Tag Archives: PBS 2019

Supergroup of Caracalla by Susan De Bartol

So many of you have asked, when will the guys return to the US? We are all missing the guys this year. But hopefully next year they will return. For this year, it is Italy who has the chance to hold them close and love them as we have done since 2011.

Since Sanremo 2024, the guys have taken a beautiful turn in Italy. They have to be so happy to have their countrymen show such love and affection for them. They so deserve it. And certainly their concerts around Italy have been phenomenal! Verona, Caracalla, Pompeii to name a few.

Some of the most important archaeological sites in the world have become their stage. Some of these stages have been shared by very important performers before them. Like Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo.

Whenever I mention Placido Domingo, I remember this beautiful video from when they were teenagers. So, please excuse me for interrupting the story to add these words and this amazing video.
Back to the story….
When Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo performed at Caracalla, they called the Three Tenors a supergroup. This is a term usually reserved for pop and rock groups. The trio began their collaboration with a performance at the ancient Baths of Caracalla, but when our guys stepped on the stage at Caracalla, they immediately took the name away from them because they truly are a pop and rock group and their presentation at Caracalla outshone any other before them. They immediately became the Supergroup of Caracalla

The guys performance at Caracalla was a complete sellout. Fans flocked to the concert to help the guys kick off their summer tour around Italy and to celebrate their Fifteen Years together.
 “Tutti per uno – Capolavoro,” which began at Caracalla continues throughout Italy until September.  Highlights of their tour included performances at Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Amphitheater of the Pompeii Excavations, and forthcoming is the Royal Palace of Caserta. And so many more in between.

They opened the concert with Nelle tue mani (Now we are free), followed by Capolavoro, which of course was their presented song at the Sanremo Festival. Since Sanremo, Capolavoro has been certified Gold. Alongside these amazing new hits were some timeless hits from Italian musical tradition and their established repertoire is always “un attimo senza fine” — an “endless moment” in music.

The audience at Caracalla, as well as all the audiences, greeted them with enthusiasm.  Among the fans in Caracalla were many international tourists.
Their setlist included featured new tracks from their latest album, Ad Astra, which was released in late March.

The over two-hour performance was truly a musical tribute to their fifteen years of career. They ended this amazing concert with Nessun Dorma and Ad Astra. And received a well-deserved standing ovation.

In autumn the guys will continue their tour in many European capitals. They begin in 2025 with the “indoor tour” Tutti per Uno – Ad Astra Live in the indoor stadiums. Additionally, there will be international dates in the USA, Canada and Latin America.

And what did the guys have to say about the tour….
Piero: Hello everyone, we are at the Baths of Caracalla for the start of this tour which will see us busy in all the most beautiful places in Italy throughout the summer.
Ignazio: Venice, Piazza San Marco….
Gianluca: Pompeii….
Ignazio:…… Pompeii, Florence….
Piero: Sicily, Macerata….
Gianluca: We will sing in the most beautiful places in Italy and then conclude the Italian tour in the sports halls in January, we are waiting for you.
Piero: Bye everyone.

Of course their dedication to Barbara is an important part of these concerts. Troopers, true professionals. They truly honor Barbara in their dedications.

And their tour hit Sicily and Abruzzo, so they had the opportunity to perform for their hometown people. That’s how you share with friends and family!
But let’s get back to America for a moment….
Actually, it was the United States who really introduced the guys to America and onward to the world.

Thirteen years ago, PBS introduced America to three teenage Italian boys whose journey has captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the music world.

Their debut concert on October 27, 2011, at the Detroit Opera House was the beginning of a remarkable story. From that moment, they won the hearts of the American public and earned the support of PBS. These three young men, now grown, continue to enchant audiences with their music. Over the past thirteen years, they have performed in several PBS specials.

Throughout their journey, Il Volo has maintained a relentless drive and commitment. Their last Latin American tour was not just a series of concerts but also included late-night recording sessions, thanks to Ignazio’s ingenuity in turning hotel rooms into makeshift studios. The end result, the music for Tutti per Uno. Even after the tour, the work continued. This dedication exemplifies their unwavering commitment to their craft, a quality that sets them apart in the entertainment industry.

Reflecting on their early days, in 2013 during their PBS special “We Are Love,” they shared their vision and dedication. Unlike many young stars who falter, Il Volo has used their fame to support and uplift others, demonstrating a generosity and gratitude that endears them to their fans. Their openness and kindness have fostered a familial bond with their audience, making them beloved not just as performers but as cherished figures in their fans’ lives.

The path hasn’t always been easy, but Il Volo’s determination has been unwavering. I recall Ignazio’s excitement when they first came to New York, expressing hope to perform at Radio City Music Hall—a dream they have achieved multiple times, continually surpassing expectations.

From the start, Il Volo introduced a unique blend of operatic pop and classical music to American audiences—a departure from typical teenage music. They quickly became a sensation, winning over people of all ages with their distinctive sound.

Each member of Il Volo approached their musical education uniquely. Piero began his classical training early, studying piano and joining choirs.
Ignazio took various singing and piano lessons, guided by Lilliana Andreanò.
Gianluca, discovered by chance, never had formal training but joined a local choir, which set him on his path.
Their rise to fame began with their performance of “O Sole Mio” on “Ti Lascio Una Canzone,” leading to their signing with Universal and their first album. By 2010, their impact was undeniable, with their American Idol performance skyrocketing them to the top of the Billboard charts.

Their journey with PBS has been integral to their success. From their first US concert to their notable PBS specials, they’ve showcased their talent and growth. Their “Buon Natale Blue Christmas” special in 2013, their recording with Placido Domingo, and their Notte Magica special in Florence are highlights of their career.

One of the most memorable moments was their first performance in Pompeii, which represented the heart of Italy and brought their Bel Canto tradition to the world through PBS. Their concert in Matera, celebrating their tenth anniversary, encapsulated their achievements and journey.
Il Volo’s story is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the support of their fans. Their continued success and growth are a result of their passion for music and their deep connection with their audience.

Every song they sing whether together or in solo is like a symphony, a “un attimo senza fine” — an “endless moment” — a phrase I love for describing both their songs and their performances. Each piece touches my heart and lingers until the next begins. Their music and voices are so powerful that you can feel the adrenaline surge with each note.

Artists often spend their careers striving to reach the top, but our guys astonishingly began there. What’s even more remarkable is their ability to continue evolving and excelling from that peak.
This years concerts in Italy are concerts from the heart! Yes they love their fans all over the world but they are relishing these amazing moments with their people, their country! For the Italian people they are not just the Supergroup of Caracalla, they are the Supergroup of Italy!

I thoroughly enjoy writing about our guys and sharing my thoughts with all of you! Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
For your listening pleasure the Matera PBS Concert 2019. Ten Years Together.

Credit to the owners of Photos and Videos!