For the uninitiated, Il Volo is the latest teenage singing group to take America by storm. The difference here is that this male trio, consisting of Piero Barone, 18, Ignazio Boschetto, 17, and Gianluca Ginoble, 17, prefer to belt out classical songs and standards such as “O Sole Mio” than the usual electronic-infused pop that dominates the charts.
Their style, dubbed “operatic pop” or “popera,” has been a hit with young and old alike, according to Ginoble.
“Our goal was to bring this kind of music to all people: Kids from 1 to those 92. Just like the Christmas song,” he said.
He said not a lot of artists span generations. “Justin Beiber only has the teenagers. Andrea Bocelli has only the 30-year-olds. Il Volo is not this way,” he said.
Il Volo, which means “flight” in Italian, first met and performed together on an Italian television talent show in 2009. After hooking up with a manager and producer, the trio recorded its self-titled debut album in 2010.
After finding success in Europe, the group performed on “American Idol” in 2011, wowing viewers and catapulting its album to No. 6 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts.
“It was huge,” Ginoble said about the performance. “I was in Central Park and a lot of people recognized me saying ‘Oh, I saw you. You’re Il Volo.’¤”
Now as testament to their success, the group will appear as special guests for a series of eight concerts with Barbra Streisand.
“For us, it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to perform with her,” Ginoble said. “I can’t believe it.”
Then there’s its upcoming, untitled album, due in stores in November, which includes a guest appearance by Placido Domingo.
“I’m living a dream. I’m only 17 and I will sing with Barbra Streisand and Placido Domingo,” Ginoble said. “I love my life.”
Which is not to say that Il Volo doesn’t sometimes find the constant touring schedule to be difficult.
“It’s a busy life. We left our home in August and will come back in December,” Ginoble said. “We have to stay far from our families. But we want to stay on the top. Music is my passion.”
Ginoble added that it’s the blending of their three voices — and the trio’s camaraderie — that’s the key to the group’s success.
“We say we have three voices and one soul,” he said. “When we sing together, with all the harmonies, it’s a beautiful sound. It’s a unique sound. We are like three brothers.”
Above all, Ginoble hopes that sound brings joy to those who listen.
“I want to make people happy,” he said. “If I see [that] they love our music, I’m happy, and I know that I’m bringing our music to their hearts.”
IF YOU GO: Il Volo will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway E., East Lampeter Twp. Cost: $85, $95 and $110. Info: www.amtshows.com or 800-648-4102 .
Source: blog.pennlive
My mum is 92 and she is besotted with them!
ReplyDelete