Piero’s story is a beautiful story of a little boy in a garden singing and the love of a grandfather which leads this boy to stardom!
A while back I wrote a story about Piero’s dream. Of course, we all know his dream is to sing in an opera one day.
Over the last two years, Piero has developed that voice, that true operatic voice which will be the means by which he will achieve his dream.
Seeing him at Radio City Music Hall recently, I couldn’t help but notice the strength in his voice. His voice has rounded and expanded and now he is so ready.
Let’s take a look at where Piero is in his career and where his dream is leading him….
Of the three, Piero is the only one who said, “…. if there is one thing I want to do in life, it is singing, living for and with music.” That pretty much sums up Piero. He sings with such feeling and devotion. He studies endlessly! Opera is his dream! He’s studied among other opera’s Cavalleria Rusticana. I await the day when he will sing in his first opera. No matter where it is in the world, I will be there to see him fulfill his dream!
Of the three, he is the opera singer in the group. To sing opera you not only need the voice, but you also need the presence of mind and the discipline to succeed. But above all you need the desire.
Ignazio and Gianluca can certainly sing opera, but the desire is not there. Gianluca never had a desire to sing opera. Ignazio can certainly sing it beautifully but no that is not his route! Piero stands alone in this endeavor and the guys support his dream. A dream that brings me to my Recent Revelation!
I always knew how fantastic Piero was but last June when he stepped on that stage in Verona, he blew me away! That amazing voice stepped up so many levels I couldn’t believe my ears.
After hearing Piero sing in Verona, I wrote….
“I want to give you some of my thoughts about our spinto tenor. Piero’s voice which always was amazing, always powerful, and his presentation which always produced phenomenal climaxes in the concerts, has now become such a vibrant sound in our ears! His voice has expanded so much in the last two years.
Over this period, Piero has had the opportunity to spend unlimited time on his opera lessons. This is something that is not possible in his normal schedule. The intense opera lessons of the last two years have paid off with Piero standing at the door of La Scala! The intensity of his voice sends shivers up and down my spine! A truly amazing voice that has become even more powerful than it was! Phenomenal! Bravo Piero!”
As you know, Piero has been intensely studying the opera, Cavalleria Rusticana, these last few years and he brought to the stage at Taormina, for the first time, the beautiful aria, “Mamma, quel vino.” Taormina was the perfect setting for this opera because the opera is set in Sicily.
Opera isn’t only about the song it is about presentation. In an opera you need to feel the person who is singing the aria because you must feel the character. The words tell a story, but the character gives it life.
Piero makes you feel Turiddu’s final farewell with his mother and makes you understand that he knows he will lose the duel. You grieve for his loss even before he’s gone. That’s what opera and arias are about. With Piero’s delivery, you feel him bring the opera to a climax even before it’s over. The intensity of Turridu’s final moments with his mother are highlighted in this aria. I hope someday to hear Piero sing this opera at La Scala.
It might seem strange to you that Piero dreams of being an opera singer. He is a superstar. He has achieved in 13 years what most men can only, hope, to achieve in a lifetime. But, when you have dream, you have a dream!
Let’s go back and see what I’ve said, in the past, about Piero’s Golden Voice….
Piero is a spinto (meaning pushed) tenor. A spinto tenor has the brightness and height of a lyric tenor, but with a heavier vocal weight enabling his voice to be “pushed” to dramatic climaxes with less strain than his lighter-voice counterparts. His voice is warm, graceful, bright, and can be heard over an orchestra.
Piero has a powerful voice that easily reaches the higher notes. Every note that comes out of his mouth reaches us with such intensity and remains with us for a long time. It’s the voice that reaches out to you and demands your attention. Think of him singing “E Lucevan le Stelle” from Tosca (his favorite opera).
Or singing the beautiful Spanish aria “No Puede Ser” from A Tabernera del Puerto.
Let’s look at a video which combines Piero’s voice from 2014 with his voice in 2022 singing “No Puede Ser.” In both presentations he is fantastic.
The long road and the final story can only begin when the tenor has arrived! You have arrived Mr. Barone!
From his first note Piero pierces our souls! His passion comes through in his music. Arias are very dramatic and, Piero brings all the drama of the aria into his performance. Always a showstopper!
Let’s listen to what Piero has to say about his music….
I have always pursued this dream of music, I grew up in the middle of music with my grandfather, Pietro, and thanks also to my father, because you know, sometimes there are moments, when you’re little, you play piano and you want to give up everything, but thanks to the constancy of my father, I always pursued this dream, first with the chorus of Santa Cecilia and then studying with private teachers.
I’m studying lyric now, because that’s my dream, that world, it’s my dream, the lyric is another dimension, but you have to study … too much … and now I’m studying, thanks to my possibilities, I am studying in Bologna, with my teacher Sergio Bertocchi, a great teacher, and he is a great person. I’m studying an opera setting, however, always with Il Volo. Il Volo is always …. the group Il Volo…. IS IL VOLO. And so, my dream is that one day maybe, to do the Premiere to La Scala or in some theater.
Piero was asked in an interview, “What advice to do you for young people who are pursing this dream?”
My advice is always to follow your dream, never give up, there will be people who will say, ‘But come on, change jobs, change profession.’ Never believe in them, believe in yourself, but when you arrive, stay where you are. This is something I learned from Barbra Streisand, and from many great artists.
And then the humility even if it is really difficult to stay where you are, if you do not have great people behind, like a big family, I am doubly lucky because I am a person that could follow his dream and get there. Yet we have not arrived, but we are working, we study a lot, and my second fortune is my family – a moral support, a daily support. When I travel, in the morning, I call home, they give me the charge to start the day.
Before I end my story, I would be negligent if I didn’t add this video with Placido Domingo!
The heart of Piero is filled with beautiful notes that echo in our ears and remain with us. His voice brings our hearts to a standstill! It grasps our inner being and leaves a beautiful melodious adventure to discover day after day! It breaths life into our souls!
So, here we are back at my Recent Revelation in the mist of this spectacular World Tour. We find our spinto tenor coming to new dimensions in his career. That striking voice that brings us the most amazing operatic climaxes will one day bring joy to Opera lovers in the great opera houses around the world.
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com and don’t forget to visit the Archives.
On September 27, Il Volo arrived in New York, in the prestigious Radio City Music Hall theater. It is a very important and coveted stage for our young men.
Our Susan, who was present at RCMH, did a great review, and therefore, I’ll just publish only these two photos!
September 29, BETHLEHEM
Il Volo continues to reap successes. The concerts, even if not always sold out, always have a notable presence of people and they are all happy with the concerts they attend.
Bethlehem is not far behind too !! ☺
We know the songs well, but we like to see them again every time, and in particular, to hear their beautiful voices !! 😁
O SOLE MIO
IF I CAN DREAM
ALL BY MYSELF
LA DONNA È MOBILE
GRANDE AMORE
And here is one of the nice comments posted on Ticketmaster:
Fantastic!
The Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem
The best show ever, a great musical repertoire, they even came out in the crowd. I took my mom for her birthday and she was beside herself! He had the opportunity to touch and speak with Piero and Gianluca. More than 60 years of concerts and it had never happened to her before. Thanks, Il Volo!
What can I say, the concerts continue very well, but Il Volo is taking the road to Florida. Unfortunately, the news about the hurricane is terrible.
The next concert is in ATLANTA, Georgia and the situation is calm there, so the concert will be there!
Many of you have asked for news of the guys who were on their way to Atlanta, they are all fine, as you can see from the photo posted by Gianluca’s father, Ercole, just arrived in Atlanta.
Look how sweet Gianluca is with the two beautiful little girls.
But what you don’t see, at the end of the video, is this fact and our friend Judy Thurman, who was present that evening, tells us about it, thanks Judy!
“I forgot to mention that one of the guys last night was having a special evening as his frequent glances were centered on one side of the auditorium! As time went by Gianluca walked to his right on the edge of the stage while he sang ‘Here’s to you’. A sweet little girl and a lovely slightly older girl came immediately to him and he welcomed them as he always does! As the song ended Gianluca walked over to a beautiful young dark haired woman, hugged her and kissed her hair or cheek. It was his girlfriend, Eleonora Venturini Storaro, who had just arrived from Italy earlier in the day. The smile on his face while returning to the stage was very sweet. It was a lovely moment! 💗💗”
Unfortunately there are no videos or photos to testify, but Judy said that before the concert, the audience was asked not to photograph or film, too bad !!
And then, this beautiful thing also happened, the guys, since there are many Latin-speaking people in the audience, dedicated the beautiful song EL TRISTE performed only with piano accompaniment.
I really like this song and I think the guys really had a nice thought and I think the audience was happy.
A nice comment from Ticketmaster also from Atlanta!
Outstanding voice
Atlanta Symphony Hall – Atlanta
This is the real song. Exceptional voices and great repertoire to complement. Highly recommended. No modern computer or any other trick can simulate these great rumors! An evening of absolute pleasure!
Unfortunately these days, we have all seen the disasters that Hurricane Ian caused in Fort Myers, where the Il Volo concert was to take place on October 4th.
A real disaster for so many people who have lost their homes and even their lives! For this reason, the concert was canceled.
But our guys with a heart of gold, and all their staff, are not insensitive to what happened and therefore this wonderful initiative was born, that you are surely all familiar with:
In partnership with VNUE, Inc. we have decided to live stream our next concert at FLA Live Arena (Sunrise, FL) on October 9th, 2022, at 8:15 EST, via VNUE’s StageIt platform.
As a tribute to those who lost their lives in Ft. Myers and in the surrounding areas, and for all the families whose lives are destroyed and need help desperately, we decided to partner with the Red Cross, and with VNUE, to livestream the concert and donate the proceeds in support of the victims of Hurricane Ian.
“Our first show ever in the United States was in Florida at the beginning of our career and we have the most wonderful memories performing for our Florida audience. Seeing the videos and pictures of the devastation hurricane Ian left behind we felt strongly compelled to give back to the people of Florida and their communities. We are excited to team up with VNUE, FLA Live Arena and the Red Cross to bring our live performance, produced by Live Nation, to the world for the benefit of the victims of hurricane Ian.”
The concert will be available for streaming exclusively on StageIt.com. You may register on StageIt in advance, and purchase “Notes” which you may use to virtually attend the show. The minimum ticket price is $30 (300 Notes), but we encourage to donate above and beyond the base price of the ticket. The five highest donations will receive special prizes from us, such as signed set lists or other special memorabilia items. To register and purchase to view the livestream, you should visit this link >> https://bit.ly/IlVololivestream
During the livestream, you may interact with one another, and with us using the chat feature on StageIt.
Ok guys, we’re glad you’re all fine, a big sigh of relief.
Our love and our prayers go up for all the people who have suffered from the hurricane.
We are all so proud of you, your gesture does you a lot of honor and confirms the great heart of Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero. Thank you guys!! ❤❤❤
Before saying goodbye, I want to show you this nice video review of the Atlantic City concert. A beautiful review by Elena Worton, a really nice job that I’m sure you will like.
Thanks Pat for finding it for me and highlighting this beautiful video !!
The last time I wrote a story like this was when the guys were in Verona doing their wonderful Concert for Rai and PBS. I called it Phenomenal. I totally lost count of how many times I used that word phenomenal in my story!
“The beat goes on,” Radio City Music Hall was a Phenomena.
Where do I begin to talk about the three amazing men who stood in front of me at Radio City Music Hall and totally blew my mind!
They have matured in body and mind and their voices have gone to another level of magnificence!
Yes, we watched them grow but this is different. There’s a beautiful presence about them now. A certain elegance! After thirteen years they haven’t waned, they’ve increased in strength and intensity! There is a certain power in their voices that grabs you from the first note of the concert to the last.
Each guy has grown into his voice and is showing a maturity and style the likes of which men who are approaching the end of their careers can only have imagined! Thirteen years of a lifetime! A lifetime full of wonders and experience which most entertainers will never have the honor of knowing.
I’ve worked in this industry, and I’ve seen young people achieve fame and throw it all away on foolishness! Many have achieved fame but what they do with it makes the difference!
These men have shared the fruits of their fame. They didn’t take their fame and run with, they cherished it and used it to help others. They could have gone home to their families until the next tour but no they shared their good fortune. This is what makes them so great. This is what makes them incredible. For this reason, these entertainers are loved by their fans in the most incredible way!
Standing in line at Radio City Music Hall, waiting for an Il Volo Concert, you get the feeling that you aren’t going to a concert rather you’re going to a big party that is being thrown by a member of your family!
Speaking with some of the fans, I asked what it is that they love about the guys on a more personal level. Many said their openness and generosity with the fans. They consider them like family. Some said they are the son they never had or the grandson they admire. Much like the fans who write to me each week. There is a beauty about the relationship between the fans and Il Volo. Il Volo is family!
The fans were the ones who got them through it all when they were young, and they never forget to say thank you! They attribute their fame not to their talent but to the fans who come back time after time, year after year to be with them. No, the fans are not followers in a sense that most fans are! No, they are family that always wants to be there for their boys!
It wasn’t always easy for the guys but when they had a goal, they went for it!
I remember Ignazio saying in a video when they first came to New York. “This is Radio City! We hope, I hope, everyone hopes to go there to do a big concert for the American people.”
What a dream! Who could possibly have thought that three Italian teenagers could have achieved this dream and stepped on to the stage at Radio City Music Hall and brought us all to absolute ecstasy with their voices!
Most entertainers want to perform at Radio City once in their lifetime! It’s a dream, it’s every entertainer’s dream! Our guys have done it year after year to sold out audiences! And every time is better than the last.
And the guys are honored to have achieved this wonderful opportunity to appear in the greatest and most well-known Music Hall in the World!
So, let’s follow these three extremely handsome men, who have the world in the palm of their hands, to Radio City Music Hall!
Soundcheck….
First instruction! No videos! Photos are okay!
As we enter the theater, we can’t help but notice the quietness of the stage! The dim lights reflect the different movements on the stage. In the shadows we see the skeleton of a band. As we get closer to the stage, we see Ignazio conversing with Giampiero. Always instructing, always advising! We see Piero making final arrangements for his pieces.
We begin….
Ignazio never ceases to amaze me. His natural demeanor, his ease of movement. As he moves everything around him becomes a production. Ignazio is the production, and we are watching him move into action! No detail goes unnoticed by him! Lights, microphone, everything technical within his reach is looked at. His eyes miss nothing! He’s on a roll. A few verses of a song to make sure it’s right and then….
Piero steps up to the mike and belts out a song and we are immediately aware of his greatness!
Recently I said Piero has expanded and grown during this time of isolation. It’s never more evident than in this moment! Though we are supposed to be quiet we can’t help but applaud at the end of his song! A few instructions to the staff and Piero moves on!
In the meantime, Ignazio is preparing for his song! He steps up to the mike and, Mother of God save us, he blows our minds with his beautiful voice! At the end, forget the silence, Applause! Applause! Some instructions to the staff and he moves on.
So, here we go Gianluca has appeared. Strolling around saying hi to everyone. Is he even awake yet? Not sure.
Gianluca steps up to the mike and I guess he is awake after all because he thrilled us with his magnificent voice! So strong, so enticing!
You will notice that I did not mention what they are singing that’s because we were not able to video the event so in order for you to get the full effect of the soundcheck experience I’m not going to tell you what they sang!
Time to gather around Giampiero for an absolutely beautiful song then it’s the orchestras turn!
The guys listen to the orchestra and then it’s time for some duets!
Group picture with the fans and then back to the soundcheck!
All is well and time to go! The guys tell us they will see us in a little while! Farewell applause and out we go!
The soundcheck was amazing because we got to hear their voices up close and see their true expression and feel what they were feeling in their delivery! A totally awesome experience!
Out in the lobby, we spend the next two hours talking about the guys and greeting people we know and some we don’t!
There were people here from all over the United States. Actually, all over the world! My friend Berenice Castro Rom with fans from Mexico and the ladies from Argentina. I heard Gianluca say at Soundcheck something about fans from Puerto Rico.
Many of the fans like Sanna Frediksson and Kathleen Banaszkiewicz also told me they were at some of the concerts in Europe! What fan flies halfway around the world to see a concert! Very many went to Taormina and Verona! Totally amazing!
So now we’re ready for another phenomenal performance!
Let’s set the stage….
The new scenery….
With the exception of the Verona concert in June 2021, Il Volo never has a fancy stage set! They don’t need it. All the elegance is in their beautiful voices and a fancy stage would only distract from their magnificence! This stage is actually elegant in its simplicity!
Simple silver drapes that reflect the changing light around them is all that is needed. The shades of red and blue and purple constantly change the scene and the atmosphere! It’s a feeling of movement within a shimmering glow of color! We watch the guy’s appear and disappear within the shadow of the brilliant colors!
The Orchestra….
A simple stringed orchestra of at least a dozen violins, cellos and a harp. Always a flute and horns. Drums and guitars and the ever presence Giampiero Grani on piano and conducting!
Stage set!
Wardrobe….
Black and White and elegant!
When the white suits first appeared in Toronto, I have to admit I wasn’t totally on board with it. Then I saw some photos of the guys and I had to admit they were drop dead gorgeous in them! But when the guy’s walked out on stage I finally saw how elegant they were. Perfect in every way! Who would have thought they would ever see three guy’s singing bel canto in white tuxedos. The time has come to change their direction and clothes and go to a new comfort zone! Great choice guys! You look marvelous!
During the performance they do change into the black and for a while we watch the black and white play off one other!
A wonderful new vision! Bravo!
So let the show begin!
After the show I did a review on Ticketmaster. So, let’s start with my summary to them.
The best 2 1/2 hours I’ve spent in over two years when I last saw Il Volo at Radio City Music Hall. The new show is an event not to be missed! Along with their bel canto they have exciting new songs that will go to the core of your heart! They are three voices that form a symphony. Individually and together, they will capture your inner being and leave their mark on your heart forever. If you haven’t seen them yet, it’s time you did!
This concert was different….
I remember when the guys first recorded the Morricone album, I thought this is going to be different. It certainly was! The guys were moving out of their comfort zone. To some degree, they were taking a chance. They certainly try new and different things, but this was even different from their normal different.
When the guys wanted to go to Sanremo they debated it and went back and forth and finally everyone was onboard. The decision to do this album and production had to be very much like that. It was risky. They had no idea if this would work but they took the chance because they believed Morricone’s music was important and they wanted to share it with the world.
I always say that Pino Daniele wrote his songs for Ignazio and here I have to say Morricone wrote his songs for Il Volo. There were no words until Il Volo appeared. This music is so perfect for them. The genius of Morricone and the genius of Il Volo what a combination.
The result is an album which brought Morricone’s music to life and catapulted our guys into a new musical direction. Bel canto and beyond!
The greatness of Morricone was hidden for so many years. After receiving an Honorary Academy Award from the Academy, people began to notice Morricone and those who snubbed him for so many years, were forced to admit he was one of the greatest composers of the century.
The guys were in the middle of the pandemic, and they knew when they came out of it, it would be like starting all over again. So, you might ask, why take the risk with this music? I think the answer was simple. During their quarantine, something amazing happened, these three men had the opportunity to be at home, to live normal lives and to finally be in a position where they could take the time needed to consider their next move.
Coming back after the pandemic wasn’t going to be easy but, during that time something else happened, Morricone, who the guys had a great respect for, died. When the project came to them, it wasn’t just the opportunity to do this album but to be a big part in the decisions about this album. For one, they could select which music they wanted. Over five hundred pieces were available. At this moment, they had an opportunity to take a good look at their future and they decided to go for it!
When they stepped on the stage at Radio City Music Hall, they already had a successful album and people loved the new music.
The Production….
But how was it possible that people were able to jump onboard so easily with this music? The answer is in the opening number. The one song everyone knows is The Ecstasy of Gold and so that’s where we begin….
What a way to start a show! Now the adrenaline is flowing….
The next song touches our heart every time….
Your Love
Have you noticed the strength in their voices. Very mature! Crisp and clear! Fine-tuned! They went from amazing to phenomenal. They truly took my breath away.
What I also noticed is the audience was more attentive. Not jumping up and down but truly paying attention like they never did before. I think they were experiencing something new, and they liked it! And at the end of the songs, they applauded and stood to acknowledge them every time. They truly showed their love to the guys.
During the songs people were listening and following each guy as he moved around. It was like surround sound. Their voices were coming from everywhere. A true Symphony!
How about those duets…..
Always amazing!
But before the duets, how about some great humor?
Introduction to My Way
The Solos….
Mr. Personality! Ignazio you truly are the whole production!
What’s new and beautiful….
Our favorites were there too….
Did you notice how their voices can change your whole state of mind?
And how about those little moves that can drive you wild….
Okay Gian! You almost got it! Now move!
So, if you’re going to start all over, why not try something different. They did and it worked! They presented a concert that was a marvel, a sensation, a curiosity in other words, a Phenomena!
And so, I end this story with my favorite picture of the evening! Me and the guys! Thank you for a phenomenal evening. You truly swept me off my feet. Each of you knows what you did for me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! See you in LA!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
As I mentioned, I am traveling in Italy right now and I find myself so busy between the Pilgrimage and my Book, I don’t have enough time to write my stories. So, I made the decision that I would go back and find individual stories about the guys and repost them.
I will start with Ignazio in the Land of Sages and Fools ~ Made of Devils and Saints!
In this story we find Ignazio, the Lyricist, presenting a beautiful picture of the land he loves ~ Sicily!
Ignazio is A Man With Many Different Hats and we feel ourselves drawn in by the lyrics of his beautiful song ~Makari!
This is one of my favorite stories about Ignazio. So, let’s go back in time to March 2021 and feel the sensation of a truly magical song from a truly magical man….
Sometimes I feel like I spend every day of my life writing about Ignazio! In the last two years I wrote over one hundred stories about the guys and, it seems as if half of them were about Ignazio’s projects. Because of all his projects, in 2020 and 2021, I sometimes found myself writing two and three stories a week about him, wearing many different hats. Entertainer, Lyricist, Manager, Entrepreneur! The amazing thing about it is, I can’t get enough of him! Ignazio lives in my mind. I have an emotional attachment to him. I guess it comes from writing all those stories. With fictional characters, the writer develops the character but, when you’re writing about real people, you come to a point where you are in their minds and, you feel their passions and emotions!
As usual, it was Daniela who made me aware that something new was going on. She sent me a video that said Màkari and I wondered what is this about? And then I clicked on it and heard Ignazio’s beautiful voice and I thought when did Ignazio record this? That’s when I realized it was a new series on Rai1 and Il Volo is singing the theme song. And if that wasn’t enough, I learned Ignazio wrote the song. Ignazio, do you ever sleep?
Ignazio, in 2020, you told us you had many surprises for us. This obviously was the collaboration with Rai1 you were talking about. Unless we have another surprise in store! We can only hope! And, in fact, there were more surprises!
Truthfully, who better to write a song about Sicily and the region of Trapani than a native child! No, Ignazio wasn’t born in Sicily but, for Italians, who your parents are is who you are so, in fact, Ignazio is Sicilian.
It amazes me that the young boy who went to Sicily kicking and screaming when he was ten, became the spokesman for Marsala, around the world, and now for the region of Trapani. Ignazio came to embrace the land of his parents and he loves all the wonders of Sicily.
Sicily is different than Italy. Yes, I know Sicily is Italy but, how the Sicilians live and, who they are is very different. Ignazio’s song invites us to take a better look at this other land in the south. It speaks of “a land of sages and a land of fools, made from devils and saints.” Yes, that’s what Sicily is! They honor their saints while keeping their superstitions!
Ignazio invites you to live a new reality through his eyes. He invites us to see a different side of Sicily through his beautiful theme song, Màkari.
Ignazio begins his video by explaining to us his experience of Sicily as seen through his eyes. “It is a Sicily as told by a twenty-five-year-old who lived Sicily through stories, through images!”
This song speaks volumes! Where did the words of this song come from? Ignazio’s heart! There is something very mysterious about the song. Besides the fact that it speaks of a land of sages and fools made from devils and saints, it also speaks of truth! The truth as seen through Ignazio’s eyes.
Ignazio’s words allow us to see Sicily through tradition, home and love!
In his video, Ignazio talks about the summers he spent in San Vito Capo in the landscape of Màkari. What is it that draws him back year after year? Is it the “silence” of the land that screams for you to open your eyes and look around at the wonder of the landscape or, the traditions of the land that go deep into your soul? It seems to Ignazio, Màkari is joy and love and so he will never forget it! And what does that say! Simple! This is Ignazio’s story!!! His story of Sicily, the land he left to pursue his dream and the land he is drawn back to time and again.
Think about the words of the song! Is Ignazio talking about the writer who leaves his home and returns after a long period of time or the entertainer who travels the world? The similarities in his life and the life of the writer are striking, that’s why he was able to write such an emotional song!
I feel like Ignazio wrote the song and then they made the show. His words are very enticing, they pull you into the story. They tell all there is to know and, Ignazio tells us a story, through the imagery of his words!
The mystery of it all is the relationship Ignazio has with this land! Having become a part of this land at the age of ten, it is amazing to me that Ignazio developed this great bond with Sicily. Yes, Bologna is his home but, Sicily is the place he comes home to!!!
Ignazio says, “it is an honor to talk about my Sicily through a fiction that tells the truth of this Sicily.” He loves that through all the mysteries and mystique of the program, the show speaks of love, which is something that he loves and, he loves that that love is combined with yellow (mysteries)!
Sicily is amazing for Ignazio because it’s different for him every time. He sees a Sicily that is always offering something new while being a part of something old. Always remembering what was while looking forward to what will be! This speaks to Ignazio’s soul!
Ignazio’s thoughts and emotions are everywhere in this song. In an interview with Inga and Claudio Gioè, the actor from Màkari, Ignazio reminds us of his words, in the song, about His Sicily. “Whoever comes to Sicily, cries twice,” (once when you arrive and, once when you leave). I think that sums up Ignazio’s feelings for Sicily.” I think the words of this song will be on the lips of everyone for many years to come! A Classic!
The final verse of the song is sung by Ignazio with a few beautiful words in Sicilian and he is accompanied by a classical guitar. “Sing louder but do it in silence because here no one hears us, sees us. This is a story a little curious, a little grumpy, it speaks to me of love. For traditions, for my roots, Màkari is home and my heart sings for you!” These are emotional words, very touching!
In a video, Gianluca and Piero expressed their feelings about the project. Gianluca said, “I have anxiety waiting for this moment, so I renew my congratulations to everyone for this great project and we are delighted to be part of it.”
We, also, learned something very interesting in this video. We now know what everyone’s plans are for the future! Gianluca says, he would love to be an actor. I always thought he would be a model. He certainly has the body and looks for it! But who knows maybe he will show up in one of the episodes of Màkari? And Piero the sweetheart that he is, told us how proud he is of Ignazio and how happy he is to be a part of this project! Piero, all of us are very happy that all of you are embarking on this new adventure together!
One final thought! Ignazio’s words in the song call out to, many, expressing his feelings on many matters! I would like to go back to those last words of the song so that you can listen very carefully to Ignazio words! “Sing louder but do it in silence because here no one hears, sees us.” Think about it!
Màkari we’ve been waiting for you!
I hope you were able to feel the sensation of this truly magical song written by a truly magical man,
A Man with Many Different Hats….
Makari (the English lyrics)
You know how many times I’d like to leave from this land of devils and saints but Màkari is home, it’s joy and pain this is my land.
Land of Wise Men and Land of Fools of people who take heart, take it and give it! Whoever comes to Sicily, cries twice! Màkari is my home.
This is a story a little curious, a little grumpy, it speaks to me of love. For traditions, for my roots, but Màkari is home, and the heart sings for you.
Sing louder, but do it in silence, because here no one hears us, sees us, but Makari is home, it is joy and pain, Màkari I do not forget, I forget no more.
This is a story a little curious, a little grumpy, it speaks to me of love. For traditions, for my roots, but Màkari is home and the heart sings for you.
See you on September 27, 2022 at Radio City Music Hall. If you didn’t already get your tickets go to www.ilvolomusic.com to buy them now!
Milan Concert 2016
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
It seems since the new concerts have begun the guys are having lots of fun! My thought was, why let the guys have all the fun! We should have fun too. So, after writing about the Partita del Cuore last week, I went back and found some funny and entertaining videos. One of the videos actually was a follow up to the Partita del Cuore.
It seems that Alex Del Piero, had taken a picture with Piero after that fantastic play by Piero at the Partita del Cuore, and the other guys were not included. Del Piero said he felt bad about it. But no problem, he made for it up on House Party.
I know many of you have watched House Party on YouTube when the guys were on. For those of you who have never seen it, the host is Michele Hunziker.
Michelle Hunziker is a television host, actress, singer, and former model.
In 2016 while Michelle was the host of House Party, Il Volo appeared on her show. The guys along with Michelle performed with many famous and interesting performers. Among them, Alessandro Del Piero, who they played against in the Partita del Cuore, one of my favorite Italian actors, Giancarlo Giannini, songwriter, singer and musician Gianna Nannini, singer Mario Biondi, singers Benji & Fede, among others.
We start our story today where we left off last week. The guys playing soccer with Alex Del Piero. Only this time, they are teams with Ignazio pairing with Del Piero and Gianluca pairing with Piero. Let’s go to the video to see how the match turned out….
Before the game began, Ignazio told Del Piero about his childhood when he played soccer with his friends. He said, “when I was a little boy behind, my house, there was a place we call nu puzzo (the well of water), this is the place where I played soccer with my friends.”
Of course, we remember this from Ignazio’s story about his childhood.
Ignazio continues, “since we are here with Alex we will pretend together. We will play some great football together.”
Michelle says, we have two teams Juventus and the rest of the world. Let’s Go! Ignazio and Del Piero for Juventus! And Gianluca and Piero for the rest of the world!
The game certainly needs no explanation with the exception of Piero saying his mistake should not be counted.
Del Piero said, “no sorry, sorry, sorry.” Even when Michele tries to reason with Del Piero in defense of Piero, he says, “no!” He won’t hear of it.
Of course, Juventus won! So, Ignazio asked Del Piero to autograph his arm. And he joked, next time you will sing with us, yes?
Of course, when they were on the show they always sang. On one occasion they sang with Italian singer, song writer and musician, Gianna Nannini. Gianna and the guys sang, “Meravigliosa Creatura,” a song that was written by Gianna.
If the name Nannini is familiar to you it’s because Gianna is the elder sister of former Formula One race car driver Alessandro Nannini.
On some occasions Michelle would ask the guy’s questions about their career and family. On this occasion, Michelle randomly drew questions out of bowl.
Let me tell you what some of the questions were before you watch the video….
Michelle explains, the questions were suggested by the audience. When Michelle mixes the questions in the bowl, she says he hopes they didn’t ask silly questions, like what is your favorite color.
What did you do that was strange on stage?
Gianluca: It is not something that I did. It is something that someone in the audience did. (Gianluca playing around the words)
Michelle wants to know what it was.
Gianluca doesn’t quite know how to say “bra” because it seems out of place.
Ignazio finally says, “what harm is there to say bra.”
And Piero says, “when you go to the store to buy a bra don’t you say bra?”
Gianluca (continues): I was singing, and I go to finish.
Michelle (interrupts): Did it hit you?
Gianluca: No, no it hit my microphone while I was singing, then I looked at it and there was a phone number in Spanish because it happened in Mexico. And when I read it, it said “call me when you want.”
Michelle: Did you call?
Ignazio (jokes): But, no, he didn’t call because it was a man.
Michelle draws a question and puts it in her mouth. She says it is not appropriate!
Which one of you is the most gifted but not in the singing sense.
Ignazio: I can answer? Can I answer?
Piero: No, it is dangerous.
And Piero continues by starting a whole conversation about boys’ shoes. He says, “I must tell you it is equivalent to the size of the boys’ shoes, and he says Ignazio’s shoes are size 46.” They turn the whole question into a hot discussion.
Michelle has enough and she stops them. I think she feared where the answer might go!
Michelle goes back to the bowl.
Michelle: I see two simple questions. Okay, I will give you one of my own questions because I want to ask about when you perform in front of all those people.
In short, you sometimes have (an audience of) 30 – 40,000 people and it can happen in stadiums, how do you feel?
Piero: I think the emotion I feel as an artist is an indescribable thing. You find yourself in front of all those people. I think it’s a great fortune and we thank all the people who grant us this, them and all the people who love us every day.
Michelle: It is a great thing and then the beautiful thing is that you have remained with your feet on the ground because you know that is, is it not? You also have a very nice family behind you.
Ignazio: I think family is absolutely, important, they were the first to believe in us, no? And thanks to them, huh, we chased our dreams without ever making it an obligation. No, because many times it can happen that parents push their children too hard. The best advice I can give to parents is, just to have your children always chase their dreams and leave them free and let them live, let them chase even making mistakes, but there are you who maybe you can help them because that’s it. We are, we are lucky in double, no? We are lucky because we always have the opportunity to shoot with so many wonderful people, but we are also lucky enough to work.
Michelle: But working doing what we love doing, what I really like doing you should never have thought you would arrive there when you were I don’t know 10
Gianluca: As long as I never thought about the fact of how it happened, I sing because I like it and I feel like I’m really only 13, 14 every time I sing, I get on, I imagine me as a little one with that first emotion when I went up on a stage at my house in front of my house also in front of my family, I always feel the same way. And it’s nice, it’s nice to be here with you too.
Now let’s listen to the guys sing with another great Italian singer ~ Mario Biondi!
In one episode, Michelle asks the question…What would your career be if you weren’t a singer?
Piero: What would my career be? It happened very early I was 14/15 years.
Michelle: but have you seen Sliding Doors? Here’s how, if your life hadn’t been this what kind of job would you have wanted to do right?
For Piero, the answer was I would have followed in the footsteps of my father the coachbuilder.
Ignazio said he would follow in the footsteps of his mom and sister who worked in a pizzeria.
At the end of the question to Ignatius, Michelle offered Ignazio a piece of pizza and then says “you can eat it? Does it produce an astringent effect on the teeth?” What Michelle means is can he sing if he eats the pizza.
Michelle asked Gianluca, if you did not sing in the microphone what would you do?
Gianluca replied, what had I done, I remember at school that I had fun making caricatures of my friends of drawings and then I also started painting a little so probably the painter not the painter. Why not?
Ignazio asked Michelle what she would be. She replied, a ballerina.
The guys sing “Piove” while Michelle dances. This is an absolutely wonderful video!
Now let’s listen to a wonderful song by the guys….
Also appearing with the guys were Benji & Fede. They did a beautiful duet together!
Now for the final segment on House Party let’s listen to the guys sing New York, New York!
So, since the guys were singing about New York, let’s listen to an interview the guys did with Julia Papa from 1010 Wins! New Yorkers know this station very well!
When the guys were in New York they would stop by Home & Family for cooking lessons! This was always fun.
Hey guys! We miss you on American TV! Time to do some of these fun shows again!
Since we’re talking about New York, how about if we go back and relive A Day In The Life of Il Volo in NYC. One of my favorite videos!
Michele, are you listening? The guys’ dream of singing at Carnegie Hall! And I want them to sing there too!
And of course, what would the story be without some funny Brotherly moments…
I know the guys enjoyed doing House Party. I hope you enjoyed reliving those moments with our guys!
We took a stroll around House Party, and it led us back to New York. Now, the only way to end this story is with a song from their concert at Radio City Music Hall. How about two songs. I was at Radio City for this performance on February 6, 2020. Totally amazing! Nothing like witnessing the guys perform at Radio City. Their dream and ours! Why let the guys have all the fun! Join them at Radio City Music Hall on September 27th. I’ll be there and you should be too!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
Credit to the owners of photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
o
