The inspiring legacy of The Three Tenors

Il Volo
Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Gianluca Ginoble: We’ve decided to pay tribute The Three Tenors because we have always loved this kind of music. Our career started in a different way, as we started off by singing “O sole mio” and then following up with some great pop songs, such as “Grande Amore”. But this year we decided to start a new project: a journey into operatic repertoire. With the support of the great Plácido Domingo, our aim is to deliver this music to a younger generation and to all the people who probably still don’t know this repertoire.

Piero Barone: Since the beginning of our first meetings with music – I think we were like three, four years old – the first thing we saw was The Three Tenors and their great concerts. None of us was aline when the first Three Tenors concert was held in 1990. I'm the oldest in the group and I was born in 1993. I remember that the first time I saw The Three Tenors I said: 'This is my favourite kind of music.' I think everyone needs to listen to classical music. I believe classical music gives you different feelings, different emotions.

Performing a pop song is a completly different experience, as in order to perform classical music you have to study every single day. And that’s exactly what we did in order to get ready for the concert in Florence where we recorded our new album 'Notte magica'.

It has been quite a a lot of work as while studying we were also touring and promoting the previous album. But performing 'Nessun Dorma' with Plácido Domingo conducting really made us think: 'We made it. In our own way. With our smile.' And so we have to say thanks to Plácido for supporting us in this project. And now we are ready to go all around the world and perform this bel canto for everyone!

Ignazio Boschetto: We decided to hold the concert in Florence as this kind of music was born in this fantastic city. And we fell in love with the magnificent Piazza Santa Croce. I think it’s one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It has been a tremendous experience, really unique.

What we did to achieve this was to study – a lot! Of course we must say thanks to all the people who work with us, to Maestro Plácido Domingo who gave us the opportunity to share the stage with him.

Gianluca Ginoble: We are honoured to sing a kind of music that will never die. This is an eternal music that you can bring all over the world. It’s the classical music that was born in this country, in Italy. And we are very proud to bring it everywhere, in every city, to all the people. Different people, young people, adults, all kind of generations. From five years old to 80. And that’s the most beautiful thing about it.

Piero Barone: During the concert, going on stage, we were very nervous. It was our first time in front of an audience singing entirely this kind of music. But the power of the words came from Plácido Domingo. He said: 'Guys, don’t be nervous. I’m gonna be on stage with you. So if you need something, just look at me. But you’ll be great.'

Ignazio Boschetto: It’s been emotional, it’s been a big honour for us to be supported by Pavarotti Foundation. By Nicoletta Mantovani. Because the Three Tenors have meant a lot to us for as long as we can remember. Having Pavarotti’s widow in the front row and Plácido Domingo on stage...

Gianluca Ginoble: We didn’t have the chance yet to meet and sing with the Maestro José Carreras. But he has sent a message and we really hope to meet him very soon. And maybe sing together with Plácido in another concert, who knows?

Il Volo's tribute to The Three Tenors, 'Notte Magica', will be released by Sony Music on September 30. For more information, visit: ilvolomusic.com. Preorder the CD version at Amazon here, and the 2CD and DVD deluxe version here

Gramophone Print

  • Print Edition

From £6.87 / month

Subscribe

Gramophone Digital Club

  • Digital Edition
  • Digital Archive
  • Reviews Database
  • Events & Offers

From £9.20 / month

Subscribe

Gramophone Reviews

  • Reviews Database

From £6.87 / month

Subscribe

Gramophone Digital Edition

  • Digital Edition
  • Digital Archive

From £6.87 / month

Subscribe

                              

If you are a library, university or other organisation that would be interested in an institutional subscription to Gramophone please click here for further information.