As the Italian-born operatic pop sensation Il Volo winds their way across the United States and onto the stage of Radio City Music Hall for their We Are Love Tour, I had the opportunity to closely observe and analyze the cross-generational appeal of this young trio. In a rare behind-the-scenes pre-concert interview in Pittsburgh for Parade.com, the three talented young stars, Piero Barone, 20, Ignazio Boschetto, 18, and Gianluca Ginoble, 18, opened up with me and 16-year-old high school newspaper entertainment editor Maura McNulty about life in and under the spotlight.
Within seconds, the charming trio had won the hearts and respect of this old-enough-to-be-their mom interviewer and her teen colleague. Conquering the mother-daughter age range of fans isn’t an easy feat, but Il Volo has surpassed that. From hyperventilating high school seniors and screaming senior citizens to starstruck preteens, the demographic profile of their fan base is one of the most comprehensive I have ever witnessed. Few artists, especially those under the age of 21, are able to fill enormous theaters with relatively equal numbers of Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomer, and Pre-Boomer fans. But Il Volo did it almost effortlessly.
What’s the secret behind the cross-generational enthusiasm and loyalty they’ve generated? After meeting the young singers and spending a few hours in the Il Volo whirlwind, it became clear. Blend incredible talent, bubbling personalities, and camera-loving faces with the secrets below and you’ve got the formula for Il Volo’s winning ways.
1. Understand the power of the classics.
Introduced to classical music by their grandfathers, Piero notes “Our goal is to bring this kind of music to people of all the ages… If three young guys like us love this kind of music, I think everybody can love this kind of music.” Adds Gianluca “Of course we have to say thanks to this kind of music which is immortal. It will never die.” While rock and pop may be the genre of choice for the trio’s peer group, the immortality of Il Volo’s music just might be the key to an everlasting career.
2. Embrace diversity.
Wise and sensitive beyond their years, Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca are quick to recognize that their audiences aren’t necessarily looking for the same thing. “You see people laughing, crying (tears of joy), and having fun,” says Piero. Il Volo’s goal is recognize the differences within and between audiences and to allow fans the opportunity to experience the music in their own way.
3. Dream big.
Three years ago, Ignazio acknowledged that the trio would love to perform at Radio City Music Hall. Says Boschetto, “And now that we are going there to perform our concert [on September 27th]… it’s a big feeling.” Next month as Il Volo begins their Latin America tour, they will also release their new Christmas album Buon Natale.
4. Work hard while showing gratitude and humility.
Despite indulging in the occasional PlayStation game, the young men of Il Volo clearly work more than they play. But the workload doesn’t seem daunting to the singers. “It’s not that difficult because what we are doing is what we love,” says Piero, “but thanks to our team… especially our family and our parents that follow us on the road… it’s easy.” Adds Gianluca, “Hard work is nothing if you love it.” When asked for advice for teens wanting to pursue similar careers, Piero shares, “We want to give the same advice that we received from Barbra Streisand and Placido Domingo… The most important advice is to be humble and keep studying, studying and studying.” Source: Parade
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Episode 129 – Talking Showbiz with Il Volo
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