Aveline Kirana
Fifteen years after their pivotal appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest launched their careers, the Italian opera-pop trio Il Volo is set to captivate audiences across North America. Comprised of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, the group has cultivated a significant global following, boasting nearly one million followers on Instagram, over two million subscribers on YouTube, and more than three million likes on TikTok. Their recent achievements include a performance for Pope Leo XIV in Rome and participation in the global peace initiative "Grace for the World" last year, underscoring their growing prominence on the international stage. The highly anticipated North American leg of their world tour commences on April 15th in Denver, Colorado, marking a significant milestone in their enduring career. In an exclusive conversation with OperaWire, the members of Il Volo shared their enthusiasm for the tour, their connection with American audiences, and their enduring mission to share the beauty of Bel Canto music with a global audience.
A Journey Rooted in the United States
The United States holds a particularly special place in Il Volo’s journey, serving as a foundational stage for their international success. Piero Barone recounted the group’s early days, explaining, "The United States has been one of the main stages for us. When we first started out, we moved from Italy to the States because we signed a contract with a label company and they welcomed us since the very beginning. So, it’s like our second home." This sentiment highlights the deep-seated connection they feel with American fans and the industry that embraced them early on.
This year’s tour promises a nuanced evolution of their performance, with Barone noting, "This year, we will go back with a more classical segment of the show and we really know the audience and what they would like to listen to so we can choose our repertoire." This tailored approach reflects a mature understanding of their audience’s preferences, allowing for a more intimate and resonant concert experience. The group’s dedication to understanding and engaging with their American fanbase has been a cornerstone of their sustained popularity.
Weaving a Tapestry of Sound: Repertoire and Bel Canto’s Global Reach
Il Volo’s artistic mission extends beyond mere performance; it is rooted in a fervent desire to disseminate the rich traditions of Bel Canto and Italian melodies worldwide. Gianluca Ginoble articulated this ambition: "Our goal is to spread Bel Canto and the Italian melodies all over the world." This dedication to preserving and promoting classical vocal techniques within a contemporary context has been a defining characteristic of their career.
Their repertoire is a testament to this broad artistic vision, encompassing a diverse range of musical influences. Ginoble elaborated on their approach: "We’ve been through many experiences and we’ve performed with Americans like Barbra Streisand in 2012, so of course we want to spread the traditional music, but we also sing American standards like, ‘My Way’ or an Elvis song with an orchestral arrangement." This fusion of Italian opera, classic American ballads, and their own signature sound, often amplified by the grandeur of an orchestra, creates an emotionally charged experience for listeners.
The group’s commitment to engaging younger generations with Bel Canto is particularly noteworthy. Despite their relatively young age—the members are now in their early thirties—they boast an impressive 17-year career, having debuted as teenagers. This longevity allows them to connect with audiences who have grown up alongside them, fostering a multi-generational appreciation for their music. Ginoble further explained their current creative focus: "So this time we are working on a set list with more standards and classical guitar not just our own sounds because we have our signature sound and we also sing in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, but of course, in the States we sing most of the repertoire in Italian and English." This multilingual approach broadens their appeal and reinforces their status as global artists.
Ginoble also drew a parallel between their work and the influence of earlier crossover artists. He remarked, "Actually, in America a lot of artists in the 2000s like Il Divo, Josh Groban, and other American singers used to sing in Italian even if they were not Italian. At that time, Italian music was really strong there, and it’s a really strong culture all around the world. Like in Las Vegas with the Bellagio, it’s something they want to recreate because they want a piece of Italy in America. So that’s why we want to bring it to them." This historical context underscores the enduring appeal of Italian music and culture in the United States, a sentiment that Il Volo actively taps into and perpetuates. The presence of Italian cultural elements, such as the famed Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, serves as a tangible representation of this ongoing cultural exchange, a phenomenon Il Volo aims to enrich through their music.
A Glimpse into the Concert Experience
For fans eager to anticipate the musical journey, Ignazio Boschetto offered a tantalizing preview of the setlist. "There’s ‘Nessum dorma,’ ‘O sole Mio,’ the Giuseppe Verdi arias, ‘Smile,’ and we’re singing soundtracks, and some of our own songs, of course." This diverse selection promises a concert that spans operatic masterpieces, beloved popular tunes, and the trio’s own evocative compositions.
The tour’s ambition extends to exploring new territories within the United States. Boschetto revealed, "The goal of this tour is singing in places that we’ve never played, except for Los Angeles. We’re going to be in places that we’ve never sang or visited, so it’s just to amplify our knowledge of USA and the knowledge of people who never had the chance to come to our concert." This expansion into lesser-known markets signifies a commitment to broadening their reach and introducing their unique musical experience to a wider American audience. Such strategic expansion can lead to increased cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for classical and crossover music in regions that might otherwise have limited access.
The Il Volo Signature: Unifying Diverse Repertoire
The challenge of cohesively blending such a wide array of musical styles into a single performance is met by the trio’s distinctive artistic identity. Piero Barone explained the unifying element: "What all these songs have in common in our set list is our personality. So, our goal in every single song we sing is to give the Il Volo personality and to sing all of them in our way." This approach ensures that each piece, whether a renowned aria or a contemporary ballad, is imbued with the unmistakable Il Volo sound.
Barone further elaborated on their performance philosophy: "So the aria, ‘Nessun dorma,’ it won’t be late (in the concert) because it is very easy to listen to, but very hard to sing. It’s also in the way you sing them, its all within the classical mode. So that’s the reason why the repertoire we’re singing is called ‘crossover,’ because we bring all these songs and we make it in our way." This "crossover" designation accurately reflects their ability to bridge genres while maintaining a classical foundation, making complex music accessible and engaging for a broad audience. The strategic placement of powerful arias, like "Nessun Dorma," within the concert program is a testament to their understanding of musical pacing and audience engagement, ensuring both accessibility and emotional impact.
Gianluca Ginoble drew parallels to musical lineage to further illustrate their role in the evolving landscape of music. He stated, "It’s also like how everything started with Pavarotti and then Andrea Bocelli. It’s the same with pop music, Michael Jackson, things started with him, then The Weekend, and Bruno Mars became inspired by him, and this is what we are trying to do. Of course, we are all inspired by the artist of our days, but also the past. We would like to be the next generation that brings Bel Canto to people of our age." This ambition positions Il Volo not just as performers, but as cultural custodians, actively shaping the future of music by connecting classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities. Their aspiration to be pioneers in bringing Bel Canto to their generation is a significant undertaking with the potential to revitalize interest in operatic vocal styles among younger demographics.
A Mission of Growth and Connection
As Il Volo embarks on this extensive North American tour, their perspective is one of profound gratitude and a continued sense of purpose. Ginoble reflected on their enduring partnership and artistic mission: "It’s amazing that we, after almost 20 years together, we are still touring, still spreading Bel Canto, still seeing our audience grow—and to see people growing up with us. We have a very faithful fan base because they really love this kind of music. So, as I said, this is a mission for us to keep growing as people, as artists, and to give a better performance for our audience that really love us and that we love back." This sentiment underscores the deep reciprocal relationship they share with their fans, a bond forged through years of shared musical experiences. The sustainability of their career, spanning nearly two decades and marked by continuous growth and audience engagement, is a testament to their artistic integrity and their ability to connect with people on an emotional level.
Ignazio Boschetto concluded with an inviting sentiment, encapsulating the essence of their live performances: "Come to the concert and have one night in Italy!" This simple yet powerful invitation encapsulates the immersive cultural experience Il Volo offers, transporting audiences to the heart of Italian artistry and passion. Their concerts are more than just musical events; they are cultural journeys, designed to evoke the spirit and beauty of Italy for an international audience. The success of this tour will not only mark another chapter in Il Volo’s remarkable career but also reinforce the global appeal of opera-infused pop music, potentially inspiring a new wave of artists and enthusiasts.
