compliments Piero because although personal questions were also asked, he responded with feeling.
Piero replies that if you lose your feeling, for anything, you have finished living.
Then he says that they often ask him to give advice to young people and he says that he is no one to give advice, but he wishes young people to always go in search of their own vocation.
Piero is given the Kore university sweatshirt and then prof. lacolino says that significant things were said and thanks Piero for being a person of substance and not just appearance and wishes all the kids present to find their personal success.
Piero is happy with the discussion he had in the evening and concludes by saying this:
“Do cherry picking, always try to get the best from every person, from every place and from every culture. Talk and ask questions, always be curious. In the end we are the result of what we live and the encounters we have.”
Final applause and greetings from all the young people present.
The day after this meeting at Kore University, Piero published this comment:
“I would like to express my gratitude to the entire academic staff of the Kore University of Enna for the warm welcome given to me. It was a unique experience of its kind. The reflection on the artistic role between psychology and society exposed me to a dialectical comparison and constructiveness with the students. I thank every single person for the questions, curiosities and considerations expressed. I will keep this day among my memories.”
I have no words for what has been said, a very serious topic to which our Piero responded with transparency and great wisdom and which I hope to have translated clearly to you.
I really liked the compliment paid to Piero which confirms that he is a man of substance and not just appearance.
Really very good Piero!!!
You are a great artist, but also a great man and gentleman. ❤️
Slowly we arrived at the last two concerts in July:
July 26: OSTUNI The beautiful square of the Apulian town was waiting for Il Volo and welcomed them with great warmth.
SE
ALL BY MYSELF
At the beginning of the video, Piero sees a woman holding a sign and tells Gianluca.
PIERO = Read, read what is written.
GIAN = (he reads) I have a (loving) relationship with Piero Barone but nobody knows, not even him.
PIERO = Me neither! (laughs)
GIAN = A platonic love.
PIERO = (He reads another sign) I am from Finland and I love you. We love you too, how do you say I love you in Finnish?
GIAN= (Reads another sign) I have a dream in my heart, singing with Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero Barone. Why did you write the surname to Piero and not us (him and Ignazio)? Ah, to rhyme, I didn’t get there !!
Then Piero talks about how they met and introduces Ignazio.
IL MONDO and SE TELEFONANDO
29 July, AGRIGENTO, the beautiful Valley of the Temples. It goes without saying that Agrigento is the province where Piero lives and therefore there was a lot of emotion and participation.
Here is Piero’s message before the concert.
I am excited for the concert in the Valley of the Temples.
I have been spending my holidays in San Leone for years and I love jogging here.
It’s great to see people stop me and tell me: “We got tickets. Piè (Piero, abbreviated), for the concert.” It fills me with pride.
This video was made by AGRIGENTO TODAY is a nice summary and I will translate the beautiful words of Piero.
GIAN = (He says to Piero) You are at home tonight.
PIERO = We are home. Sorry, but tell me something, but in Roseto, where you live, do you receive such a welcome? Let me understand! (applause).
GIAN = (On the nearby promontory you can see the ruins of a Greek temple. Gian points to the temple and says): What house, is that your house?
PIERO = From here you can see my bedroom, up there, see the one there.
(Then Piero turns to the audience).
Before I took the stage, I looked at you, and I thought: I have never taken for granted such great affection, such great love, from my fellow countrymen. Thank you! ❤ (applause).
I am, we are three extremely privileged guys, all thanks to you, for these 13 years of journey we have done together (applause).
Tonight we will sing the songs they have ….. (he sees Ignazio) but what happened? What are you doing back there? You speak, you do not speak, good evening …
IGNAZIO = No, I was looking at what seems to be in the Po Valley, you can’t see anything(Pianura Padana is the Italian plain in the north, Ignazio means that the expanse of people is as big as the Po Valley, moreover there is it is often fog and nothing is seen and the effect of the stage lights does not show anything to the singers).
PIERO = But in fact, turn off this talcum powder (type of diffused light), there are the ancient temples behind. Ignazio, why don’t you speak? Let me understand!
IGNAZIO = I was thinking about something, if that’s your room (part of the temple), did you save on the fixtures? (Laughter)😁
GIAN = Think in the winter that the air is blowing!
IGNAZIO = In summer everything is fine, but in winter, you die of cold!
GIAN = Then you don’t sing if you get a sore throat.
PIERO = (he turns to Ignazio) Do you want to introduce? Are not you happy? I understand that we are not in Marsala, (Ignazio’s city), today we sing in Agrigento ….. (someone from the audience throws a small red pillow at Piero) thank goodness they are cushions but they are red like tomatoes …. ( then Piero reads on the pillow) … ah I LOVE YOU !! , thank you honey, thank you my love, hello joy.
……….. we said that tonight we will sing the songs ………..
IGNAZIO = And then I’m sorry, I think this is also the concept that we two (him and Piero) give, that it doesn’t matter Agrigento, Marsala, Catania, it’s all Sicily. (applause) These are things that an Abruzzese does not understand !!😁
GIAN = I understand everything, I can speak in Sicilian with you (Gianluca pronounces all this in Sicilian) (applause)
IGNAZIO = But I was saying an Abruzzese, not you Gianluca.
GIAN = Shut up, don’t speak (Gianluca pronounces this again in Sicilian and then turns to the audience) Do you understand? huh !! (and gestures with his hand towards his ear which means that he is saying the Sicilian pronunciation well)
IGNAZIO = May I?
GIAN = You can, of course. I don’t mean to be rude.
IGNAZIO = A Sicilian would never have said YOU CAN, ever! If you don’t talk, you don’t have to talk.
GIAN = Go, I won’t interrupt you anymore, Mr. Boschetto.
IGNAZIO = But I have nothing to say …
PIERO = Tonight we will sing the songs that are part of our artistic path. We will also sing some songs that are part of our latest recording project, where we decided to dedicate an entire album to a great teacher, a great composer, maestro Ennio Morricone. (applause)
Sicilian friends also made pizza in honor of IL VOLO 😁
HERE’S TO YOU – L’AMORE SI MUOVE – MUSICA CHE RESTA
ECSTASY OF GOLD
NESSUN DORMA
Many beautiful articles in Sicilian newspapers, but among all I chose this one and I translate it for you:
I am referring to the concert last night in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento by the trio “Il Volo”. Why with my friends? Because they were there, among that public in delirium for these guys who embody, at least for those of our generation, the best you can have: beauty, professionalism, Sicilianity.
For personal reasons I could not participate, but it seems interesting to tell you their impressions, which I fully share, since more than once I have also had the pleasure of being there. The most celebrated was Piero Barone, and the community of Naro, massively present to support that boy who grew up “on hard bread and milk” and today at the top of international fame. Yes, because even if our children wrinkle their noses, we, these kids, we love them viscerally. Because after having done so much apprenticeship, they have touched the sky. And last night, the illuminated Temples served as a worthy backdrop to their exhibition.
“Magic and familiarity.” – says Maria Luisa. Two components that accompany any of their performances, but above all the concerts in Sicily, in which we hear them tell episodes of their childhood, we listen to their dialectal expressions, we feel them deeply rooted in our island reality, so colorful and colorful, so proud of their success.
“The word Agrigento unleashed a riot of festive screams,” Luisa tells me while now, Paola and Giuseppina tell me that it seemed to be in the family, for the confidential and empathic relationship they have created with the public. “It was a hymn to the beauty and harmony of Sicily – continues Luisa – happy people, families celebrating.”
Well, after having seen the recent film “Elvis” and previously “Bohemian Rhapsody”, with the inevitable pitfalls that the entertainment world inevitably manifests, I must say that these three guys, who are also in the hands of a great manager like Michele Torpedine , they do not show anything artificial in their interpersonal relationship.“ They are authentically friends and brothers“- says Dina and, after years of international tours and sensational successes, they remain the three Sicilian guys we have always known. Their solid family roots, always remarked by them with pride, I hope they keep them away from the bad sirens that almost always dominate the entertainment world.
And finally, thanks to my friends for their cooperation!
It was undoubtedly a concert full of emotion, but there is still an appointment for Il Volo and it is not part of the tour, Il Volo will open the MAGNA GRECIA Film Festival in Catanzaro, on July 30th.
Here they are on the red carpet!!
They sang only three songs, Ecstasy of Gold, Grande Amore and Nessun Dorma, greeted by warm applause, and even if the songs were only three, the people of Catanzaro enjoyed the articles in the newspapers the next day very much and full of beautiful words.
But look at the professionalism of our treasures, during Grande Amore, Piero’s microphone no longer works and, without any problem, Ignazio approaches Piero and offers him his microphone, Gianluca understands the situation and is close to the other two to make it seem that the song should be sung by all three neighbors. A second microphone arrives for Piero, but this too does not work, and the three of them go on without any problem and finish their performance. Really great !!!
During the Magna Grecia Film Festival, Michele Torpedine was awarded the Golden Column.
But also Il Volo was awarded with the Golden Column and it is the same goldsmith who made the prize to go up to deliver it. On his Facebook page Michele Affidato (goldsmith) writes this comment:
“On our journey we meet many people … with some a true friendship is born. Thanks to Michele Torpedine and the Trio il Volo for their presence at the Magna Graecia Film Festival.”
As they receive the award, the speaker says these words: “To Il Volo, which makes us proud in the world with bel canto.”
Il Volo is also rewarded with the Vela del Successo.
Some moments of the beautiful evening.
Beautiful events awaited our three golden boys at the end of July, but there is no time to rest, just one day at home to pack your bags, and then, off you go, Japan is waiting for you.
Have a good trip, come back soon !!
Taormina is not only a beautiful place, but also a place in full swing when there is IL Volo, a magical place, where in addition to listening to good music you can meet Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca walking through the streets or eating a granita at Bambar.
And it is here that Barbara di Palma met Gianluca and Piero and gave them a short and nice interview for the WEEKLY, a new program broadcast on RAI1.
BARBARA = I moved, I’m in a symbolic place in Taormina. The greatest artists stop here to eat the famous granita, and so I thought, for our first episode, to try to organize a little surprise.
I wanted to do it triple, but in reality I managed to do it double: Gianluca Ginoble and Piero Barone … Il Volo !!
(from the studio a voice “The friends of Il Volo, how wonderful.”) and I do the third. 😁
GIANLUCA = Look at Ignazio how beautiful he is, how Ignazio has changed.😁
PIERO = Can I ask you a question Ignazio?
BARBARA = (she imitates Ignazio’s voice) Tell me Piero, tell me.😁
PIERO = For 10 years I have seen you with a goatee, you are more beautiful without a goatee. 😁
BARBARA = This morning I took off my goatee to be younger, because I’m growing up (laughter) 😁
GIANLUCA = Good morning from Taormina, from the wonderful Taormina.
WOMAN = (voice from the studio) Hi guys, what a nice surprise!
BARBARA = Tonight and tomorrow night they have to sing, cheer the whole audience of the Greek theater of Taormina, and you don’t know what’s behind the cameras, then I’ll show you (she refers that behind the cameras there are all the fans who are waiting).
PIERO = We weren’t ready for the unexpected, it was something suddenly …… (Piero jokes to make it clear that they knew the interview was there)😁
BARBARA = In fact we came to eat a granita ….
PIERO = ….. I go out in the morning wearing this (he shows the earphone to his ear, Gianluca has it too, precisely because there was the interview).
You got it, I feel comfortable wearing this !! 😁
GIANLUCA = You from the studio and you from home, for those who are watching us, what a surprise, look how wonderful ….. (Saretto del Bambar’s daughter arrives and brings them the slushes).
BARBARA = The famous granita. So, Federica (Saretto’s daughter), at this moment I am Ignazio.
What’s your favorite flavor?
FEDERICA = Ignazio prefers peach and raspberry.
BARBARA = And they (Gian and Piero)
FEDERICA = They prefer almond and strawberry.
BARBARA = By now they are like little brothers to you.
FEDERICA = Of home, we have known them for many years.
GIANLUCA = We also greet the father, Saretto, who is watching us.
PIERO = Do you know what her father Saretto did? One day for my birthday in Naro, two hours from here, he came as a surprise with the trolley of slushes, we were celebrating 4 or 5 years ago and he arrived with the trolley of slushes. Saretto, a huge kiss (he sends a kiss).
GIANLUCA = We love you!
BARBARA = Taormina, you really have it in your heart, because it was also the first great theater that welcomed you, before the great success of Sanremo.
GIANLUCA = Yes, we were here in July 2014 (they won Sanremo in 2015), it was the first Italian concert, while our career started in 2009. Then, after the victory of the festival they started to know us also here in Italy, but it was weird for us.
BARBARA= The Greek Theater of Taormina believed in you, before the others!
GIANLUCA = Then, our musical genre is suitable for these prestigious and beautiful places like the Theater of Taormina, like the Arena of Verona. It’s always a pleasure to be able to sing and maybe represent our music, in such places ….. beautiful, let’s say.
BARBARA = In fact it is a curiosity that I had, that is, when you sing at the Arena of Verona or at the Greek Theater of Taormina, which have a truly unique setting, when you interpret the songs, does it give you an extra boost compared to a normal stage?
PIERO = It is clear, having the awareness of singing in a prestigious place, makes us feel privileged, sharing our music in these beautiful places, especially in Italy, but also in other places, in America, in Japan, we try not to lose never that emotion, that desire to be amazed and perhaps this, after 13 years of career, is the reason why, when we go on stage, we always feel the same sensation.
BARBARA = Instead you see here, your audience on the street following you … tell me Carolina (the woman from the studio)
CAROLINA = I was actually listening to the stories about the various tours and I was wondering what was the stage that they didn’t do, but that they would like to do …. where?
PIERO = In Italia?
CAROLINA = Even abroad, all over the world.
GIANLUCA = Look, there is a place where we would love to sing and it is the Baths of Caracalla (in Rome, where the concert of the 3 tenors was performed), and therefore it is not very far and it is a magical place ….
MAN = (from the studio) and then you come here to Weekly ….
GIANLUCA = Absolutely, then we come to you, but we invite you to one of our concerts, let us know where you want to come, it would be nice …
CAROLINA = Where can we come ???
PIERO = Let’s start from Italy, we will sing in Taormina, Agrigento in the Valley of the Temples, Torre del Lago, and many other concerts. Then we move to America, Japan and after 10 years, we will finally return to Australia.
We had two and a half years off, finally it seems that everything is back to normal.
After two and a half years we have planned a tour of around 100 concerts and so we are loaded.
BARBARA = I don’t know if you have heard, but the people behind us speak the languages of half the world.
GIANLUCA = Yes.
BARBARA = Two women from Brazil came to Taormina for their concert.
MAN = (from the studio) I wanted to ask Piero and Gianluca something, a hot comment, Ignazio is good though, is he getting along as a correspondent? (He means Barbara in the part of Ignazio)
GIANLUCA = Ignazio gets away with it, yes.
PIERO = Can I tell the truth?
MAN = Sure!
PIERO = I called Ignazio and he answered the third call and I said: “Igna, where are you? Maybe we need to do an interview, there is a live broadcast on RAI1” And he: “You do it, I’m sleeping” This is reality! (laughs).
GIANLUCA = It’s not true, he’s kidding!
PIERO = He went to sleep late, tonight he has to sing, he also has to rest.
BARBARA = I haven’t tasted the granita yet. Good, peach and raspberry.
CAROLINA = Next stop?
BARBARA = This evening and tomorrow evening the Greek Theater of Taormina.
PIERO = Do you know what the next step is? In a week we will have the honor of singing for Pope Francis at the world meeting of families on June 22nd. So see you on June 22nd.
BARBARA = And a few days ago, you interpreted our hymn in a way that always excites us a lot, with the celebration of June 2nd, and we have a little piece, right Carolina and Fabio?
CAROLINA = Sure, let’s watch it, let’s watch this video of June 2nd with you protagonists. Thanks to the friends of Il Volo.
(the video begins where Il Volo sings the Italian National Anthem)
And here they are Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio, shaking hands with our President Mattarella.
Very proud of them !! ❤❤❤
And now I am translating a video that aired on RAI 1 on 07 June.
But first I have to give a long explanation, so that you can see and rate this nice video without misunderstandings.
First of all, I’ll explain who Drusilla Foer is.
At the registry office, Drusilla Foer responds to the name of Gianluca Gori: photographer, painter, singer and actor originally from Florence, one day, out of nothing, he created this character that soon became a web phenomenon.
Her character is liked, because she is elegant, refined, is not coarse and does not show parts of the body (as many showgirls do), in short, it represents a little elegance that often, in many programs, is left aside to make room for voices more and more screaming and using vulgar terms and elegance has given way to transparencies and many centimeters of exposed skin and flesh.
Drusilla this year was co-presenter for one evening in Sanremo and was very successful.
Now she has been entrusted with this small 5-minute column entitled “Almanac of the day after” in which Drusilla has given space to “The enthusiast of the day after”, that is a small space where already famous people are invited , but pretending to be unknown.
In the second episode it was the turn of Il Volo and Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio were very good at keeping up with the game.
Drusilla interviews the boys giving them little space to explain and she ridicules their answers, as often people unknown to the world of entertainment have to undergo in their first approaches with interviews.
With all this premise, I am now translating to you what has been said.
DRUSILLA = Here we are with our guests: PIERO …. and then … Piero, who is from Naro, right?
PIERO = Yes.
DRUSILLA = Where is Naro located?
PIERO = In Sicily, in the province of Agrigento.
DRUSILLA = Very good. Ignatius instead?
IGNAZIO = I was born in Bologna, even if it doesn’t seem like it ….
DRUSILLA = This story is long ….
IGNAZIO = No, it’s short, that’s enough!
DRUSILLA = Enough … good. Instead, you will be Gianluca.
GIANLUCA = I’m the Abruzzese of the group.
DRUSILLA = Ah, Abruzzo.
GIANLUCA = From Roseto Degli Abruzzi.
IGNAZIO = Enough!
DRUSILLA = Very good. So guys I am truly enchanted by this common passion of yours. Let’s summarize a little. Do you travel the world always together?
GIANLUCA = Yes, we take many flights !! 😁😁
DRUSILLA = Because you travel far away? 😁 Not only from Abruzzo to Molise 😁 (these are the two neighboring regions)
GIANLUCA = We get together every now and then, we have many dreams, we hope to ….
DRUSILLA = How nice, that is, you go to the places and sing in the places where you go to work.
IGNAZIO = We have brought some photos.
DRUSILLA = Do you have any photos? (On the screen there is the photo of the video “Ecstasy of Gold” that they shot in Sardinia)
IGNAZIO = Here we are in Texas 😁 (before Texas he says in a low voice Sardinia).
DRUSILLA = In Texas, and you go to Texas dressed in the blue suit?😁
GIANLUCA = With the blue suit, we sing in the middle of the sand. 😁
DRUSILLA = Ah, so really ??
PIERO = We are afraid to get a tan.
IGNAZIO = You know why, now all these social networks are in fashion …
DRUSILLA = Are you afraid that there is someone taking pictures of you? But who knows you !!!! 😁😁😁
GIANLUCA = Look at those beautiful smiles. (There is a photo with them at the Arena and it is wet on the ground because it rains)
DRUSILLA = How cute, where are you in the pool? 😁
PIERO = No, we had just left the dentist, we wanted to show our teeth! 😁
DRUSILLA = Then what’s up (the photo changes, is made in Japan). Ah, how beautiful, but look, where are you here? In Molise, in the Marche (other region)
IGNAZIO = I think we are in America.
GIANLUCA = No, here we are in Japan.
DRUSILLA = In Japan, of course I recognize Japanese architecture! 😁
I hope that this dream of music will come true, maybe you will become international stars.😁
GIANLUCA = We would like to win Sanremo!
DRUSILLA = Ah Ah, but what are you interested in Sanremo (as if to say that it is something unattainable). 😁 But have you ever sung with a real pianist? 😁
Or do you just use Karaoke backing tracks? 😁
IGNAZIO = Sometimes.
DRUSILLA = Little though, would you like to try? I have a pianist, he’s excellent, his name is Maestro Di Leo.
IGNAZIO = Let’s say that in Japanese karaoke, there is no piano available. 😁
PIERO = He is very elegant.
DRUSILLA = He is very elegant, I have forced him to dress well.
PIERO = And how are we dressed?
DRUSILLA = Very good, very happy.
GIANLUCA = Thanks for giving us this chance.
DRUSILLA = Come on guys, let’s go to the piano.
Don’t be intimidated, I know that the first time at the piano, it upsets you a little. 😁
IGNAZIO = We can sing you something …..
DRUSILLA = What would you like to sing?
IGNAZIO = …… that puts us at ease ?? 😁
DRUSILLA = Yes.
IGNAZIO = One of our favorite artists has always been Jimmy Fontana. (Il Mondo)
DRUSILLA = Ah!
PIERO = See, we have this in common, we like the same musical genre, we sing the same songs ….
DRUSILLA = Beautiful, beautiful …
PIERO = We like the same artists …
DRUSILLA = But this beautiful thing (and then pretends to get bored and fall asleep) 😁
GIANLUCA = We are guys from other times! 😘
DRUSILLA = Well, very cheerful!
IGNAZIO = Do you start singing?
DRUSILLA = What song would you like to sing? I really like Jimmy Fontana
IGNAZIO = Since we talked about travel, places ….
PIERO = You know IL MONDO?
DRUSILLA = IL MONDO, if I don’t remember the words can you suggest them to me ???
PIERO = I suggest them to you.
DRUSILLA = And the hue ?? Come on guys don’t worry, how it comes it comes … 😁
IGNAZIO = But we follow you …😁
DRUSILLA = Yes, come on, come on …
(The song begins, Drusilla pretends not to know the words and Piero suggests them to her, then at the refrain IL VOLO brings out all their voices and amazes Drusilla who is offended for having been deceived) 😁😁
GIANLUCA = Enough, (he turns to Ignazio) We understand that you are good.
DRUSILLA = Not good ….. the technique needs to be changed a little, the emission is a little scarce ….😁😁
PIERO = Two more days of karaoke …
IGNAZIO = I miss karaoke in Japan.
DRUSILLA = No, guys, study! 😁
GIANLUCA = You seem a little annoyed … are you annoyed by any chance?
DRUSILLA = No, imagine,…. one two and three, out of the studio ……. come here with coaxing …. but please go far …. go out ….
IGNAZIO = We salute the piano teacher.
PIERO = We hope to see you again soon.
DRUSILLA = (to Piero) What goodbye, stop it …. (to Gianluca) goodbye ….. (to Ignazio) go to karaoke ….
IGNAZIO = But we go often …
DRUSILLA = …. to karaoke in Japan, especially you, you are disgusting, go ….. (Ignazio approaches her) Security !!
IGNAZIO = Shall we do a duet? 😁
DRUSILLA = What a duet, but go do it with Barbra Streisand !! 😁
IGNAZIO= We did it …..😁
DRUSILLA = But go away …… arrogant …. gne gne gne ….they travel …. rude … but who sent them here? ….. I’d like to know where is the casting one …..😁
What can I say, they were all very good at making this pungent irony.
Even the articles in the newspapers wrote that Drusilla was very good and also Il Volo who lent himself to this game with great self-irony.
The day after the broadcast, Il Volo published the photo together with DRUSILLA with this comment: “It was a real pleasure to participate in the ‘Almanacco del giorno dopo!’ Thank you so much @drusillafoer for hosting us!”
And now the last video I translate for you, a very important video, the news that Il Volo will be at the World Meeting of Families 2022 in the Vatican on June 22nd.
GIANLUCA = Hello everyone, we are very happy and excited to come to Pope Francis’ home and celebrate the World Meeting of Families together with the families of Rome and our families.
PIERO = On that day we will witness the importance of the strength of the support of our families in our life.
IGNAZIO = I will personally take my mother and my sister.
PIERO = I will bring mom and dad, my sister Mariagrazia and my brother Francesco, and we can’t wait to be able to hug Pope Francis.
GIANLUCA = I will come with my family, we are numerous, but the best thing is that I will be able to bring my grandfather Ernesto who, at the age of 88, will be able to shake hands with Pope Francis. These are the most important things, the most beautiful emotions in life, like a mother who is a refuge, a father who is a guide, and this is really the importance of the family.
IGNAZIO = In all these years we have always reiterated how important our families are and are still important to us, they have been like a pillar for our careers, like a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean, here, a meeting point.
So, we are really happy to be able to share this moment with them.
PIERO = In addition to our families, we will also bring our music.
See you on June 22nd. Hugs to all!
GIANLUCA = See you very soon!
IGNAZIO = Ciao!
As always, I am very happy with what Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca have said in these videos.
I hope you liked the translations and shed a little light on what was said by them.
On March 19, at the Pirandello Theater in Agrigento, an event in favor of peace in Ukraine was held. It was called, SICILY FOR PEACE.
Piero Barone took part in this event.
The event was organized by Silvio Schembri, (journalist) and Lello Analfino (singer and producer), both friends of Piero.
When Piero was proposed to participate, he wasn’t sure if he would be in Sicily on those days, but then when he was sure he could be there, he surprised everyone by attending the event.
The video begins with Silvio Schembri coming down from the stage and arriving where Piero Barone is seated.
Silvio makes Piero get up and the people, recognizing him, applaud, then Silvio, imitating the voice of a woman who says:
“Did you see, I told you it was him,”😁😁
and then presents: “PIERO BARONE, there is no need for an introduction.”(applause)
Come with me. (Piero takes off his jacket) Make yourself comfortable.
PIERO: Tonight, I am really happy, honored, to be attending this event. I was fascinated by the Pirandello Theater, because I had never been inside the Pirandello Theater.
SILVIO: This is news that I discovered today, Piero Barone who sang on the most important stages in the world ……
MAN: You went directly to the Ariston (Sanremo stage) without going through the Pirandello Theater, we can say.
PIERO: I realized that it is something that I should have done for some time, because today I arrived 100 meters from the theater and I asked a woman for information:
“Madam, where is the Pirandello Theater?” and she replied:
“You are not Sicilian.”(laughter)😁
“Yes, but unfortunately I don’t know where it is.”
SILVIO: There was never an opportunity, but who knows, maybe this is the first of a long series of occasions.
(on the stairs of the stage)
And here we are, moreover you tour New York, Las Vegas, all parts of the world, but always in Naro, then you come back.
VOICE: (from the audience) Bravo, Naro in the heart !!❤
PIERO: A little while ago I was saying, while I was doing the interview with Silvio…. (There is the overview of the theater, but the interview returns in the backstage)
MAN: The truth is that you like Agrigento so much, when you can live it, we have seen you around, on the seafront, at the tennis club, in short, when you want, Agrigento is your life.
PIERO: Agrigento makes you feel protected, it is a fantastic city. I was born in this magnificent province, I was born in Naro, but I often frequent Agrigento in the summer, I bring all my friends and collaborators to Sicily, I make them all arrive.
(continues on the stairs)
In the city of Agrigento, I don’t know many people, because I frequented it (Agrigento) for the choir of S. Cecilia (as a child, before participating in Ti Lascio una Canzone), when I was a beginner, with Professor Bonfiglio, I spent my childhood there.
SILVIO: Then at 14 you decided to become famous … right? (laughter)😁
PIERO: But I spend my holidays in San Leone (a seaside resort near Agrigento), it’s great, I take all my friends, my colleagues, I don’t go anywhere, they arrive here in Sicily …
SILVIO: Every now and then you also come to Siculiana Marina … (another seaside resort of Agrigento) 😁
PIERO: Because the best thing is to feel yourself. Today I called Silvio, but not only for this event, but also to ask him where we are going tomorrow, because the first phone call I make when I come to Sicily is to call Silvio Schembri (Silvio gives him a kiss …. applause and laughter)
SILVIO: Because he knows that I always take him to eat well, that you understand!! 😁
PIERO: Two weeks ago, Lello (organizer of the event) sent me a message, and I was far away (he was in the US), and I didn’t know what to answer, I would have said yes right away, but I don’t want to give a word, and then invent an excuse if I have a sudden commitment, because unfortunately I am here physically almost never, and now I am overjoyed to give my contribution. I don’t sing, without my colleagues (Gian and Ignazio), for various reasons, so today I called Ignazio and Gianluca and I told them:
“Any video you will see from tomorrow on the internet, don’t worry, I’ll sing in a theater, don’t worry”, and I’ll sing, we call it a song…. I want to sing a prayer, because everyone can come here and sing any song, but for an evening like this, I want to sing something special, an Ave Maria (Hail Mary) and it’s the only one way, for my part, to express my closeness, in such a complex and particular moment. (applause)❤
(The Ave Maria begins.)
MAN: Thanks to both of you, thanks to Silvio Schembri, thanks to Piero Barone, for what you are giving this evening to the Pirandello Theater, for the solidarity operation you are carrying out and which is not the first time, I also remember when the pandemic broke out, you took an important step.
SILVIO: With the help of many people who are also here, like Lello Analfino and Piero, in the midst of the pandemic, in the first wave, we immediately activated, with many other friends, to find funds.
PIERO: The idea was born during our phone calls: “Oh Silvio, what do we do?”
SILVIO: At the beginning of the pandemic our talks were about how to cook bread and pizzas, then we said: “But what can we do? Are we doing something concrete?”
Thanks to all of you.
(video resumes on stage)
LELLO: Piero Barone (hug) You are my nephews. ❤❤
And here is the full video of Piero’s entire performance, published by the Pirandello Theater.
SILVIO: I’ve dreamed of it for a lifetime (to introduce Piero) and tonight I have to do it myself: On the piano Maestro Salvatore Galante(applause), sings Piero Barone. (Applause – the Ave Maria begins, at the end, long applause, Lello Analfino enters, very excited, long hugs)
LELLO: You are like my nephews.
SILVIO: Yes, uncle, leave us some money later. (laughter)😁(To Piero) We talked about it before, now the concerts start again, the travels, the theaters full …..
PIERO: Yes, we start again on June 2nd after two years, in Italy, we start from the Verona Arena, we will also sing in Taormina, June 11th and 12th and maybe …..
SILVIO: .…. also, in other parts of Sicily, so to speak. Taormina is a fixed stop for Il Volo, as if it were a tradition …
PIERO: He is happy, because when he comes to Taormina, then we go to the disco.
LELLO: I know, he (Silvio) tells me crazy things.
PIERO: The last photo of the concert in Taormina ….
SILVIO: Be careful what you say there are so many secrets …
PIERO: …… it is not a photo of Il Volo on the stage singing, with Etna behind and the sea, but it is a photo of Silvio Schembri in the disco, without a shirt ….😁😁
LELLO: But did you have a bow tie?
SILVIO: I’ll explain why. We were in this disco, after the Il Volo concert, and all the girls were saying: “a photo”, Piero lifts his shirt and shows his abs and I thought, I can do this too …. and then I said: “Come here a second and I too will take off my shirt and take the picture, and the (the girls) came”😁
But one of the most beautiful things in Taormina, we tell this and then we let you go, it is a fixed stop, when I can, I always go there, and one of the fixed stops when Il Volo sings in Taormina, is Saretto al Bambar where we eat granite there in Taormina.
And when Il Volo arrives in Taormina, you can’t imagine what’s there, it’s all full, with their fans who come from all over the world, you hear them speak in all languages, and go inside the Bambar to get the slushes, with all these people, it’s packed, and so I pull away for a moment and put myself behind to let the fans get closer.
I put myself in a trajectory between Il Volo and two elderly people who were there eating the granita…. (while he talks he sees a woman in the audience laughing) “You already know this story madam? Already laughing?”😁
At one point the man stops eating and calls the waiter and asks: “Excuse me, this whole brothel (crowd of people)”
“You know, there are those from Il Volo.”
This man turns around and the first person he sees is me, he turns around and says to his wife: “How much has this become of Il Volo?”(he means: how much fat has this of Il Volo become)😁
I swear to you! 😁😁😁 It’s a true story !!
LELLO: And don’t you know that since Silvio goes to Bambar, they have made seafood granita😁
SILVIO: Piero, I don’t know what to say, thank you, thank you in my name and in everyone’s name.
final greetings
It was a really good event and for a good cause.
In these days, Il Volo was live on a pop program of a Korean radio show. I saw them live and it was very strange, because that radio transmits very different music from the one Il Volo sings, but it was beautiful and also appreciated by the young presenter.
Here is the video of Il Volo’s participation.
Concert dates continue to be added here in Europe and also in Italy and it is with great joy that the date of BRESCIA has also been added. I couldn’t believe it, and the news came from OHIO (thanks Rose Marie). The concert will take place on September 2nd outdoors in the beautiful Piazza Loggia, the place where in 2015 I saw my first Il Volo concert.
I struggled a lot to get the tickets, something didn’t work in the presale, but in the end I made it, third row. I hope I can make some great videos for you, ideally I will take all of you with me!! It will be a great night.❤
Every Saturday morning, I sit at my desk and think about what I will write about this week! Since we’re closing in on Christmas, I thought maybe I should start a little earlier this week!
My first thought was last year’s Christmas message was amazing! Not because I wrote it but because of the people who helped me write it! Two wonderful friends! Our special little nonna, Maura Pucci and Giovanni Granaro local historian and my go to man in Naro. Over ten thousand fans responded to the story! It gave us a look at the different Italian traditions and an insight into our guy’s Christmas. So, I thought maybe I should republish the article but with a few new and interesting facts added.
But before we relive the story let me tell you what the story told us about each of the guys. It showed their different traditions based on the region they came from but, they do have one tradition in common and they share that tradition with Italians all over the world. It is the Feast of Seven Fishes that is celebrated on Christmas Eve. In Italy, the meal is known as Festa Dei Sette Pesci (the Feast of Seven Fish), or, more simply, La Vigilia. Now let me add some say the meal should include twelve fish. Why? Seven fish for the seven days it took to create the world or twelve fish for the twelve apostles. The number of fish is not as important as the feast, or La Vigilia, itself. This is a tradition that goes back to ancient times in the Church. Before a great feast day, it was important to fast to prepare for the feast. So, everyone abstained from meat, thus everyone ate fish.
In the early 1900’s when Italian immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them. This allowed them to rekindle the old country’s Christmas Eve tradition so they would feel close to their homes and the families they left behind. Today, it’s considered one of the oldest Italian traditions because most Italians still keep the tradition! I certainly do!
So, without further ado, let’s join Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca for Christmas with Our Italian Family
Yes, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca are our family! Why do I call them family? We’re their fans, yes but, we are more than fans. We certainly do all the things that fans do but it goes deeper than that because our guys are different than any other entertainers. The difference is the guys think of us as their extended family because they grew up with us. They spend more time with us than they do with their families. And they show us their love in everything they do. Think of how they treat us! When you meet them, they embrace you. Most entertainers just want your praise and accolades. Not our guys! They want to know about us! They ask about our lives and our families. They listen to us and do things to please us. And think about how you spent your last twenty-one months listening to their music and feeling secure with every song! So, what is family? Family are the people who are there when you need them. When you’re sad you can always feel their love and their encouragement! Family is not just blood it’s the people who are there for us!
So, let’s take a look at how our Italian family spends their Christmas.
The Christmas season starts in Italy on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary which is also a holiday in Italy. This is the day that many Italians put up their Christmas trees and the cities light up their streets with colored lights. Why? Because Mary is the mother of the Light, Jesus! But there are other traditions that are celebrated on this day!
Let’s go to Naro, Piero’s city, to see how they open the Christmas season.
Every year, on the 7th, 8th and 9th of December, every inhabitant in Naro stocks up on muffuletti. Muffuletti is a bread which is stuffed with meat and vegetables. Some people go to their local baker to buy them, and some people prepare them at home. The tradition is linked to religion. Naro’s sandwiches are blessed and distributed in Churches at the end of the Mass on the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. The bakers donate the muffuletti to the Churches as a gesture of generosity towards their fellow countrymen but, above all, of love towards “a bedda matri ‘Mmaculata”, the Most Holy Immaculate.
During the month of December, the Christmas markets are held in Naro. The Fair is set up inside the cloister of the Town Hall. Many people go to the Franciscan cloister where, every evening, to the delight of the children, there is a special snowfall that whitens the baroque courtyard. On the final evening there is a concert of Sicilian folk music, and an award is given for the best photo taken at the large Christmas tree in Piazza Garibaldi.
During this magical period the streets are colored by many Christmas lights, and everyone visits the living nativity scene of Borgo Castello. There is Mass on Christmas Eve and between hugs, kisses and best wishes there are a thousand good intentions. And then, on Christmas day, the family gathers together for a dinner laden with many local delicacies.
And what would Piero do on Christmas day? Most likely, he will walk around Naro and visit some older people and his friends. He certainly would have decorated his home so I’m sure he will make a video for all of us to see. He will most likely sing at the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass. And I’m sure he will spend time singing with his grandfather, Pietro. Most importantly, he will spend the day with his family!
Christmas in Bologna! How does Ignazio celebrate Christmas?
Unlike Piero and Gianluca, Ignazio and his family live in a big city and like cities in America there are many events.
The Christmas tradition in Bologna has deep roots. The Bolognese Nativity Scene (Presepe) goes back to the Middle Ages. The tradition of the Presepe dates back to the 13th century and one of the oldest Presepe in the world is preserved in Bologna. What makes the Bolognese Nativity different? It is life size and includes clothes that are different from the traditional Neapolitan style. They are dressed in a medieval style. In Porretta Terme in the Emilian Apennines another Presepe which is one of the oldest Presepe in the world is kept in the church of Capugnano.
I’m sure Ignazio will visit the Christmas Tree in Piazza Nettuno. It is a Bolognese tradition. The beautiful tree is a welcoming and bright place to meet friends and feel the warmth of Christmas.
So, what will Ignazio’s family eat on Christmas? I’m sure on Christmas Eve there will be fish on the table. This is the tradition in every Italian house on “La Vigilia,” Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, there is another tradition. Lunch is the main meal and Pasta in brodo (pasta in broth) will certainly be served. In Bologna, it’s all about meat-filled tortellini in capon broth. These, small, Tortellini, are filled with a mixture of meat, mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese but you will find in Bologna every family has its secret ingredient for them. You’ll recall in an interview Ignazio mentioned his family buying Tortellini every Sunday.
The soup will most likely be followed by a roast and the meal will end with a traditional dessert like Certosino (or Pan speziale) which is made with almonds, pine nuts, dark chocolate and candied fruits. The recipe has its origin in the Middle Ages where Certosino was produced by pharmacists and later by Certosini Friars. Certosino is very popular in Bologna.
I know the part of the meal that Ignazio will like the best is the dessert! A dessert he will share with his family to celebrate Christmas Day!
There is one Sicilian tradition that I did not talk about last year and since we have two Sicilian men in the group, I think it is important to include it in the article.
For many in Sicily, the Christmas season starts on the Feast of Santa Lucia. In some regions of Sicily, the feast day is celebrated with Cuccia. The word itself is Sicilian. Cuccìa is typically made with wheat berries, ricotta and sugar. How did this tradition come to be?
In the winter of 1646, Sicily was undergoing a terrible famine. People were dying of hunger after a massive crop failure. The people of Palermo did the only thing they could in the circumstances: they prayed. And then on the morning of December 13th a ship full of grain arrived in Palermo harbor with enough grain to feed the whole city. Rather than wait to have the grain milled into flour to make bread, the hungry people boiled and ate the grain to satisfy their hunger and save their lives. The people were convinced that Santa Lucia (St. Lucy), Sicily’s most important saint had saved the city, since the grain arrived on her feast day.
I’m not sure if Piero and Ignazio’s family make Cuccia or eat it but I’m sure they know the tradition.
So, now let’s talk about Gianluca’s Christmas!
A Montepagano tradition is the Nativity scene. At the end of the last century a famous living Nativity play was started in Montepagano which is a real theatrical performance, with a director and a narrator.
In the Abruzzi region, there is a tradition that bagpipers, so called zampognari come into the towns and play their flutes and bagpipes for the people. They symbolize the shepherds who come in search of the newborn baby, Jesus. The bagpipers were once shepherds, today they are musicians who walk the streets of the cities, playing Christmas music. Often, they are in pairs, and one plays the zampognari (bagpipe) and the other the ciaramella (which is similar to a small piccolo).
For certain Gianluca will celebrate December 24th, Christmas Eve with a meal of fish including shellfish because he lives by the sea. As far as food traditions are concerned, on Christmas Day, the typical dish of the whole region of Abruzzo is spaghetti alla chitarra (which is prepared on a particular instrument called a guitar, because it is made of wood with metal strings) but most likely Gianluca will eat Lasagna. The second course will be arrosticini, which are pieces of meat, traditionally lamb, strung on long sticks, similar to a kebab. And for dessert, they will most likely have the traditional Christmas cake, Panettone.
Gianluca will surely spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with his family including his Grandpa Ernesto!
As you know my mother is Abruzzese and I must say, Gianluca’s Christmas is very similar my Christmas.
If you’re wondering where Santa Claus is, in Italy he is known as “Babbo Natale,” Father Christmas, who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve but, in true Italian tradition, gifts were exchanged on January 6th the day of Epiphany when La Befana comes to Italian homes in search of the Christ Child and leaves gifts for the children. This is a tradition that is celebrated in the central regions of Italy. La Befana is an old woman, with a hooked nose, badly dressed, with a handkerchief on her head, grumpy but good, she is not a witch. On January 6th, riding through the sky, flying on a broom, La Befana lands on the roofs, enters the houses from the chimneys and descends from the fireplace, leaving gifts and sweets in the big socks that the children place in front of the fireplace. If they were good, they get sweets. If they were bad, she leaves coal in the form of a sweet black candy. I’m sure there will be many sweets for Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca! No coal for our guys!
I would like to mention an important member of Il Volo’s family. Michele Torpedine! His family is originally from the region of Puglia. He moved to Bologna when he was twelve years old. So, he will celebrate Christmas with his family and the celebration would be similar to Ignazio’s!
Again, I would like to thank the two people who contributed to this Christmas story. Maura Pucci and Giovanni Granaro. Their knowledge of the regions of Montepagano and Naro and the different Christmas traditions made this story come to life!
Susan Daniela Pat
In closing, I would like to thank my team at Flight Crew! The two ladies who make all my stories come to life! Daniela Perani (a/k/a Sherlock Holmes) who is my second pair of eyes and provides all the photos and videos for my stories and Patricia Ward who does the layouts for the stories.
I want to wish all of my Christian friends a Merry Christmas and all my Jewish friends a Happy Chanukah! And all my other friends, All the Happiness and Joy of the Season!
And finally, I’m sure you would love to join me in wishing Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with many Concerts!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
