Through the glasses of a Danish core fan.

2½ hrs. by air – or 2½ days on the road!

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 11^th.  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).