Come with me to three Il Volo concerts: Florence – Summer tour 2024, Prague – Tutti per uno tour 2024, Florence – Ad Astra tour 2025
Dear Flight Crew members and readers,
You don’t know me because I have never commented or interacted with anyone here, but I have been visiting this site for some time … I found this amazing site because I was looking for a translation of an article. And since then, I’m frequently coming here and checking how well (or not) I understood an article, an interview, or a video in Italian.
My name is Klára, I’m from the Czech Republic and live with my cat, Mr. Paw, in a small town near Pilsen – the city of beer. I’m a translator, I translate mostly from German into Czech and vice versa. I love reading, travelling, cats, figure skating and, of course, Il Volo.
I heard about Il Volo first when I was listening to a song by Andrea Bocelli on YouTube and the next suggested video was his message to Gianluca in Ti lascio una canzone. That was maybe eight years ago; I googled and found out that Gianluca was part of a musical group. Then I listened to some songs, read some interviews… My interest sparked again around 2020 when Italian pair skaters Rebecca Ghilardi and Philippo Ambrosini skated their free program to Grande Amore. And since then, I wanted to attend a concert in person.
Happy in Milano
As everyone here, I also love reading all the wonderful recaps and summaries of concerts and reports from people who were there in person. And even though it’s not really the most recent event, I thought that you might be interested in reading about three Il Volo concerts I have attended.
I want to share my excitement, recount some memories from the travels (from the point of view of someone who’s learning Italian) and I hope this article conveys how much I like Italy and Il Volo.
I’d like to take you with me back in time to Florence, Prague and to Florence again and show you the three concerts I have attended; show you the places, tell you how adventurous or not it was to get there, which songs stood out for me, which solos I loved the most, what happened at the soundcheck etc.
I have to admit I don’t have many photos of the concerts… But we could read here amazing reviews of the concerts with many videos and photos attached already, so I hope you won’t mind that this text contains so few pictures.
How it started
It all started last year in spring.
Before that I had watched Il Volo in videos on the internet from time to time… Then I had bought a ticket for the concert in Prague in 2023 (their first concert in the Czech Republic) but in the end I couldn’t go because my grandpa was ill. Fortunately, the guys decided to return in October 2024, I bought a ticket early in spring… and then, as I said, it started!
In anticipation of the concert in Prague, I was watching a lot of videos from earlier concerts and bits of interviews and realized (which wasn’t that big of a big discovery) that in Prague the guys were going to speak English – and that’s great because it’s certainly the language most people there would understand… But I’m a translator, love languages, challenges, and above all, I love Italy. At that time, I had been learning Italian for a while and just urgently felt that I needed to see the boys in Italy, in their home country, speaking their native language even though my Italian was quite basic.
And once you decide to do something, you find more and more reasons why you absolutely have to do it, right? 😉
Apart from Italian and Italy, my main reason was that I also wanted to hear Gianluca sing La cura and was a bit worried he wouldn’t sing it outside Italy. So, I spontaneously bought a ticket for a concert in Florence (Pratolino) for July 2024… And then I was hooked. 😊
Florence/Pratolino: At home under the moon (22nd July 2024)
The whole trip was a 100% Italian experience. It was so hot – 38°C! A friend of mine very kindly invited me to stay with her for a few days before going to Florence for the concert… I hopped on a bus in Prague and about 20 hours later I met my friend. We went to the sea, visited the San Galgano monastery and Siena, cooked pasta with home-made basil pesto, screamed Il Mondo and Grande Amore while she was driving and I was trying to read the map, and the day before the concert we went to the theatre in Siena for Donizetti’s opera Don Pasquale, sort of a starter before the main course. 😉 And then, finally, I went to Florence.
Siena, sea, opera in Siena, San Galgano
Place: Florence/Pratolino
The summer concert in Florence was part of the Musart festival that was for the first time in its nine-year old history taking place in Parco Mediceo di Pratolino. I bought a ticket for the concert in Florence and then was very surprised when all pieces of information were talking about Pratolino. ‘What’s that? What’s going on?’ I thought as I repeatedly received emails about limited parking possibilities and instructions on how to get there by car. (As if I had an. 😉) And so, I discovered that Pratolino is about fifteen kilometres away from the city centre of Florence and that it was possible to get there by public transport. But going back? There was no public transport that late in the evening.
Fortunately, I visited the website of the festival and learned what ‘navetta’ meant. Shuttle buses! Indeed, there was a special train going from Florence to Vaglia and from there shuttle buses were going to Pratolino.
In reality, it was a bit more complicated, as the shuttle buses weren’t waiting directly at the train station… Fortunately, there was a lady travelling in the train who had attended a concert in Pratolino the day before, so she safely guided us to the buses.
When we arrived at Pratolino, there were carabinieri everywhere managing the traffic, signalling for the cars which temporary car park they should use, guiding the buses through… And I thought: If I were one of the boys and saw this chaos, I’d fall unconscious and would be unable to sing! At this moment I truly realized how famous Il Volo was.
We got off the bus and there was about one kilometer walk through the park waiting for us and then, finally, I saw the stage!
The park is a lovely place and it’s getting gradually reconstructed. There are statues, a beautiful Villa Demidoff and a chapel that was open for the concert visitors.
I’d say there were about five thousand people of all ages, and from the snippets of conversation my impression was that for many of them it wasn’t their first Il Volo concert.
Park Pratolino
The Florence vs. Pratolino thing made even Piero confused 😉 Here’s what he asked at the beginning of the concert.
Piero: I don’t want to offend anyone so what’s correct? Florence or Pratolino? Audience: Florence! Piero: Good, because I said at home that I was going to sing in Florence.
The concert
The concert started at 9:30 p.m.; it was already dark and still so warm…
It was my first time hearing the boys live and this is a part of the message I immediately sent to my friend. It just sums up my impressions:
And I can’t even describe the singing. What Ignazio can do 🤯🤯 And hearing Piero singing the arias live 😮 And Gianluca such a soothing voice 🥰🥰🥰 And the best was going back to the bus and just hearing bits of conversation of the many fans and all of them were so excited.
The boys were so relaxed, natural, warm and friendly, they talked about the songs a lot, joked, and didn’t rush. I have to say I was quite proud of myself because I understood more or less everything they said in Italian.
Songs that stood out and solos
The boys came on the stage and immediately started singing Nelle tue mani, it was such a powerful beginning; Caruso was very moving… I love the Ad Astra album and was so happy that they sang about half of the songs from it: Succede, Il mondo all’incontrario, Capolavoro and especially Frammenti di universe, I love the part where Gianluca’s and Ignazio’s voices interact with each other.
The concert also contained six solos. As I said, La cura was one of the main reasons I travelled to Italy, and I got everything I wanted and more. My friend told me that La cura is often sung at weddings because of the lyrics. Whenever Gianluca sings “Perché sei un essere speciale“(because you are a special human being) I always add in my mind: yes, you, Gianluca, you are a special human being.
I was equally enchanted by Piero’s E lucevan le stelle. And then Ignazio’s Almeno tu nell’universo…, you have to listen to it, it cannot be described. From the first second you understand that this song has a deeply personal and special meaning for Ignazio, and he makes you feel it, too.
We also heard Ovunque sarai, Amor vida de mi vida and Can’t help falling in love.
The public was so energetic and warm, applauding, cheering and very often singing with the boys; everyone knew the lyrics of Capolavoro, and of Ignazio’s solos.
And then came one of the best experiences of my life: the guys invited everyone to stand up, come closer to the stage and join them in singing the last song. And so, together with about five thousand people, I was singing/screaming Grande Amore at the top of my lungs, standing on my feet, clapping my hands. It was such an exciting ending of the whole concert.
All of us on our feet, singing Grande amore
Fun
The concert was a perfect mix of brilliant singing, relaxed atmosphere and some fun.
When the guys started talking about the song Ad Astra, they said: “We were in Mexico” and a whole row of people waved, so they interrupted the introduction of the song and greeted Mexico and the Mexican fans who were there.
Then Gianluca started listing countries, asking if there was someone from the US, Canada etc. etc. and people were waving and raising their hands.
Ignazio: That’s a lot of people. Is there even anyone from Tuscany? (the region around Florence) Gianluca immediately: And from Abruzzo?
Then there was another very funny moment, and I haven’t seen any video of it so here’s a summary.
Piero: There’s somewhere a friend of mine in the audience. He’s a waiter. Can you get up? We met a month ago when we were doing a press conference here. And he’s the best waiter in the world. He prepared breakfast for me. And if I remember correctly, it’s Massimo’s birthday today.
Meanwhile, the man got up.
Il Volo started singing and the whole audience stood up and joined the guys in singing Tanti auguri(Happy birthday).
When they finished, Gianluca heard something and then said: What? Your name is not Massimo? It’s Tomasso!! Piero: Well, the breakfast was at 6.30 a.m…. but I did remember the birthday correctly. Gianluca asking Tomasso: I still don’t understand. But why did you get up when he said Massimo? Tomasso: He also said that I was a waiter which is correct.
Then the guys were about to introduce another song, Se from Ennio Morricone.
Ignazio to Piero: No, you don’t say his name.
Kindness
It was a funny moment, but it also shows how kind and friendly Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio are. And kindness doesn’t stop with them, also all the volunteers were very nice, not to speak about all the people who organized the transport to Pratolino. There may not have been that many pieces of information, and being in a foreign country, the journey felt like an adventure at the beginning, but everything worked out.
I was a bit worried whether the buses were going to wait for everyone after the end of the concert but then I convinced myself that there were worse things than waiting at the station for some early train in the morning, especially as the evening and night were so warm. Of course, the buses waited.
And then while sitting back in the train, well past midnight, suddenly an applause erupted there – it could rival the standing ovations the boys received just an hour ago – the train staff decided that the train wasn’t going to terminate at the Campo Marte station but was going to continue to the main train station in the city center! For many people it was much more convenient.
Booklet
We were given a 50-page long booklet containing the programme and introduction of the Musart festival, the individual artists, the Demidoff villa…
Here is a translation of the part about Il Volo:
(translated by me, revision done by my Italian friend)
Since forever, flying or the flight (il volo) has been one of the biggest dreams of humankind. Not only in the physical sense but also in the metaphorical one.
Flying (il volo) represents liberty, surpassing the limits, and the aspirations to reach something higher.
Flying (il volo) is not only a matter of wings or motors but also of soul and desire. Paulo Coelho once said: “The man has an inner greatness that moves him to fly, even though his wings are invisible.” These words reflect the truth about every dreamer: flying (il volo) is, first of all, an act of believing in oneself.
Music, like flying, lifts us up and transports us in unexpected places. It’s by means of our voice that we reach the highest, farthest goals, breath-taking and alienating, while communicating through one of our most profound senses.
It’s incredible how much freedom may lie in those few lines that represent the stave. The voice flies, soars, contorts itself into the various notes, adjusts to the tonality and communicates its feelings through the minor and major chords.
Flying (il volo) is the utmost representation of the human desire to rise above the circumstances of everyday life and reach something sublime. In every note, in every melody, in every word, we can find a piece of sky. And thus, we join the choir, soaring high, guided by the art and the beauty of the flight.
And Il Volo(now with the capital letter) is also the beautiful story of these boys – young men now – who with harmony and on the sound of high notes perform all over the world and shortly they will be welcomed in the park of the Demidoff villa. I share with them the experience of participating at the San Remo festival. I also was part of a trio but that wasn’t a long-term project but only a brief intermezzo. And also, we didn’t have such a beautiful and inspiring name!
Luca Canonici, opera singer
Prague: Warm encounter with old friends (12th October 2024)
The “old friends” in the title refer to the songs, as Il Volo was celebrating 15 years of career, and the guys sang there all the important songs of their journey… and “old friends” also refer to the European capitals as Il Volo had had much success there in previous tours.
Prague was more of a “standard” concert I’d say – no more open air but a huge modern arena.
The public was very appreciative, but I missed a bit the spontaneity of the predominantly Italian public from Florence and their readiness to join the boys in singing various songs.
Place
O2 Arena, before the concert, from my seat
The O2 arena in Prague is modern, spacious, with a subway station nearby… The capacity of the arena is about 18.000 (though at first, the organizers weren’t selling tickets for the second gallery seats, so the number of spectators was lower).
This is off topic but next year, the World figure skating championship will take place there and given the Olympics are in Italy I expect a lot of skaters to choose Italian music next season, maybe even from Il Volo.
Prague is a beautiful city, though as I didn’t have to make such an effort to get there, the concerts in Florence feel – subjectively – even more special to me.
I was very happy when Gianluca shared pictures from the National Gallery in Prague. And then he also posted a picture of a statue and even though I lived in Prague for two years, at first, I didn’t know where it was! The guys discovered more places in Prague in two days than me in two years 😉
Gianluca’s photo of the Kafka statue
Soundcheck
I wholeheartedly recommend going to the soundcheck if you have the chance. On one hand it’s much less expensive than meet and greet and on the other hand wherever you sit then during the concert you’ll still have this unique experience of sitting in the first or second row and seeing Il Volo from close.
You can see a bit of what is going on behind the scenes, you see the guys in casual clothes, leaning on the piano, scrolling on the phone while waiting for something, discussing details with the technicians…
This was my first time attending a soundcheck and I was amazed! We quietly walked into semi-darkness, and suddenly we heard The Sound of Silence. It was so clear and loud and absolutely mesmerizing. Meanwhile we sat down and then the boys sang Opera – arguing good-naturedly about the lyrics, Piero suggested trying the ending of Hallelujah and then he did a solo. And afterwards they sang with the guest, Elina Nechayeva, and were so sweet and attentive to her.
Concert: Songs that stood out and solos
The song that stood out for me was definitely The Sound of Silence.
The boys stand in a semi-circle close together, they start singing, it’s almost dark on the stage and you can hear only their voices. And if you haven’t thought about it before, now you realize that this is all they need. They don’t need crazy costumes and hairdos, dancers or aerial artists on the stage, flashy lights; just with their voices and personality they make the show.
Un amore così grande made me, literally, cry; then there was the playful La donna è mobile that made me smile. And the cherry on the top was Opera. Again, it’s dark, and suddenly you hear Opera! Opera! Opera! loud and decisive reverberating in the whole arena.
The Estonian singer Elina Nechayeva joined Il Volo for Libiamo ne’ lieti calici and she also proposed a toast in Czech! During the brief pause in the song she danced with Piero and Ignazio and danced with Gianluca 😉
There was one song I had been looking forward to so much – The Music of the Night – hoping Gianluca would sing it. And he did. He sang so beautifully; his voice was soft and yet powerful. The lyrics are, in my opinion, so complex and difficult and yet Gianluca’s pronunciation is so clear (clearer than of many native speakers I dare say) and you can understand every word.
Then came a big surprise. I was expecting maybe Can’t Help Falling in Love but instead, Gianluca gifted us Bridge Over Troubled Water. And because it was so unexpected I think I enjoyed the song even more.
Piero received thunderous applause for both E lucevan le stelle and Amor vida de mi vida and Ignazio sang Memory.
Kindness
In Prague there were some people holding posters saying they were from Molise (which is a region neighbouring Gianluca’s Abruzzo) so he switched to Italian and thanked them for coming to the concert. Then, back in English, Ignazio explained that Gianluca greets friends everywhere and that during the summer tour in Italy he had friends in every city.
After that the guys remembered that their friend from Mexico was also at the concert, so they switched to Spanish and greeted him, too.
It’s just one gesture but I think it really sums up so well what makes the guys so special. They genuinely care for their fans; they don’t see us as consumers of their music. And they are also able to spontaneously communicate with the public, in three languages no less!
After this concert in October, I wanted to write an article summarizing the concerts in Florence and Prague. This was supposed to be the end of the article:
The only thing to decide is: where to go for the next concert? Italy in January (because night bus rides through the Alps in winter are truly magical), Tutti per uno concert in May (because this way I’d get to know more about other Italian artists) or Germany/Austria in November (because it’s always nice to visit the neighbouring country) 😉.
I didn’t finish the article at that time, instead I did buy bus tickets to Italy again and a ticket for the concert on 15th January in Florence as I couldn’t miss the opportunity to hear more songs from the brilliant Ad Astra album. (And I might have bought a ticket for Tutti per uno in Mantua, too.)
Florence Ad Astra tour: Reaching new horizons (15th January 2025)
The January tour was dedicated to new songs from the Ad Astra album and what an amazing idea it was! Personally, I love all these songs, would choose them over any other and love discovering new words in Italian and the feeling that the more I’m listening to them the more I understand.
With the visuals and themes of planets, universe, and stars it was a perfect opportunity to use abstract images on five big screens, changing colours, lights and laser lights resulting in a unique show. To add a bit of a dramatic touch the boys start singing Chiaro di luna while hidden in a drapery that, after a few lines, falls down.
I said earlier that the boys didn’t need any “tricks” or dramatic shows, but they wanted to try something new, and it was great indeed. (Though I have to admit that while all the laser lights and huge screens looked amazing in the photos, I enjoyed it a bit less in person. However, I think it was caused by the placement of my seat, either from further away or from closer it would probably look better. I was in the 29th row and while concentrating hard on just seeing the boys on the stage I didn’t have enough time to appreciate the light show properly.)
The concert lasted two and a half hours! The boys sang an incredible number of songs, compared to the summer concert they didn’t talk that much, there simply wasn’t any time for longer conversations!
The light show as seen from my seat
Place
This concert in Florence took place really in Florence, in the Nelson Mandela stadium, and, coincidently, quite close to the hostel I was staying in so I could just go there on foot.
The capacity of the stadium is about 8,000 seats; it was full, and the spectators were very enthusiastic, knowing all the lyrics of the songs.
Nelson Mandela stadium
This time, I didn’t see anything else in Florence, I came really just for one afternoon, though I spent the following day with my friend in Bologna.
Bologna
Soundcheck
First, the boys sang Saturno e venere and then it wasn’t a soundcheck anymore but rather Ignazio’s show. 😉 He was in a really good mood. Piero wanted to do his solo E lucevan le stelle and while he was singing Ignazio was accompanying him with ballet moves, then Ignazio sang E lucevan le stelle as a solo, too. It was amazing! And then Ignazio sang Un amore così grande on Il mondo music and tried to convince Piero to join him, finally he sang all three parts of Il mondo imitating Gianluca and Piero. Gianluca was observing all this from the auditorium with his brother.
The concert: Songs that stood out and solos
Cecille was a guest and sort of an opening act in Florence. When the curtains were still closed, without the live orchestra, she sang two songs, A Natural Woman and her own song Solamente farfalle. I really liked them, especially the Italian one (another artist to add to the library on Spotify 😊). Later she joined the boys and sang E più ti penso with them.
I absolutely cannot pick just a few songs that stood out for me in Florence because I love the whole Ad Astra album. And out of the ten original songs we got nine! Including the instrumental Per Aspera that the orchestra played before the guys appeared on the podium and including Saturno e venere with the boys also singing Irama’s part. (The only song left out was L’infinito.☹) Hearing Tra le onde and Se/Nuovo cinema paradiso live was also very special.
I was fortunate enough to hear La cura live for the second time. Gianluca congratulated his mom on her birthday and dedicated this song to her.
And then another surprise from Gianluca! Eleanor Rigby. I fell in love with this song while watching the Tutti per uno concerts and especially listening to Gianluca’s introduction of the song.
Piero doesn’t change a winning team. 😉 He sang E lucevan le stelle again and it was amazing again. And his second solo was No puede ser.
Ignazio sang The Show Must GoOn and what a show it was! And then rocker Ignazio disappeared, and we got a tender E penso a te with many spectators knowing the lyrics and joining him. Ignazio’s versatility is truly breathtaking.
Some more interesting bits and pieces
After the soundcheck we had to leave the stadium. I remained waiting near the gate and slowly, people who had tickets only for the concert started gathering there, too. The gate was still closed, though, as it was really early.
Then I noticed a beautiful lady in an elegant coat standing nearby. ‘She looks like Veronica Berti, Andrea Bocelli’s wife’ crossed my mind. ‘But that can’t be her, that’s crazy, right?’ I thought. Curious, I checked Veronica Berti’s Instagram and saw a picture from Miami published two days ago and concluded that this lady was just a bit similar to her and “the real Veronica” and Andrea Bocelli were probably still in the US.
However, after a few minutes at least five people came to the gate, opened it just for this lady and accompanied her inside. And I had some doubts again…
After the concert I looked at Veronica Berti’s Instagram again and saw a story! There was a photo of the boys. She was at the concert indeed!
Here’s what she wrote: Two hours and a half of music flew by… how amazing it is to listen to you. Thank you for the beautiful evening.
Veronica Berti’s Instagram story
What an amazing coincidence that I caught the three or five minutes when she was waiting in front of the gate.
They are stars but also much more
I’m sure we all share this feeling: The guys are stars. And we, the spectators, admire them, of course. I think though that the guys don’t want the spectators to leave the concerts “only” with admiration but want the people to be happy. They are making us feel happy during the concerts and for days to come. They joke, walk through the crowd, accept gifts while on the stage, adjust the set list to the place where they are performing…
It’s also so considerate of them that when they leave the stage and sing among the public, they don’t stop in the first rows but really sing in the middle of the people, going through the whole arena so that as many people as possible can see them up close.
And it’s amazing that they communicate with the public so much and do so in three languages! They joked in Prague in English as much as they did in Florence in Italian.
I really liked the moments when they talked about the individual songs and introduced them. And on all three occasions I loved listening to bits and pieces of conversations while leaving the venue. Everyone was happy and praised Il Volo!
Front row?
We usually get stories from fans in the first rows, but I’d like to assure you that the seat is not that important. Wherever you sit you won’t be disappointed. In Pratolino I sat in row fifteen, it was great. In Prague I was far away – in the gallery across the whole ground floor. And yet, during Here’s to you Gianluca came all the way through the whole ground floor and waved to the people sitting in the gallery. And in Florence I sat in row twenty-nine on the ground floor. (There was a big screen but only on the other side of the arena.) During the Vicinissimo mix Piero passed by half a meter from me! So really, there are no bad seats.
Alone?
Even if you don’t have anyone to go with, don’t worry about it! I was alone at all three concerts, but you are never really alone, there’s a friendly atmosphere, you smile at one person, hear this remark, reply to that remark… In the train to Pratolino, I said literally one word in Italian and was already pulled into a conversation and ended up having a nice chat in English-Italian about Prague with a fellow fan. And because there were so many people at the concerts, I felt safe even walking to the hostel at 1 a.m.
Italian
I’m sure I’m not the only one learning Italian (mainly to understand the lyrics and the interviews). And I know I said that during the July concert in Florence I understood more or less everything the guys said. But let’s be honest, it’s because I’ve seen a lot of videos from previous concerts and also because you can kind of know what to expect. The guys (most) certainly won’t talk about physics or mineralogy… So, my Italian wasn’t put to the test there that much… But a guided tour? That’s a different story.
When we visited Bologna, my friend and I booked a two-hour long guided city tour. It was in January, so there were very few tourists and no possibility to book the tour in English. Even for the Italian one there were only four other people beside us. I was a bit worried.
Because in July last year when we visited the San Galgano monastery, I tuned out the Italian guide after twenty minutes… I understood quite a lot of words, yet I couldn’t get the meaning of the whole speech, and he was talking in Tuscan dialect which didn’t help…
Guess what happened six months later in Bologna? While listening to the guide, I laughed when the Italians laughed, I was surprised when the Italians were surprised, I exclaimed “oh no” when the Italians did… I understood the guide!
The boys and their songs are a great motivation to continue studying and I hope that I’ve motivated some of you with this story.
In case you want to compare, here’s a list of songs the guys sang at the concerts…
List of songs Florence, summer tour:
New:Capolavoro, Ad Astra, Frammenti di universo, Il mondo all’incontrario, Succede
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, Grande amore, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Caruso, Here’s to You, Ecstasy of Gold, Se telefonando
Solos:E lucevan le stelle, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Ovunque sarai, Amor vida de mi vida, La cura, Almeno tu nell’universo
List of songs in Prague:
New: Opera, Capolavoro, Ad astra
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, Grande Amore, The Sound of Silence, My Way, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Caruso, Funiculì funiculà, La donna è mobile, Libiamo with Elina, Here’s to You, O sole mio
Solos: E lucevan le stelle, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Memory, Amor vida de mi vida, Phantom of the Opera
List of songs in Florence Ad astra tour:
New:Per Aspera, Chiaro di luna + Opera, Capolavoro, Frammenti di universo, Ad astra, Tra le onde, Saturno e venere, Succede, Il mondo all’incontrario
Covers + older songs:Who Wants to Live Forever, E più ti penso with Cecille, Grande Amore, The Sound of Silence, My Way, L’amore si muove + Vicinissimo + Musica che resta + Per te ci sarò, Un amore così grande, Nessun dorma, Nelle tue mani, Hallelujah, Se, Miserere, Il Mondo, Se telefonando
Solos:E lucevan le stelle, Eleanor Rigby, The Show Must Go On, No puede ser, La cura, E penso a te
OMG – A RAINDROP!!! Was it really a raindrop on my head? And the rumble in the distance the sound of thunder? NO, NO, NO – this cannot be true, I think, while the worst feared scenario of all slowly appears for my eyes and ears. Yes, it has started to drizzle – and the stage crew rushes to amplifiers and monitors trying to push them under the roof or cover them in plastic. I am about to panic and my thoughts go straight to my experience some 1½ years ago when in Arena di Verona I spent more than 4 hours soaking wet in pouring rain while watching one of IL VOLO’s now legendary grand “Tutti per Uno” Canale 5 Shows. Was it going to be like that again? Well, at least I came well prepared this time having packed a big bag with several raincoats/covers, numerous sweaters, umbrellas and you name it– and, well I had studied the weather chart for weeks hence knowing that rain was a possibility in Macerata on the day in question. Likewise, after all this was yet early evening and just at the Soundcheck. But still…. OK, I am getting way ahead of my story, so let’s get back to the very beginning.
WHAT CAN I SAY? Having generously promised Daniela that I would write a personal review of my concert experience in Macerata I feel a bit in a loss right now sitting here by the computer – as what can I possibly add to the lovely article that she and Pat published a few weeks ago already filling you in on practically everything hence leaving very little uncovered? Yet, I shall be more than happy to share with you my personal ups and downs and many emotions in connection with same as well as try to take you along the concert as I did experience it through my eyes and ears. Do please bear with me though, if you feel you have heard it all before.
55 MINUTES IN DESPAIR! Suddenly – back in February – a mail from IL VOLO ticked into my inbox and in no time brought a lot of hulla-baloo and decision changes about. It was the revealing of tour dates and places for the upcoming Italian Summer concerts kindly offering the fans pre-sale. Wohoo. Yet the mail reached me around noon while the stated pre-sale would open later same day – in fact in less than 1 hour! I.e. leaving me with some just 55 minutes to figure out IF this was of interest at all, and IF so to act on same. Can you imagine the panic arising? Luckily, my husband was at home. I called him – eh, would you consider going to Italy (again) for our 2024 summer holiday? And if so, would you like to join (yet) an IL VOLO concert? We were already holding tickets for one of the Verona concerts in May – and at this stage a wine tasting tour to Burgundy in France were in the early talks and planning – so? I stroke luck, my hubby was ready to change plans. So far so good. BUT – which concert should we go for? And where in Italy should we spend our new holiday? A quick glance at the list didn’t make it easy as in fact very few of the mentioned venues were known to us… OK we do know a lot of Italy, yet, these were towns and places we had never heard of before – and knowing that we wouldn’t enjoy Rome, Naples or other big cities in the hot summer months we needed to do some speedy research. My husband quickly opened Google Maps and plotted in the potential venues to which I would comment – oh, that’s by the Northern Lakes, no, we will have covered that area in connection with the Verona concert; ah this is on the popular West coast but I’d rather try something less touristy – and Sicily, that’s too far away. So it went on, while the clock ticked. Finally, we learned where Macerata was located – and being early September, this seemed the right place for us to choose.
By now we had about 20 minutes left before the pre-sale opening, so we were going from panicking to hearty sweating. Next was to get logged into the Fanclub to get the needed booking code. Having an extremely slow internet, however, this is easier said than done, hence we sat down by both of our computers as well as activating the cell phone trying to get through. My husband succeeded, wohoo, but when opening the TicketOne booking site we were met with information in no way corresponding with the one listed by the Fanclub! The dates were not the same – how could that happen? Now we were totally frustrated – but by co-incidence I clicked one of the incorrect dates and voila the right date appeared on the next page! What??? By then we realized that somehow TicketOne had all the dates one month wrong on the opening page while the correct dates would appear if you continued. We found Macerata only to learn that this venue – as an exception – would not open for pre-sale for yet a week though. Jesus… Well, by now the pre-sale start had passed anyway. Before closing the computer, I thought I would click Macerata anyway though – to possibly learn the seat figuration and be better prepared. What? Now an unexpected active booking box popped up! Eh? Apparently it worked and bookings were already made! OK, back to panic trying to fill in the form as speedily as possible. This is yet an obstacle for us as none of us understand any Italian and the computer automatically tries to translate parts into a very bad Danish – leaving us most of the time guessing resulting in me ticking more or less all boxes off very well knowing that I do no doubt purchase insurances we do not need or postage by regular mail contra e-mail etc. But there is such a little time to fill in these forms if you are not to lose the seats you are trying to book – no alternatives though. Finally, the booking went through and apparently we were now holding two front-row tickets to the concert in Macerata coming September the 5th. Sigh and a big relief 😊. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one going through these nightmares each time booking IL VOLO tickets – or can you recognize yourself in this story?
Tickets
SOUND & “SIGHTING” Now back to the beginning – namely our arrival in Macerata and the Soundcheck to which we had obtained access as well. We were just some 25 fans and did easily find good seats right in front. Gianluca had already finished his first song – “Eleanor Rigby”– while we were waiting outside, and Piero was ready to take over. Duly instructions as to not use our cell phones or to take direct contact to any of the guys were given. All fine with us. A quick glance around and we realized that just behind us Ignazio’s girlfriend Michelle and brother were seated. Does she ever look sweet with a pretty smile. A bit further up Michele Torpedine and Gianluca’s father were standing in the aisle checking it all out – and not far from us his brother Ernesto Jr. and friends were chatting. Hence, we were surrounded by familiar and lovely people. The guys rehearsed several tunes when suddenly we hear the first notes of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber tune “The Music of the Night” (Phantom of the Opera) – and Gianluca starts singing in the softest of softest voice… It sounds fantastic and I give him the thumbs up. Apparently he had finally decided to try out this song in Europe for the very first time. (It was on the Japanese set-list). I think I was just as excited about this experiment as he – and I could hardly wait to learn if he would actually do it. As you all know by now – he did! 😊 He never sang “Eleanor Rigby” though.
But we were in for more treats! Towards the end Piero did suddenly come down and greeted each and every one of the fans with a genuine handshake and honest attention to each of us. I had not seen this coming and it was a great and wonderful surprise. And what gorgeous brown eyes and lovely smile that guy has…😉. I must admit that he “won” an extra star with me right there. It didn’t take many minutes, so any of them could easily have done so. Gianluca passed just next to us a couple of times – his mind, however, elsewhere with looks firmly directed at Michel and his father to whom he went to discuss over some issues. I didn’t really “feel” Ignazio this time – but his thoughts were probably fully occupied with the upcoming wedding and his Michelle being around. They were, however, all at the end called to one corner of the stage for a small PR activity – and then the first drop of rain reached my head… What now? At first it did, however only drizzle for a bit and with the check apparently being officially over, people started leaving. When hubby and I left our seats we were few meters from Ercole Ginoble only – and having met him very briefly in Verona together with Daniela – well, I thought it would only be OK and right to go and say a proper hello to him. And so we did. To my delight he did recognize me and we got a nice handshake and a couple of words. By then the rain started up for good and both he and we were asked to leave the theatre. We left the Arena happy though – glad that we had attended. But now it rained… Unlike Verona, Macerata appeared to be a rather slow place with very little activity – but we did manage to find a café that was ready to move people together in shelter of the few umbrellas available and had prepared for some ready-to-go anti pasti we could enjoy while waiting to be let into the theatre again. We ended up in good company – as not long after Michel Torpedine, Ercole Ginoble and a few others from the management team showed up and were seated two tables away from us only. We were now all “in the same boat”. Luckily, after an hour or so the rain did however stop and it cleared up. We were sooooo relieved!
Me in front the Arena
Husband in the rain waiting for concert
SFERISTERIO DI MACERATA – AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM Already at our arrival in Macerata the evening before we acquainted ourselves with this arena – and what a beautiful place it appeared to be! Not the least when illuminated in the evenings. Coming inside we were re-confirmed in the fact that this arena indeed is a true architectural gem. Having visited Arena di Verona a number of times I am still impressed and in awe when entering same – but albeit Sferisterio di Macerata isn’t 2000 years old but rather “just” a mere 200 – it gives you the same whir of history and feeling of grandness. The first stones were laid in 1823 and the construction in Neoclassical style with impressive arches is considered the masterpiece of the Italian architect Ireneo Aleandri. Originally serving as a playground for the ancient sport “Pallone col bracciale” but likewise as the venue for circus, equestrian events, tennis etc. – not until one hundred years later it became the home of the famous Macerata Opera Festivals. It is oddly oval-shaped with a tall 3-story “gallery” on the three sides while the fourth is one long tall brick wall with no frills that seems to function as partly stage by means of a cat-walk like narrow path while a rather small stage is found at the very center of same. The latter puzzled me as I lack to see how they can transform these facilities into the grand scenery needed for big operas. In fact I was surprised that the major stage wasn’t broader hence the purchased seats that I had thought would be kind of front mid appeared to be to the furthest left of same… Well, a bit disappointing but worked out all OK and gave good visibility of everything throughout the show. Further the guys were good at taking in the long cat-walks from time to time giving those seated far out a thrill too. A true unusual setting indeed – even with a railed boardwalk down to the audience placed right in the middle and grass under our feet! This amazing venue added to the entire experience and was a highlight in itself.
NOTE: In spite of our good seating we would have appreciated a couple of big screens too though as watching IL VOLO you gain so much more when you can observe their facials and small antics close up – and it would be so much to the advantage of those seated far out or high up. Yet again, personally we shall not complain and now we know exactly where to choose seats should we get yet an opportunity.
The Arena all lit in the evening
Arial photo of the Arena inside
Me seated in my front row inside the Arena
“IL VOLO” FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING IL VOLO doesn’t just bring us wonderful musical experiences – they also bring people from the entire world together. Just look at our little community here – but not the least when we meet up personally at concerts and get to greet each other face to face. We unite regardless of race, faith and nationalities – bound together by our common appreciation and love for these guys and their beautiful music. Some friendships evolve and become true long-lasting relationships. At this concert I had the pleasure of meeting up with a couple of our Australian fans – Zdravka Stepic-Clark and Angela Hobson. We had briefly exchanged words on Facebook – and now, we were suddenly meeting in the flesh chatting and sharing experiences as had we known each other for ever. It was such a pleasure and lots of fun. Waiting in line for the Soundcheck everyone was likewise chatting with each other. In all kind of tongues, by means of Google translate and finger languages as coming from none the less than Brazil, Chile, Australia, the US, East Europe, Italy – and of course Denmark. 😊
At the café in the rain by chance we were seated next to a very nice lady who turned out to come from Finland – and in no time we were engaged in interesting conversations. This is exercising “international understanding” in its finest form! IL VOLO may not be fully aware – but I can testify to that having worked with this topic for years both voluntarily and professionally. Among others as exchange student/returnee with the Intl. org. “Youth for Understanding” and as staff in the Int. org, “People to People” started by president Eisenhower years back. Doing it IL VOLO-style is, however, a lot more fun. 😊
Me and the two Australian fans
TOP NOTCH CONCERT By now you may be thinking – is she ever coming around to tell about that concert? Of course – but having read all of Daniela’s many fine reviews on this year’s Italian “Tutti per Uno” concerts you are probably all very well familiar with the concept, the core repertoire and the way of execution of same – but I’m naturally more than happy to fill you in on exactly my evening. The repertoire was indeed very varied duly representing the many genres they master – maybe with an overweight of songs from the new “Ad Astra” album. As we have come to learn they seem to tailor-make each single repertoire to the particular audience in front of them – hence never being exactly the same. However, taking place in Italy and being part of their process of reaching out for a younger crowd as well this choice felt only natural. As a consequence of this, the legendary Bel Canto songs were likewise omitted – unless you count “Un Amore Così Grande” into this category. I trust, however, that it will be the other way around once they prepare the repertoire for their upcoming US Tour. As in Verona they opened the evening with “Nelle tue mani” from the Gladiators – a pompous and majestic tune perfect for the purpose and truly showing the strength and capacity of their beautiful voices. Down this more lyrical line we were likewise pampered with their always forceful interpretation of “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot and the beautiful “Miserere”. Albeit being the “Tutti per Uno” concept they did in no way let us down as to beloved tunes from their basic repertoire such as “My Way”, “Caruso”, “Il Mondo” and of course “Grande Amore”. To my great personal pleasure, they had likewise decided to perform quite a range of songs from my absolute favorite album: “IL VOLO sings Morricone” including “Ecstasy of Gold”, “Your love”, “Se”, “Telefonando” and “Here’s to you”. I was thrilled as I do truly love all these tunes.
All 3 guys in the opening song.
As apparently having become a tradition they went off stage and into the audience while singing the latter. We had the pleasure of Gianluca passing right by us handing out loose handshakes to those who could catch hold of his hand – but really not looking at anyone directly… – while at the next section of fans in wheel-chairs he stopped and greeted each and every one with a thorough handshake/touch and big personal smile, which was very thoughtful and loving. A bit later we caught sight of him again – now in the middle of the Arena where he found one of the Stefano twins and other of his personal close friends. They got big hugs. Meanwhile Ignazio had worked his way up the mid aisle smiling, hugging and shaking hands with many fans. Piero we couldn’t follow as he was spending his time at the other side of the Arena. No doubt this gesture – and big trust in their audience – is one of the highlights of their concerts very much appreciated and loved not only by the fans but undoubtedly likewise by themselves. They seem so happy doing it. I cannot, however, avoid worrying about that one day there may be a lunatic amidst the crowd…
Gianluca greeting fans in wheelchairs
Piero strolling one of the long cat-walks
Likewise having turned into a tradition seems the dedication of the legendary Leonard Cohen tune “Hallelujah” to those less fortunate – i.e. people in the services, in need, sick or otherwise suffering and not the least those that are being thoroughly missed. Asking the audience to light their cell phones and sing along it is a very touching and moving moment. With the recent big loss of their beloved Barbara in mind I had, however, feared this song a bit – but the guys seemed to have come to terms with the situation and coped ok. A close-up at a big screen may have revealed something else though – I don’t know. No matter what – their profound and heartfelt interpretation of this song is always beautiful.
All 3 singing Hallelujah
Songs from the new “Ad Astra” album prevailed this evening including among others: “Capolavoro”, “Succede”,” Framenti di universe”, “Who wants to live forever” and the long version of “Ad Astra”. I must admit that I am still struggling a bit with this album – it shall never be my favorite – but I am truly in awe with their version of the Queen song. It is such a fantastic tribute to Freddie Mercury and in my opinion even better than the original… Ignazio is truly challenging the high notes here which he, however, effortlessly reaches as a piece of cake and embraces with his unique strong, rough and yet delicate voice. WOW. All while Gianluca and Piero add warmth, softness and fervor to the profound words leading up to same. And yes, I did write, warmth, softness and fervor – not words I would normally connect with Piero, but I am sure that all of you have likewise noted that Piero has added new dimensions to his voice? He seems now to master soft and less lyric timbres just as well as Gianluca and Ignazio – at times leaving me in doubt as to whom is actually singing a particular phrase.
“Who wants to live forever” Ignazio
A special force of “Il VOLO” is no doubt the capacity of their highly individual voices and personal musical preferences – and the concept “Tutti per Uno” enables them to deliver a unique repertoire broader and more varied than any other performing groups I know of. Genial! Hence, I am always looking forward to their soli and wondering what they will choose that particular night – none the less this time. Piero pampered us expectedly once again with lyric arias incl. the beautiful “Amor , Vida de Mi Vida”. Not being particularly versed in the field of opera I am embarrassed to admit that I cannot recall nor know the name of the other ones… but as always he impresses us with his powerful voice and dedication to deliver to perfection. I can only repeat myself – he gets better and better – certainly now harvesting following the many hours spent rehearsing and learning. Ignazio chose among others to sing “Almeno tu nell’ universo” – an absolute favorite of his undoubtedly meaning a lot to himself personally and hence performed with such a fervor and passion immediately spreading to the audience making us all feel his pains and emotions. Beautiful.
Piero in one of his soli
Ignazio singing solo
AND “THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL” are the words I do normally use referring to Piero, who at my five previous concerts undoubtedly always has obtained the most and longest standing ovations. Not this time though… as – finally – Gianluca showed everyone the broad range and vocal capacity of his voice. Confirming what an awesome and unique singer he truly is! Likewise, being able to embrace demanding, strong and challenging pieces of music. Coupled with his profound embodying and passionate interpretation of text and character he gave us an unforgettable performance of the beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber song “The Music of the Night”. WOW!!! – huge kudos to him. I have waited for so long for him to take this step – and those of you who have read my previous reviews will have noticed that over and over I have applauded Gianluca’s solo performances but likewise – right from the very beginning – added that I didn’t think he did challenge himself sufficiently and hence didn’t show us his full potential. Stating that I would love to hear him sing i.e. “The Phantom of the Opera” – so very little knowing, that I was actually going to experience him doing so. It didn’t come as a total surprise though. Early this year we did learn that it was to be found on the Japanese set list – but not being among those chosen for the Verona concerts I thought he might have given it up… Hence, my surprise was huge when at the Soundcheck I heard him rehearsing it. Yet again, would he actually do it? But, yes, indeed he did – and I cannot find words to describe my feelings when listening. I was mesmerized… I have never heard him sing any song this beautifully. The first phrases softer than soft – immediately capturing you. And the way in which he built up the story taking you along all the way – he didn’t just sing the song – he WAS the Phantom! You owe to yourselves to watch some of the videos clearly showing how he “entered” the character and embodied same with beautiful narrative arm and hand movements… The high and powerful notes of the highlight of the song were effortlessly reached without as much as a raised eyebrow. I was breathless – the hair rose on my arms… I had to give up videotaping as I wanted to give this moment my full attention and not one to be experienced through a lens. And the audience loved it giving him the biggest standing ovation of the night – albeit I felt it should have been even longer and louder. If you listen to some of the videos, I am sorry to say, it is my loud wow-wow-wooowwwwws you can hear, as I couldn’t stop myself. Gianluca was “The King of this Concert” and the winner of it all this evening!
Gianluca in one of his soli
“The Music of the Night” from IL VOLO e Clase, YouTube
POST CONCERT BLUES Having so many forceful and strong songs in their repertoire these days it seemed that they had difficulties in choosing the closing-tune as several times towards the end I was presuming that this must be the last song – yet only to experience another great tune to follow. Even though they did actually all leave the stage for a moment – they did return and, of course, they couldn’t terminate the concert without their all-time biggest hit “Grande Amore” followed by Ignazio’s legendary reversed countdown. And away they were. Immediately leaving me with an empty feeling and a rising new craving … I was already suffering from the “Post Concert Blues”… In no time the arena was empty but we couldn’t just go home and call it a night, so albeit finding Macerata so absolutely without any signs of night-life, we did spot lights at a single bar in the town square and headed towards same to slowly throttle down over a night-cap. More people followed along and shortly afterwards we were joined by musicians and technical crew who apparently needed to unwind a bit too before going to bed. A wonderful evening had come to an end!
THE ICING ON THE CAKE Sometimes you can strike luck – and so we did when a couple of days later we “stumbled” across Gianluca in the street and enjoyed a few minutes’ private chat. He did even offer to take the selfie himself! What a likeable, humble and totally down-to-Earth young man he is. Swiftly you forget that you are chatting with a huge international star – albeit I did get a bit star-struck and stumbled over the words at first – but apart from among others congratulating him with the fantastic concert in Macerata I did manage among others to briefly discuss with him IL VOLO’s lacking presence In Scandinavia and the various attempts I have been launching in this respect in the hope of creating awareness and getting them played in Danish radio and TV. He was aware and tried to comfort me telling that work was in process and in a couple of years…. Very sweet. In no time five or more minutes had passed and he walked on to do his business. What can I say – this meeting was way above my highest expectations. Apparently dreams can come true. The best thinkable holiday memory had just been created – a moment I shall never forget and cherish in my heart forever.
Selfie of Gianluca, Kirsten and hubby, Steen
I hope you have enjoyed reading my story and send you all my love.💗 Kirsten.
ATTN: All footage and video clips are private and credit of Steen & Kirsten Langer.
Exceptions: Arial photo of Sferisterio Arena – photographer unknown. The full video of “The Music of the night” credit “Il Volo e clase”, YouTube.
Here I am back, I was away for a short holiday, but apparently Il Volo hasn’t been stopped even in these days, in fact I read that it hosted a private party, but, as always, let’s go into detail. 😉
In Potenza Picena, a town in the Marche, the region near Abruzzo, there is a factory, Golden Plast, a company specialized in the production of thermoplastic components. This year Golden Plast celebrates 30 years since its foundation and is currently a very thriving company, so its owner wanted to celebrate with all his employees, offering them a wonderful day that began with a conference, a speech by the owner, a dinner and then ended with an unforgettable evening entertained by Il Volo. 🥰
In the video below you will see some moments of the evening.
“…. the most awaited moment of the evening has arrived, with the arrival of Il Volo greeted by the ecstatic crowd. Being in the Macerata area, the trio could only open the dance with a tribute to Jimmy Fontana. IL MONDO is immediately an explosion of notes and great emotions, “it has never stopped for a moment”, just like Goldenplast in these 30 years.”
Caracalla’s concert had excellent reviews, I propose this article from STYLE MAGAZINE.
THE IL VOLO TOUR STARTS WELL: TRIUMPH AT THE BATHS OF CARACALLA. AND IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING.
Volo triumphed at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. The first concert of the Tutti per Uno – Capolavoro summer tour, produced by Friends & Partners, sold out immediately. The audience, which responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to the trio’s live performance, was packed with fans from as far away as Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina and Japan. A united and borderless audience, like the art of the group that breaks down barriers and ranges between different musical genres. During the live show, Il Volo presented the songs from the album Ad Astra, their first unreleased album, together with the greatest hits of the Italian musical tradition and the group’s now consolidated repertoire. A beautiful celebration, given that in 2024 the band celebrates 15 years of career. The party actually began in February with the success of Capolavoro, a Disco D’Oro song presented at the Sanremo Festival. After the live dates in Japan, the boom of Tutti Per Uno (a project by Michele Torpedine) arrived: three special concert events with numerous guests at the Verona Arena, broadcast on Canale 5.
After the Roman debut, the summer tour will continue until September in the most evocative locations of our country. (the long list of Italian concerts follows).
In autumn Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble will continue the tour in the main European capitals. The party will then continue in 2025 with the “indoor tour” Tutti per Uno – Ad Astra Live in the indoor stadiums, in addition to international dates in the USA, Canada and Latin America.
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 S. 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.
On June 16th Ignazio published this nice photo…… ……it’s the beautiful Michelle’s birthday!!
Happy Birthday Michelle!! 🎂🎂🥂🥂🍾🎉😍
With very little notice, the news was published that an award will be awarded to Il Volo on June 20th:
“While waiting for the upcoming Tuscan concerts of the TUTTI PER UNO – CAPOLAVORO tour, on Thursday 20 June the President of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani will hand over the Pegasus of Tuscany to Il Volo, the trio made up of two tenors and a baritone: Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble.
The ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm in the Medici Park of Pratolino (Florence) in the Sala Rossa of Villa Demidoff.”
Pegasus (mythological horse with wings, indomitable) is the symbol of the Tuscany region.
And here is Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero with the Golden Pegasus delivered by Governor Giani who published the photo with these words:
“Il Volo goes to the Golden Pegaso, the highest recognition of our region. Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio bring the values and tradition of Italian music culture to the world!”
The arrival of the boys in Tuscany.
And here are the moments of the awards ceremony:
(The governor of Tuscany fondly remembers that when there was NOTTE MAGICA in Florence, in Piazza S. Croce, he had just been elected. He remembers the effect of the beautiful songs with the backdrop of the beautiful square.)
(In the video Gianluca explains how they made the album Ad Astra, which represents personal and artistic growth.)
“This morning, now a month after the first of the two concerts, the presentation to the press of the Tuscan stages of 22 July and 5 August was held in the Red Room of Villa Demidoff. On this occasion, the president of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani presented Il Volo with the “Pegaso”, one of the institution’s highest honours. The mayor of Vaglia Silvia Catani and a delegate from the Metropolitan City of Florence, owner of the Marco Mediceo di Pratolino, also participated in the presentation.”
Il Volo will stop in Tuscany with two events of their ‘Tutti per uno – Capolavoro’ tour: on 22 July in Florence at the Medici Park of Pratolino and on 5 August at the Puccini open-air Gran Teatro in Torre del Lago (Lucca), in Versilia.
Today the presentation, at Villa Demidoff in the Medici park of Pratolino, in the presence of the trio, composed of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, and, among others, the president of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani, who on the occasion gave Il Volo il Pegasus, symbol of Tuscany, among the highest honors of the Region.
During the concerts, explains a note, fans will be able to immerse themselves in the music of Ad Astra, the first album of unreleased songs by Il Volo, which this year celebrates 15 years of career, and in the greatest successes of the Italian musical tradition and their repertoire.
“We are thrilled to return to Tuscany with two extraordinary concerts – underlines Il Volo. The memory of the 2016 concert in the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, where we performed with Placido Domingo, and the warmth of the Tuscan public always fill us with gratitude We are also thrilled and honored to receive the ‘Pegaso’, a prestigious award, which represents an important recognition for our commitment to promoting Italian culture and music in the world. We can’t wait to share our music with you first album of unreleased songs, Ad Astra, and the songs we have inherited from our cultural heritage. It will be a unique opportunity to celebrate our 15 years of career and the beauty of this land with the power of music.” Giani honored the three artists “For having become ambassadors of Tuscany and Florence in the world. And this thanks to the extraordinary concert held on July 1st 2016 in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence from which Il Volo produced a CD and a DVD which made reliving for millions of people the emotions of a unique and unrepeatable event in an equally unique and unrepeatable scenario”. “I still remember their concert in Santa Croce – he added – “Notte Magica” which represented and launched an evocative message, bringing the image and charm of our region beyond national borders and overseas and for this we are grateful to them.”
(turn on subtitles)
The Rai3 news also talked about the award ceremony.
Here is the video of the conference held at Il Volo, the mayor’s words, the journalists’ questions, the arrival of the President of the Tuscany Region, his speech and the awarding of the golden Pegasus. As usual, Ignazio always pleasantly tries to lighten things up and make people smile. 😁 (Turn on subtitles.)
But it didn’t end there, because on June 22nd Il Volo participated in BATTITI LIVE, a Radio Norba broadcast that hosts many singers and was held in Molfetta, a beautiful town in Puglia.
Here is the video of the releases:
Some pictures:
And here is the video of the evening, Il Volo sang CAPOLAVORO and GRANDE AMORE.
What can I say, the very young audience reacted by singing at the top of their lungs along with Il Volo, what a thrill!! 🤩🤩🤩
And finally, Il Volo received IL TELEGATTO award from the weekly SORRISI E CANZONI TV.
The TELEGATTO was a famous award established in various categories for merit of TV and radio programs, but also deserving people. There was an annual gala evening with the awarding of the Telegatto d’oro(gilded bronze), in short, like an Italian “Oscar”.
Since 2008 the prize has been abolished, but in 2022 it has returned in an ecological version (the new Telegatto is made of recycled plastic and in three colours, yellow,blue,fuchsia), there is no longer a gala evening and it involves the award several times during the year to artists and prominent figures in entertainment, music, sport and the social world.
Other good news:
The Roseto Gentile Festival is born in Roseto degli Abruzzi, and his famous fellow citizen Gianluca Ginoble will be appointed ambassador of kindness. Appointment from June 21st to 23rd.
The Roseto Gentile Festival kicks off in Roseto degli Abruzzi, scheduled from 21st to 23rd June. Organized by the Movimento Italia Gentile association, in co-planning with the Municipality of Roseto and other associations, the event will be dedicated to wellness practices that involve body, mind and spirit and will be enriched by a special event: the appointment of Gianluca Ginoble as ambassador of the kindness for Roseto degli Abruzzi.
WOMAN= The Kindness Festival of the city of Roseto and the appointment of the Kindness Ambassador goes to Gianluca Ginoble. (cheers)
MAN = (he reads the motivation) The feeling of kindness which is not only expressed in politeness, but above all in attention towards children and the elderly, in respect and sensitivity towards the environment, in participation and in the sense of belonging to the Rosetana community represented throughout the world.
GIANLUCA= You make me move.
WOMAN= All true things!
MAYOR = (he makes a speech starting from when two years earlier they proposed this Festival of Kindness to him which has now materialised. He thanks the councilor who worked hard for this festival. In the end he asks Gianluca for permission to use “poetic license” by calling the event a great “capolavoro” )
The award is given to Gianluca who in the end confirms that he is:
Paganese and Rosetano!! (citizen of Montepagano and Roseto)
And here is the moment of the Festival where Gianluca talks about kindness. Wonderful words come from the mouth of Gianluca who once again confirms great maturity and sensitivity, I translate everything for you. 😍
GIANLUCA= I truly believe that kindness is the greatest gift, perhaps structural, we are born with it, we can definitely work on it over time. It is a bridge that places us outside of our ego, of our subjectivity, to learn to listen, to enter the interior life of others, to understand the requests for help that can start from a gesture, a word or a simple look, that’s it. It’s also empathy, and I think that’s a rare gift. It was passed on to me by my family, and then all children also go through imitative processes, I believe that it is also important, in my opinion the most important thing is to have an education that allows you to grow up in an atmosphere of purity, and this purity of soul that I have always tried to convey through my voice and gestures. I always say that you have to start worrying when people don’t stop you anymore, when people don’t compliment you anymore or maybe they don’t listen to you anymore, because mistakes can be made, especially at a young age, but I think it’s really important. work on oneself, and also go through knowledge, knowledge of feelings, of readings, literature helps a lot, and philosophy helps in my opinion to also understand ethics, morals, understand how to behave in everyday life and surround yourself with “pure”, beautiful, true people who allow you to grow and become the best version of yourself. (applause)
WOMAN= Do you want to ask Gianluca a question? (it is addressed to Daniel Lumera, biologist , sociologist and writer, professor of wellness sciences and meditation, the man sitting on the sofa with Gianluca)
LUMERA= I ask you this question:
Have you ever managed to find kindness even in pain, in loneliness, in abandonment, in failure, in death? What is kindness for you deeply, how have you experienced it, are you able to find it even in difficult moments?
GIANLUCA= I am only 29 years old and despite this I have experienced moments of great joy in my life, but also of pain and I understood that in reality true growth only comes, perhaps, through suffering, accepting it and not chasing it away, as when perhaps we try to push the anguish under the carpet, trying to never face the problem. Otherwise we never grow, we never put ourselves in the position of facing the difficult things in life trying to avoid them, so I welcomed suffering, I contemplated it, even death, perhaps of loved ones, so as not to be unprepared, even if then no one is truly ready for death, whether ours or that of others. Real suffering is when people leave and those who remain really suffer, and must learn to accept it, like the end of a love which can be a small mourning, which leaves us great life lessons, these things allow us to grow and learn to love, to be more selective.
I have always surrounded myself with “kind” people, I must admit that I have never even received disappointments in my life, sometimes I think about it… why?…, I don’t know and this is truly a privilege too. I believe I have never hurt anyone, even if we are all beginners, even in love, it can be discussed but trying never to offend the sensitivity of the other, I, even in my relationships, try to deeply understand the needs emotions and I try to understand them fully so as not to make the other person suffer, to give care to friends, to the person I love, to my family, and to the time I spend with loved ones, because then love is a feeling that does not possess but frees, so from this point of view I believe that it is like the unconditional love of a mother, she will love you for your whole life, she will give you all of herself without ever asking for anything in return, well, I believe that this is the purest act of love, which we must try to nourish, cultivate with everyone, a universal love. (applause)
LUMERA= Tonight many surprises, many improvisations on the theme of kindness. In recent years kindness has expanded (as a movement) think it has arrived in the Maldives, an island in the Maldives has named itself Gentile Island in Barcelona, which I think you know, it is the process of kindness that is happening. So kindness is a value that apparently goes against the trend. The root of the word kindness comes from the word “gens” the people, which was a noble family of ancient Rome, a nucleus of belonging not necessarily biological, of people who created a sense of identity and belonging through their ability to take care of others, and in this period in which we create identity and belonging also with a sometimes political sense, starting from the creation of an enemy, with an extremely violent verbal language, kindness is a provocation, and in a patriarchal society it is also considered a great weakness and now I ask you, first of all, if in your profession which has led you to travel the world internationally, despite there being pressure, what value does kindness have? Exists? And above all, how do you experience them in your art? In singing, can the voice be gentle? When can he be kind? At 29 you are a very wise and very sensitive person, in your speech there is an incredible depth and sensitivity, how can kindness be useful for you? For you it is an inclusive process, because it is part of your identity, as well as that of your land.
GIANLUCA= Don’t you think that even by setting a good example, it can be a way to try to transmit it? I try to always be myself, I don’t even want to give lessons, I’m still very young, I would never allow myself.
However, I believe that it is true that we are not all the same, that we are all different. Many people may not know love because they have never been taught it. There are those who have had childhood traumas which then spill over into adulthood and are difficult to manage in my opinion, so that’s why we shouldn’t even judge those who don’t know how to be kind, but try to understand, help them understand their story, their past, we are all completely different. I have also tried to cultivate it by getting used to not being judgmental towards others, and I believe this is the most important thing, to never judge. Maybe gossip, we like to know what others are doing, we shouldn’t judge by putting ourselves on a pedestal as if we were better beings, as if we were never wrong, when in reality we too are like them if not worse, so by questioning ourselves, constantly, I think that’s the secret, definitely. (applause)
I have no words to comment on the events and awards received by Il Volo in this period.
Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca are currently experiencing a golden period here in Italy, they are much admired and appreciated, not only by the people who comment on them benevolently, but also by the various newspapers and TV news.
Unfortunately, their songs are still played very little on the radio, the music from the new album has NEVER been played on the radio, the only one you hear sometimes is CAPOLAVORO!
But despite everything there has been a great reversal on the part of people, now people admit that they listen to Il Volo, that they go to their concerts and above all they admit that they are really good singers and also good people. I just hope that this period continues for a long time because the three of them really deserve so much. ❤️
This is the distance between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Verona, Italy. One day my husband said: “Why don’t we take the car and drive instead of flying? Use the opportunity to convert a concert tour into a holiday?” Yes, why not? That’s how we ended up driving some 3500 kilometers through no less than 5 countries (Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland + a ferry crossing) taking in the sights of some of Europe’s most beautiful mountain and lake districts – just in order to participate in one of this year’s out-of-the-ordinary “Tutti per Uno”,Canale 5 Verona concerts with IL VOLO. Namely, on May the 11th. Not at all a bad idea though, I can report. 😊
And what can I say? Being my second time at this event – hence well acquainted with the special concept of these concerts coupled with the most beautiful weather – the concert fulfilled all my expectations and hopes and became yet a fantastic IL VOLO experience in all aspects. This year I did, however, arrive fully prepared bringing along a full length woolen winter-coat, several sweaters, boots, a tiny umbrella and – for the purpose only purchased huge backpacker rain-cover! Only to find Verona bathed in sunshine with some 26 C (79 F) day temperature and not a cloud in the sky! A bit of a laughing stock maybe but rather that than once again being unexpectedly caught in heavy rains for more than four hrs.
IL VOLO brings the world together.
My husband and I had arranged to meet up with Daniela (our Daniela) and her husband for a bite to eat before the concert – unfortunately, family matters and unexpected troubles in finding a suitable parking space altered the plans in the last minute. However, meeting up with fellow fans has become a vital and fun part of participating in these concerts, hence after a quick feast at one of the many touristic restaurants offering breathtaking views of the Arena di Verona as a backdrop, my husband and I rushed into this unique venue well before concert start enabling us to spend time greeting, selfie-taking and mingling a bit with fans acquaintances from all over the world. Among others we met for the first time Martina Gerlach-Buntz from Germany and her friend Isolde as well as had a pleasant reunion with Jolanta Szczepanik from Poland and her friend Mariola that I had the pleasure of spending some extra time with last year. Luckily, at the very last minute Daniela and her husband made it to the Arena and it was time for big re-union hugs and kisses. Catching up would have to wait to the next day where we agreed on doing an outing together.
Beppe, Danela and Kirsten, Steen
Isolde, Germay – Kirsten – Martina, Germany and Jolanta, Poland. + Kirsten – Mariola and Jolanta, Poland
Just being inside Arena di Verona is a fantastic experience in itself. This more than 2,000 year old architectural pearl brings you in awe… And huge it is. Several times during the evening I took myself in letting the eyes wander around this unique setting pinching my arm. Especially when it gets dark it becomes truly amazing. Sitting in the warm spring night with a pitch black starlit sky above watching the moon move while listening to the voices of IL VOLO – nothing really compares – and I wish that you all may have such an opportunity once in your lives. We had been extremely lucky managing to obtain first row seats on the floor this time – and albeit situated far to the left it appeared actually to be a rather good choice. The reason being that the very wide stage is built out with little extension platforms in each corner frequently used by the guys bringing them up-close-and-almost-personal to you at times. Further, the big projection screens are likewise placed here. Of course a center seat is always great, but one has to realize that from there you will always have to gaze across the orchestra pit which, however, at IL VOLO concerts is never used, but still leaving a considerable gap between the first row and the stage. On top this evening we had a further benefit by these seats as it appeared that several of the IL VOLO team and family members were actually seated just next to the platform giving us glimpses of i.e. Michel Torpedine, Gianluca’s father and brother as well a Ignazio’s pretty fiancée Michelle and hence all the activity that surprisingly took place in this corner during the show. Later we learned that Piero’s singing coach was also to be found in this area.
And then it all began.
At 21:00 hrs. sharp the orchestra started up with strophes from the well-known “Also sprach Zarathustra” by Strauss – and shortly after Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca entered the stage from the center stairs and a roar arose in the Arena.
Finally, here they were – probably just as excited as the some 15,000 people in the audience – and immediately starting out singing the pompous score from the film “The Gladiators” setting us all in the right mood right away as well as proving that indeed they do still master, love and perform songs of the more classical genre. I have never heard them sing this song before, but it was strong, voluminous and perfect for the opening of a grand evening. Bravo! A few more songs from their well-known repertoire followed before the guys greeted the audience and Canale 5 viewers – and the show was on the go.
Following the Sanremo performances I had wondered a bit as to how they would present themselves in respect to appearance now having moved towards a somewhat younger music genre – but I could immediately relax as in front of us we had three guys all modestly dressed in black tuxes from top-to-toe and looking their very normal handsome selves. No fancy haute couture outfits or odd hair styles… just a slight indication of their individual personalities hence with Piero in a very elegant and well fit tux with a string of black sequins on the lapels topped with a black flower. Ignazio wore a very classic tux with no frills while Gianluca sported a bolero-like short jacket over a transparent black tee and some sparkling sequin clad boots. They looked stunning! Being a huge Canale 5 production no corners had been cut – and on the stage we found a 54-piece symphony orchestra and some 40-persons ditto choir – all under the direction of the great maestro Marcello Rota. I wondered what had happened to Gianpiero Grani though – I didn’t spot him anywhere? The stage was colorfully lit up and decorated in bright yellow and red while all performances were accompanied by either video shows matching the themes or blinking light shows – all fine and suitable for a grandiose show without taking the focus too much from the guys. Luckily, we were spared half-naked ballet dancers splashing in pools… – you know what I mean. Personally, I prefer as simple a stage setting and lightshow as possible in order to fully enjoy the guys and their facials and antics while performing, but I do understand that for a TV show of this caliber you need that something extra.
The score from “The Gladiatores”
“Grande Amore”, the start
“Grande Amore”, continued
“La Vita”
Guest stars – a win-win situation.
At these shows no programs are available hence making it quite difficult for at least foreigners to figure out who the guest singers were as well as the names of the songs performed. As Daniela was seated a few rows behind me and I didn’t take notes, I had no-one near to ask and hence cannot fill you in on this. However, by now you have all probably watched and read so much about these shows that you have been able to acquaint yourselves with same to a certain degree. As a foreigner – and not the least not speaking nor understanding any Italian at all – I must likewise confess that the guest performances were those of least interest to me personally. That being said no doubt that the locals in the audience were more than happy to see and re-hear very beloved Italian artists and being able to sing along on the popular tunes from bygone days. Two Italian ladies seated next to me were indeed almost in ecstasy at times and stood up constantly swinging and swaying and apparently knowing each and every lyric. Therefore, it shall neither be forgotten that these TV shows are made for an Italian audience and hence it is only to be anticipated that foreigners shall not be enjoying the guest performances and skits in the same way. Personally, only two names were known to me, namely Gianna Nanini and Irama – both guest stars from last year’s shows and hence recognizable (last year they were total strangers to me as well). No bells rang in connection with anyone else. I couldn’t avoid paying attention to especially Gianna Nanini though as not only was she the first guest star of the evening, but she was likewise granted a rather long stage time as first she sang a duet with each of the guys, then one together with all three only to return later in the show to have a solo entirely on her own. I must confess that her voice is not exactly my cup of tea nor her genre, but I have learned that she has been backing and standing up for the guys from their early days and hence is a very good personal friend. Therefore maybe a form of gratitude and thank you?
Surprisingly Irama was, however, only few minutes on stage joining the guys in “Saturno e Venere” from their joined venture on the guys’ newest “Ad Astra” album. They seemed to enjoy the company of each other very much. Of the other guest stars I paid special attention to the classic soprano Nina Solodovnikova who duetted with Piero in the aria “Libiom de Lieti Calici”. It is always a pleasure to watch Piero sing with a pro opera singer – no difference this time. And it is so sweet when he attempts a few dance steps with them. Piero’s smile was, however, even broader following a presentation of “Non Piangere Liu” from Turandot by Puccini together with five pro opera singers. No doubt he enjoyed this performance thoroughly himself as he couldn’t avoid showing his happiness following the very last strophe loosening his otherwise very concentrated face up into a giant wall-to-wall smile. Actor Beppe Fionello was likewise totally unknown to me and I didn’t understand a word of his speech delivered from the far end of the Arena apart from the word “Morricone”. This lead, however, to the guys entering the audience to the tune of “Here’s to You” and a very sweet moment in which both Piero and Gianluca found their moms and gave them a loving hug and kiss. This is so special for IL VOLO – I don’t believe I have ever experienced any other artists unfolding such a love and affection in front of a live audience – it is truly sweet and goes right to heart. Following Beppe joined the guys on stage and continued his long speech. He caught my attention at the end though when apparently he was asking the guys to present themselves à la James Bond (007). It was hilarious and I loved their little performances – Gianluca standing out with a very sexy voice followed by a smog blink and smile. Later I have learned that Beppe was speaking of films and recited numerous legendary film quotes. As said, none of the other guest artists caught my particular attention hence I am not going to review these further. This leads me, however, to emphasize the fact that the guest concept does indeed work very well for foreigners as well and should be regarded as a “value added bonus”. Not only does it let us experience the guys in new genres and unexpected connections while at the same time we get a full normal IL VOLO concert due to the extended duration of the show from 2 to 3½ hrs. Hence it is a true “win-win situation” for everyone!
“Volare”, Ignazio leads
“Volare”, Gianluca leads
“Volare” – the audience
The red thread.
To link the show together was popular TV-hostess Frederica Panicucci from Canale 5, who was the hostess of the two shows last year but, apparently, this year only present on our night. To put emphasis on the timeline for various tunes to follow she brought various props on stage such as an outdated tape cassette player, an old-fashioned transportable CD-player and not the least a huge jukebox. Among others she used the jukebox to introduce the ever so popular Bel Canto song “Volare”. Being a lady of years it was a bit strange to realize that our three guys were far from born or in mind when my friends and I spent our evenings at the local Milkbar listening to the jukebox as the most natural thing – still I loved Ignazio’s comment that the jukebox was bygone days “Spotify-box”. That guy has humor. 😊
Tutti per uno – or is it Uno per tutti?
Apart from all the guest performances the guys did likewise present a long row of solos. Gianluca pampered us among others with an energetic version of the Elton John legendary tune “Rocket Man”, which he took to the audience, as well as the Beatles’ song “Eleanor Rigby” – a rather unusual choice with sad lyrics about loneliness but yet probably rather meaningful to especially Gianluca who embraces the more philosophical and dramatic universes. Ignazio was performing several to me unknown tunes but I enjoyed among others “La Notte” – by the Italian-Belgian singer/songwriter Salvatore Adamo – and not the least the good old Stevie Wonder tune “Higher Ground” that had me almost get up dancing with its groovy rhythm. I don’t recall any of Piero’s solos in particular as I found his duets with the invited opera guest singers of more interest – but no doubt he is now a master of this genre on an equal level and, once again, I found him as “the winner takes it all” when it comes to standing ovations. He was massively applauded each time he was singing his classical repertoire – alone or in duets.
“Rocketman”, Gianluca solo
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, Ignazio solo
“Eleanor Rigby”, Gianluca solo
Emotions.
The evening was also filled with many emotional moments… At a certain point Ignazio brought out a piece of paper and read out loud a letter he had written to his beloved deceased father. It was difficult to keep the tears back learning the content. He is so obviously still hurt and missing his dad immensely and oh boy, to bring that forth and share his vulnerability with the audience – and the entire world – shows a very courageous young man. He is to be commended. During the entire evening I did likewise witness from my choice seat that each and every one of the guys took time to sneak over to their families and friends in the corner for a hug or quick chat. I would have thought that any spare minute off stage would have been used to catch the breath or a drink of water before re-entering but apparently not IL VOLO. First I noticed Ignazio sprint up to his girlfriend to embrace and kiss her and sit next to her holding hands. Next was Piero, who apparently had invited his singing coach and with whom he sat down for a bit seriously chatting. Gianluca passed by twice to say hello to his father and not the least give his brother a huge hug and sit next to him for a bit. What can I say… these guys are awesome. I have debated forth and back with myself whether or not to mention the most emotional moment of the evening though as it was so personal… but yes, I have to share with you when I spotted Gianluca in tears on stage. It all happened right in front of us when he was setting course towards the stage extension by our seats singing “Capolavoro”. He was urging the audience to sing along when suddenly he stopped, closed his eyes and lowered his head… what was happening? First I thought he was about to fall ill or something, but then I detected him licking salty tears off his lips… OMG. Then I realized that obviously he had been overwhelmed by all the love and affection sent to him and his colleagues from the huge audience not being able to hold back his emotions. I believe it being happy tears. He got hold of himself in split seconds and continued singing through the tears – and shortly afterwards he returned to the front with a forceful jump and a smile once again urging the audience to sing along. The moment touched me strongly though and went straight to heart. I wanted to rush to the stage and hug him. I shall never forget this as it so clearly shows us that we are not just watching three robots on stage but rather three human beings of flesh and blood with genuine feelings and emotions – just like the rest of us. And as for Gianluca I can only applaud him for the courage to be himself on stage as well – sharing his sensitivity with his fans – what a fine young man!
Gianluca getting emotional, start
Gilanluca emotional, end
And then it was all over.
Everything good comes to an end – also IL VOLO concerts. Hence with one of the new “Ad Astra” tunes: “Framenti di Universo” – accompanied by big canon salutes of white confetti – the evening was concluded in an appropriate and festive manner. Left for the guys was only to bid everyone goodnight, and with their signature stage departure signal: “1-2-3 and a little jump by Ignazio” out and away they were. I must admit that I miss the Danish custom of bringing the artists back to stage one or several times by means of clapping, stamping and long standing ovations generally leading to one or more extra songs. It felt a bit “empty” just in one split second to go from flying high on their music to total silence, bright lights and everyone leaving the site. I would have appreciated to show them my appreciation and love in a more concrete way, but evidently this is not the way it is done here. Daniela and I did, however, have yet a very nice little extra experience as before leaving the Arena we succeeded in shaking hands and share a few words with Ercole Ginoble, Gianluca’s father. It was indeed great meeting him face to face in real life and not just on Facebook. Albeit way past midnight the night was still warm and inviting with the town square full of people and activities, so having waved goodbye to Daniela and her husband we gathered with other fans at one of the lively cafes for a nightcap to slowly land on our feet again and realize that our IL VOLO concert was in past tense now. A most anticipated event and a lovely evening had come to an end.
Gianluca waving good-bye
All 3 saying goodnight and out
I hope you have enjoyed following in my footsteps and send my warmest greetings. Love, Kirsten.
PS: All photos and videos are shot by me and my husband and hence are our private ones except the photo with Daniela her husband, me and my husband (from Daniela) and the one of me, Mariola and Jolanta (from Jolanta).
We have reached the last of the TUTTI PER UNO concerts broadcast by Canale 5.
An evening that promises to be full of Italian guests who will surely make all the people sing, because they have songs full of beautiful memories of periods of Italian music.
Unfortunately recently there has been a lot of degradation of Italian music, rap and trap are supported with incomprehensible lyrics because they are sung with a half-closed mouth with a “potato in the mouth” effect, it is difficult to understand what they are singing and with booming and boring music.
But let’s get to our beautiful concert.
I always thank Il Volo En Clase who manages to publish the entire episode on you tube!!
The preview begins with a very nice gag, already done in the second concert, but with a different ending.
The person in charge of checking people backstage at the Arena checks the list of guest singers and says that Il Volo isn’t there so Gianluca shows him the photo on the badge and says that it’s really the three of them. The man says he doesn’t recognize them and then Ignazio Piero and Gianluca place themselves exactly in the position in the photo.
Now the attendant recognizes them! 😂😂😂
The evening begins with the beautiful WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER by Queen. Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca enter the seating aisles among the people happily filming with their cell phones.
A really strong start and the song is over, just a quick hello to everyone and immediately Il Volo begins the beautiful IO CHE NON VIVO by Pino Donaggio and Ignazio asks people to sing with them.
Piero greets all the people and Ignazio thanks them for the support received during the other two evenings and asks for applause for the orchestra and maestro Rota.
Gianluca says that they have reached the last episode of this journey into music and will celebrate with many guests.
Piero tries to say the names of the guests but is silenced by Ignazio, but they immediately say that they can already announce the first guest, Max Pezzali enters, author of many beautiful and catchy songs that people recall by singing.
NESSUN RIMPIANTO sung with Piero GLI ANNI sung with Ignazio ECCOTI sung with Gianluca
Piero says that singing Max Pezzali’s songs is a dream come true (his songs were sung by all the kids in the early 2000s), and Max says that for a singer-songwriter to hear his songs sung by voices like theirs, that It’s truly a dream come true.
Ignazio says that they grew up with his songs. (Max Pezzali was the leader of 883).
All together they sing COME MAI. 🥰
Piero says they got off to a great start, but Gianluca says someone is missing, a female figure with the three E’s: Elegance Etoile Eleonora Abbagnato. (She is a classical dancer, now directs the ballet of the Rome Opera, she was an etoile of the Paris Opera. She is Sicilian.)
Eleonora enters with two dancers and they perform a piece from Bizet’s Carmen. 👏👏
Eleonora will join Il Volo in some moments of the evening.
After the ballet Eleonora thanks the people of the Arena. Ignazio tells her that it is an honor to have her as a co-host and they will help each other.
A beautiful series of duets by our boys on truly special songs begins.
Gianluca and Ignazio begin with the beautiful CINQUE GIORNI by Michele Zarrillo. 🥰
Gianluca says it’s a song they sang when they were little and Ignazio says the audience will definitely sing with them.
I saw our friend Janet Dong filmed waving her arms to the beat of the music!! 😘
Gianluca and Piero follow with the timeless and beautiful MY WAY. 😍😍
And now a beautiful and classic duet between Ignazio and Piero: LA DONNA È MOBILE by Giuseppe Verdi.
Ignazio and Piero are too nice! 🥰🥰
But it doesn’t end here, after these beautiful three duets, they all come back together for the beautiful CARUSO by Dalla.🤩🤩🤩
A solo by Piero, I remind you that this concert was held on May 13th and in Italy it was Mother’s Day, therefore Piero dedicates this song to all mothers, in particular to his mother.
MAMMA song by Bixio. ❤️
While Piero sings, a group of little dancers perform the song. They are the children of the Rome Opera of which Eleonora Abbagnato is director who returns to the stage greeting her little pupils among whom there is also her daughter Julia. 🥰
Julia calls her mother and Eleonora arrives and they hug. Piero says how important parental support is for a child, then he asks Julia about a flaw in her mother and she says that she is a neat freak. 😂😍
The concert continues with a rock touch, an unexpected duet between Ignazio and Nek who you know well, they perform on SENZA PIETÀ brought to fame by Anna Oxa. 🤩🤩
It’s time for a solo by Gianluca, this song deeply touches my heart and Gianluca sings it splendidly.❤️
LA CURA by Battiato
Eleonora Abbagnato returns to the scene.
She proposes a nice game. Words flow on the scene and each of the guys must identify a word that corresponds to their character. Now Eleonora tells Piero to choose a word and he chooses PUNCTUALITY, he loves punctuality. Someone in the audience shouts “well done” and Ignazio immediately protests.
Eleonora asks for an example and suggests a concert, the evening is starting and where is he?
Piero replies that three hours before the concert he is already present and has already eaten his pasta (it is a ritual he always does before concerts of eating a plate of pasta). 🥰
Eleonora says that now there are 15 minutes left until the start and where is he?
Piero replies that he has already finished vocalizing, he hasn’t put on his jacket yet, he has already put on his in-ears… and Ignazio isn’t there. 😂😂
Eleonora says there are 5 minutes to go and Piero replies that he is putting on his jacket, he hears the hairdryer on in Gianluca’s dressing room next door and knows that he is getting ready, but Ignazio is not there. 😂😂
Eleonora asks Ignazio if it is true and he hesitates….Piero asks him if he wants to deny what is happening…..😁🤪
Eleonora confirms that she is like Piero, methodical in her commitments before the events and leaves the scene.
Piero goes back to the fact that Ignazio is never there and not to deny him, but Gianluca comes to Ignazio’s defense saying that he could sing even in his pajamas…..the people confirm and Ignazio asks Piero to let him have this moment of congratulations and applause. 😂😂😂👏👏👏
It’s time for a great guest, maestro Riccardo Cocciante, much loved in Italy for his songs but also in France and Europe, he wrote all the songs of the musical Notre Dame de Paris, wonderful songs of which he immediately proposes tonight duet with Piero IL TEMPO DELLE CATTEDRALI.😍😍
At the end Piero compliments and thanks Cocciante for the honor of being with them and then Ignazio asks him to sing one of his most famous songs written 50 years ago: BELLA SENZ’ANIMA.🤩
Cocciante is 78 years old and is much loved by the Italian public.
The concert continues with Il Volo performing the beautiful LONTANO DAGLI OCCHI by Sergio Endrigo. 🥰🥰🥰
Ignazio presents a very strange duet, and indeed it is, Piero wanted to duet with Big Mama, a singer-rapper who had success during the last Sanremo. She had a difficult life, bullied, marginalized, but she made her way with strength.
Piero and Big Mama propose NON PENSARE A ME, a beautiful workhorse song by Claudio Villa. 🤩🤩
Honestly Big Mama has a type of singing (rapper) that isn’t for me, but I really appreciated the duet to combine two such different types of music.
We return to the game to understand the personalities of Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio. Our boys call their “star” (Eleonora) onto the stage, dedicating a short song to her. It is Gianluca who has to choose a word and Ignazio is happy that it’s not his turn!
Gianluca chooses FRIENDSHIP.
Gianluca says that he chooses friendship because it is a feeling as important as love. Without friendship perhaps life has no meaning and Gianluca says he has few but good friends who he cares about. 🥰 Then he says that there are different types of friendship, that of adolescents of fun, of need and that of the heart.
Eleonora asks for an example for the friendship of need, she says that Gianluca is in the middle of the countryside and has a flat tire on the car and so she asks him who is calling.
Gianluca replies that he would call both of them, Ignazio and Piero.
Piero replies that he can call his friends from his town and not just the two of them! 😂 Gianluca says that the two of them are his friends anyway.
Piero replies that they certainly don’t walk with a jack in their hands and Ignazio tells him that he could call a mechanic or make a friend who is a tire dealer. 😂 Then between the two of them Gianluca chooses Piero.😉
Eleonora asks who she would call as a friend for fun and Gianluca replies “obviously Ignazio”! 😂
Piero immediately protests by saying that he has organized the best parties in recent years and Gianluca replies that they are well organised, but without Ignazio the parties are a disaster.😂
Eleonora asks who her best friend is. Both Piero and Gianluca are sure of the choice, but Gianluca says it is his brother Ernesto. ❤️ “You don’t choose brothers but when you find them they are perfect and they are the best friends.” 🥰😘
Eleonora confirms that she too calls her brothers when she needs it and therefore underlines the importance of family.
What I have attached is the video of the embrace between brothers that took place on the second evening while Il Volo was performing a song, which I had told you about. ❤️❤️
Gianluca remained on stage for the next duet.
Together with the beautiful and talented Rose Villain they perform YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL, the beautiful song by Lana Del Ray. 😍😍
In the end Gianluca and Rose remember the Sanremo period, she too was in the competition and on the evening that the singers had to present other singers, Rose had presented Il Volo.🥰
Ignazio talks about feelings and how good he feels on stage, he talks about an artist who felt the stage wherever he was: Lucio Dalla. A duet begins, but this time it is virtual between Ignazio and Dalla on his beautiful song LA SERA DEI MIRACOLI. 🤩🤩
And we continue with a very touching moment, the beautiful HALLELUJAH by Cohen, masterfully performed by Il Volo. ❤️❤️❤️
From the royal box, comedian Enrico Brignano reads a beautiful presentation:
“Friends, friends, friends, Verona is the city of lovers, the most magical place in the world to celebrate love.
In the Arena then, one can only celebrate it with music.
But how many songs have the word AMORE (LOVE) in the title…. “LA STAGIONE DELL’AMORE (The season of love) of maestro Battiato” “QUESTO PICCOLO GRANDE AMORE (This little great love) of Claudio Baglioni” “AMORE DISPERATO (Desperate Love) of Nada” “THAT’S AMORE by Dean Martin” and I could fill pages and pages with other titles, and if I put them all together, a huge, giant, unique book would come out and it would be titled: GRANDE AMORE 😍😍😍
Piero presents Enrico Brignano on stage, a good comedian, naturally I hope to be able to make you understand his jokes.
He enters greeting everyone and then the strictly female choir, but they point out to him that there is also the male one. Say hello to the people of the Arena who call “Arenati” (stranded). 😂
Then Brignano greets Piero by name, greets Gianluca by name and then pretends not to remember the third name (Ignazio)…..😳
BRIGNANO= Hello, boy, wait, don’t help me…..hi Piero, hi Gianluca and hi Iginio…..Ilario…the third of Il Volo!!! 😂😂😂 What do they call you, a little help…
IGNAZIO= Ignazio!
BRIGNANO= Ignazio!! I had it here on the tip of my tongue…😂
IGNAZIO= Yes, I saw it…😂
BRIGNANO = (to the audience) Because they are a bit like the 7 dwarfs, you always forget the name of the last one.😂
And then guys I have always followed you since before you took flight (Volo) since you were at check in, 😂😂😂 and I’m here with great pleasure because I would like to talk about opera, I submitted it as a thesis to university (it’s not true), I went to school, compulsory school, because I’m I was obliged, otherwise I wouldn’t have done them, I’m telling the truth. 😂
However, what better place than this to talk about opera, the greatest have performed here….(Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca go out and leave the stage in Brignano)
You’re already tired, don’t move away, stay close, see you later.
You are Maestro Rota, what an honour, maestro, greetings to all of your relatives, even neighbors. 😁
I was saying that all the greatest performed here, with the most beautiful arias, here they did certain arias…..😳😂
But the opera is not only made up of arias, it is also made up of recitatives, that is, moments of story, and therefore the words are many and the music is shorter.
You maestro (Rota) knows, the recitative is long and the music is a little supportive, two, three instruments and the lyricists or librettists, make the performers say things like this: “Boom boom. Who is? It’s me ha ha ha!!” Such a random laugh, which has nothing to do with it, just to lighten things up. 😁
The recitative serves the story, but the audience, even the melomaniac, who are the melomaniac, is not an illness, sometimes one says: “Madonna, I’ve had a bad liver for two days, the doctor said I have a melomaniac.” (in Italy MELOMANE = melomaniac, it is often confused with the name of an illness) 😁😁
The melomaniac is passionate, fierce. Sometimes the arias are beautiful, but the recitative is disappointing… (Brignano sings) “I don’t want to disturb you. But come in. No, I couldn’t, no. Come on in, I told you to come in. Yes, I’ll come in!”
So the spectator (Brignano pretends to collapse bored on the spectator’s seat),😂 for heaven’s sake, the spectator enters standing like this (nicely upright) but after a while (Brignano makes the gesture which is eloquent….) 😂😂, then he finds an accommodation, perhaps he asks a woman: “Excuse me, but I have to put them somewhere.” 😂😂
But with all the love in the world.
But despite everything, opera (it’s like saying that opera is heavy) is our flagship. We in Italy are known for many things, the usual things: spaghetti, the bridge over the strait (the bridge over the Strait of Messina which is talked about a lot but is never built, it’s now a joke) 😂😂 and the opera that was born accidentally.
It’s true, opera didn’t exist, it hadn’t been invented yet.
In the sixteenth century, in Florence, the comrade of the Bardi (Florentine nobles) thought of inventing something to party with, play cards? No idea, said one: “Let’s revive the Greek tragedies. Yes!” 😳
And so they invented something mixed between words and music, except that of the Greek tragedy, so noble, the music was not left, only the Greek tragedy remained, in fact the protagonists all died.
I’m talking about the titles:
TRAVIATA MADAMA BUTTERFLY TOSCA the plot is always the same, let’s take La Boheme which for an example is easier.
Rodolfo and Mimì fall in love, they don’t have a lira and then in the third act she dies of consumption, because consumption is the official disease of opera, yes there are bronchitis, things like that, but consumption is better. Yes, someone stabs themselves, does harakiri like Madama Butterfly, someone throws themselves off Castel Sant’Angelo like Tosca, but consumption at the opera is their death. 😳😁😳😁
Rodolfo, unemployed, penniless, a bohemian, handsome in the flesh (tenors are often pot-bellied) is always represented even hungry, after her death, he despairs, with an empty stomach.
Now how long did it take me to tell you about this plot? Two minutes? In the original La Boheme it takes four acts and three and a half hours (again an eloquent gesture). 😂😂😂
I think that to bring new generations closer to opera we need to streamline the plots a bit.
So guys (Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca), give me a hand, let’s try to do a quick work, I need you who are so young, so fresh, eager to approach even young people of your age, give me a hand for this work, give me some manpower. 😂😂😂
I put myself here in this position, I do the recitatives and you do the arias, you put in the arias that you know and that perhaps seem more right to you, repertoire arias, arias already done by others, okay?
I need a lover between you three, who wants to be a lover? Rodolfo who does it?
PIERO= I am the sweetheart of the group.
BRIGNANO= I would need the sweetheart Mimì, which of you two wants to do it?
IGNAZIO= Me, Mimì with the goatee. 😂
BRIGNANO= Ok, Mimì makes it, a beautiful Mimì, “always liked mustachioed woman”, perfect, it’s fine. 😂
I have one role left: Alfredo, a friend, okay? (to Gianluca) I repeat: Rodolfo (Piero), Alfredo (Gianluca) Mimì (Ignazio). Let’s go. Music, let’s do it with our mouths, perfect.
It’s a night in May in Verona, Rodolfo and Alfredo go out and go “in tow” (a way of saying that they go looking for female company).
It’s late at night and the city is going to bed, but they aren’t!
GIANLUCA= (he sings)NESSUN DORMA
A timid applause starts and Brignano turns and says to the audience: “If you have to do it like this (the applause), save it for later.” 😂😂
Spontaneity is the first thing. 😂😂
So, walk walk, because in opera you always walk, Alfredo and Rodolfo arrive at a club, they see Mimì all shy, very shy. She is alone and the two offer her a drink…..what opera would you put on?
PIERO= (he sings)LIBIAM DE LIETI CALICI
BRIGNANO= Perfect!
Setting the opera in our times, to uninhibit himself, to loosen up, Rodolfo has a piece of cannabis in his pocket that a friend gave him….
GIANLUCA = That’s me.
BRIGNANO= Mimì notices them from afar and therefore….
IGNAZIO= (he sings) MADAMA BUTTERFLY, the song says: “One fine day we will see a wisp of smoke…..”
BRIGNANO= A fine wisp of smoke (referring to cannabis). 😂 You are truly great Mimì. 😂 Taking advantage of the situation, Rodolfo takes courage and goes to Mimì and tries to win her over…
PIERO= (he sings)VINCERÒ VINCERÒ(I will win)!!
BRIGNANO= What do you want to tell him… despite Rodolfo’s ardor, Mimì isn’t up for it.
IGNAZIO= (he sings)CASTA DIVA
BRIGNANO= Rodolfo, it didn’t go well for you. Mimì leaves, Rodolfo is defeated without a woman. Alfredo, the friend is disappointed, he has finished smoking, the two look at each other, hold hands because in friendship it happens….
GIANLUCA= Should I do it? 😁
BRIGNANO= And what do we sing in these times? 😳😳
PIERO= (he sings)AMAMI ALFREDO(Love me Alfredo)!!! 😂😂🤪
BRIGNANO= And they all lived happily ever after!! 👏👏👏👏
(I hope I have conveyed the moments well, it is not easy to translate a comic part.)
Thanks, thanks guys, Ignaziuccio bye, have a good life. (Kisses and hugs between Brignano and the guys.)
After the comic break, the concert continues with a beautiful solo by Piero: CORE NGRATO by Cordiferro. 🥰
Eleonora Abbagnato returns for the final part of the game. This time Ignazio chooses the word and his choice is ROCK.
ELEONORA= Why did you choose ROCK?
IGNAZIO= Because rock is a lifestyle, no….
ELEONORA= Explain well what you mean.
IGNAZIO= Rock means stone, rock, in life, however, I had to learn to be a rock, like many people I think.
ELEONORA= It’s true, the word rock is not only in music, it’s actually in life, how to deal with problems.
IGNAZIO= Absolutely, let’s say that my life has been a bit tough, and what about you?
ELEONORA= I was a rock at the age of 11 when I had to leave mum and dad in Sicily (she was admitted to the Paris Opera) and I was alone and at the time there were no cell phones, we used letters.
Now let’s see if you have a song where your rock soul comes out.
IGNAZIO= I have it…..but shall I sing it now??
ELEONORA= Of course!! Ladies and Gentlemen: Ignazio.
Ignazio goes wild singing IL MARE IMPETUOSO AL TRAMONTO by Zucchero on a poem by Ciampi. 🤩
Followed by a very beautiful and sweet Gianluca in VEDRAI VEDRAI by Tenco (Tenco is a great singer-songwriter who committed suicide on one of the Sanremo evenings on 01/27/67). 😍
The tribute to Tenco continues with another good guest, the singer Nina Zilli who performs with Il Volo: MI SONO INNAMORATA DI TE. 😍
Followed by the beautiful CIAO AMORE also by Tenco. 😍
This is a beautiful tribute to Tenco who passed away at the young age of 29. 🙏
Il Volo continues the concert with the beautiful NESSUN DORMA from Tosca. 🤩🤩🤩
A nice standing ovation for them.
Taken from their latest album Ad Astra, the beautiful CAPOLAVORO. 🥰🥰🥰
And now a very good Ignazio gives his all in a difficult Queen song: SHOW MUST GO ON. 😍
Piero continues with a tribute to Puccini, under a beautiful starry sky, inside the Arena of Verona, the beautiful E LUCEVAN LE STELLE from Tosca. 😍
Gianluca finishes the trio of solos with a crackling ROCKET MAN by Elton John. 😍
Eleonora Abbagnato returns and says that she always listens to their last CD Ad Astra and asks them to sing her a song.
Eleonora greets the public in the room and from home and takes her leave.
To end on a high note, Il Volo performs the beautiful OPERA. 🤩🤩🤩
The concert is over, the final confetti starts to the tune of AD ASTRA and the guys say goodbye to everyone, thank them and wish them goodnight.
But there is still a little surprise, one last song after the concert. Accompanied by maestro Riccardo Cocciante Il Volo sings the beautiful song BELLA, taken from Notre Dame De Paris by Cocciante. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
What can I tell you?
It was a success from every point of view. The home audience was once again top rated. Canale 5, proud of the result, published this press release which I translate for you:
Record ratings for the last appointment with “Il Volo Tutti per Uno”, absolute leader of the evening with 3 million viewers and over 20% share.
The show which featured the trio formed by: Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble and Ignazio Boschetto on the stage of the Verona Arena as protagonists together with many extraordinary guests from the world of music and entertainment.
Huge applause and positive comments everywhere from people who greatly appreciated Il Volo, even those who didn’t know it or didn’t follow it.
Even the newspapers published positive articles singing the praises of the three boys.
An article today was titled: “Il Volo: silent critics and snobs…..” as if to say that it silenced the malicious comments of the usual critics and snobs who didn’t appreciate them, and how it silenced them, with the demonstration of what they can do, sing very well, knowing how to host a program, welcoming and accommodating every type of guest and different types of music, being polite, well dressed, never over the top, in short, the best!! 🤩🤩🤩
And at the end of the television filming, a beautiful explosion of joy and well-deserved toasts.🎉🎉🍾🍾✨
Thank you guys, thank you Il Volo!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Daniela 🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
Siena, sea, opera in Siena, San Galgano
Park Pratolino
All of us on our feet, singing Grande amore
O2 Arena, before the concert, from my seat
Gianluca’s photo of the Kafka statue
The light show as seen from my seat
Nelson Mandela stadium
