Mantua is a small town in the Lombardy hinterland of northern Italy; its golden age was during the Italian Renaissance (1328–1707). Under the rule of the Gonzaga family—which spanned roughly four centuries—Mantua transformed from a medieval town into a capital of culture, and in the 17th century, it was also a premier center for music.
It is precisely music that brings us to Mantua for the three *Il Volo: Tutti per Uno* concerts, filmed for the second time by Canale 5 in the Exedra of Palazzo Te.
Palazzo Te was commissioned by the Gonzaga family around 1525; its name is derived from the island of Tejeto (later abbreviated to Te), an area surrounded by the lakes of Mantua, where the Gonzagas Lords engaged in hunting, leisure activities, and horse breeding.
And it was precisely in that area that Palazzo Te was built; it is one of the most extraordinary examples of a suburban Renaissance villa.
The Exedra of Palazzo Te is a large, semicircular architectural structure that encloses the garden at the rear of the famous Mannerist palace in Mantua.
And it is precisely in the Exedra that Il Volo’s three concerts come to life.
In the days leading up to the concerts, Mantua is bustling with activity.
The orchestra members (70 people), the adult and children’s choirs, audio technicians, stage crew, concert organizers, and the Canale 5 television production team all arrive for rehearsals. Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca also arrive, accompanied by their families, since the concerts span three full days, it is easy to run into any of them in Mantua’s historic center, so fans wander the streets hoping for a chance encounter.
The historic center of Mantua features porticoes that make for a lovely walk, leading you from Palazzo delle Erbe to the Clock Tower, and from the Basilica of Sant’Andrea to the Palazzo Ducale and the Castle.
And it is precisely in Piazza delle Erbe that you might often run into someone from the extended Volo family, as these photos show.
It seems that Il Volo was staying at the Grand Hotel San Lorenzo, which is located right in Piazza delle Erbe.
And so, for many, it was easy to run into Ignazio taking Gabriele and Nina out for a walk.
Here is Nina with Gabriele.
Or meet Michelle and the adorable Gabriele as they arrive at Palazzo Te to watch the rehearsals.
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
And Gabriele and his mum looked so elegant at the concert!! 💙
And Ignazio is so sweet playing with Gabriele.🥰😍
Here’s Piero leaving the hotel.
Gianluca out and about in Mantua.
All in all, it was a pleasure meeting people, and our guys were always kind to everyone.
Then, while browsing the internet, you might come across posts like this one, written by Chicco Gussoni, a classical guitarist.
I had the good fortune of sharing an extraordinary experience with the guys from Il Volo, Gianluca, Ignazio, and Piero, during three wonderful concerts set against the magnificent backdrop of Palazzo Te in Mantua.
Three intense, moving, and musically special evenings; indeed, the three concerts will soon be broadcast on Canale 5.
It was a great honor to play with an orchestra masterfully conducted by Maestro Marcello Rota and a band led by Maestro Giampiero Grani.
Thank you to all the musicians, technicians, and everyone who made this beautiful experience possible.
And, of course, thank you to Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto, and Piero Barone.
And then there is this article, from which I am translating the section concerning Il Volo:
Omar Grataroli, principal clarinetist of Il Volo: from the San Giovanni band to major stages.
These days, the clarinetist from San Giovanni Bianco is playing in the orchestra accompanying Il Volo on the “Volo Tutti per Uno” tour.
From the local town band, heard during religious processions in his childhood, to the great stages of the Italian music scene: this is the journey of 32-year-old Omar Grataroli. Originally from San Giovanni Bianco, the professional clarinetist is currently embarking on a major new venture: playing in the orchestra accompanying Il Volo for “Volo Tutti per Uno.” This ambitious musical project will bring three concerts to the stage at the Esedra of Palazzo Te in Mantua on September 24, 26, and 27, performances that are also set to become a television special airing on Canale 5 in October.
…….And it is precisely from that journey that a new opportunity has arisen: joining the orchestra that accompanies Il Volo. In fact, Omar is currently in Bologna, where an intense week of rehearsals is taking place from September 11 to 18 to prepare for the concerts and the recording of the special “Volo Tutti per Uno.”
……For Omar, this is a unique experience, not least because of the role he plays within the orchestra: he will serve as principal clarinetist, performing solo passages, main themes, and engaging in musical dialogue with the various singers on stage. “It is incredibly exciting for me to collaborate with this group,” he explains. “The working dynamic is excellent, and I was particularly captivated by the timbre of their voices during rehearsals.” Omar got to know Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto, and Piero Barone not only on stage but also during the long days of preparation, a professional exchange that the musician considers invaluable for his own growth.
….After Bologna, the group will head to Mantua, where activities will continue from September 22 to 27 in preparation for three performances at the Esedra of Palazzo Te. For Omar, this will be an opportunity to perform on the clarinet before thousands of people in one of the most significant settings of his career to date. “Watching them work during rehearsals, hearing their voices live, and collaborating with them on the various songs is an indescribable thrill,” he says. Indeed, for him, this experience represents far more than just a new professional milestone; it is an opportunity for personal as well as musical growth.
I’ve already told you that Il Volo is releasing a new Christmas album, and look how cute this behind-the-scenes footage is.
And I also told you that the first *TUTTI PER UNO or UNO PER TUTTI * concert will be broadcast on Canale 5 on October 14th.
Now we know that the other two dates will be October 21st and 28th.
This announcement from our guys is great, too!!
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
IGNAZIO = We have a huge invitation for you.
PIERO = We’re returning with the fourth edition of UNO PER TUTTI.
GIANLUCA = On Canale 5—don’t miss it!
And these questions asked backstage in Mantua are also very good. 😁
CLICK HERE to view the Facebook reel
QUESTION 1 = Which of the three might forget part of the setlist?
PIERO = Gianluca
IGNAZIO = Last night he said to us: “Guys, remind me of everything, because I’m completely at sea” (perhaps due to the loss of his grandfather?)
Q.2 = Which of the three could go the longest without a phone?
IGNAZIO = Piero.
GIANLUCA = Maybe Piero, yeah!
Q.3 = Which of the three is always late?
IGNAZIO = (to Piero) We waited for you today!
GIANLUCA = You were 6 or 7 minutes late today, yeah!
PIERO= Excuse me!
Q.4 = Which of the three is most afraid of making a mistake?
PIERO = Him (Gianluca)
IGNAZIO = Gianluca
Q.5 = Which of the three is the biggest ladies’ man?
IGNAZIO = I’m married; I’ve had my fill!
But how sweet is this photo posted by Michelle for Ignazio’s birthday, showing him holding little Gabriele in his arms? ❤️💙❤️
Wishing you a very happy birthday again, Ignazio. 🎉🎂♥️
That’s all for now.
I think our guys are home for a well-deserved rest.
The next appointment is after October 14th with the first UNO PER TUTTI concert from Mantua on Canale 5. We hope to be able to show you the whole thing, but we’ll do our best!
See you soon: Daniela 🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.