On the evening of Sunday, March 16, 2025, Il Volo captivated a sold-out crowd at the KeyBank State Theatre with their signature blend of vocal sophistication and undeniable charm. The stage design was stunning, with lighting that evoked the grandeur of ancient architecture through the illusion of eight classical pillars, all presented with a modern, technical flair. This visual concept beautifully complemented the group’s artistry, seamlessly weaving together classical operas, emotional ballads, and popular hits.
As the curtain rose, bright red spotlights illuminated the back of the stage, casting beams of vibrant red toward the eager audience. The orchestra began with deep, resonant tones, gradually building with rumbling tympani, while the stage was bathed in a warm red glow that heightened the anticipation in the air. The crowd erupted in applause as Piero Barone (spinto tenor), Ignazio Boschetto (lyric tenor), and Gianluca Ginoble (lyric baritone) emerged from the glow, their voices soaring as they performed Francesco Renga’s beautiful Italian ballad, ‘Nelle Tue Mani’ (Now We Are Free). The trio captivated the audience with their flawless vocal delivery, while the stage lighting seamlessly shifted between the rich red hues and a stark black-and-white visual effect, accentuated by the striking white columns. The emotional depth of the performance resonated deeply, immersing everyone in the transformative power of the music and marking the beginning of their own musical, ‘volo’ (flight).
Their performance of “Grande Amore” highlighted the individuality of each of their voices, while their rendition of Opera and “Who Wants to Live Forever” demonstrated how the blending of their voices creates a powerful, perfectly harmonious sound. Boschetto brought a delightful sense of casual levity to the show, engaging in playful banter with the others about who should begin the solos. Known for calling himself the “crazy one” or the “spicy one,” his charisma and humor were evident throughout the concert. His rendition of “Memory” (performed in English) had the audience swaying and smiling, with his crescendos soaring in intensity, adding an extra layer of energy to the performance.
“The Music of the Night” from the musical The Phantom of the Opera was performed by Ginoble. His solo was soft and melodic, with vocal depth throughout the dramatic ballad and had the audience cheering and applauding throughout his performance. This is always a fan favorite and his performance was moving.
Barone delivered a powerful and expressive performance of “E lucevan le stelle” (Puccini). His tenor voice perfectly captured the aria’s delicate melody, gradually building into a powerful, emotionally charged vocal delivery that conveyed the profound themes of love, loss, and death. Barone’s performance truly highlighted the emotional weight of the piece, showcasing his remarkable vocal range and expressive depth.
“Capolavoro,” featured on their album “Grande Amore‘ released in 2015. The title “Capolavoro” translates to “Masterpiece” in English, and the song lives up to its name with its powerful blend of a romantic style. The audience really enjoyed this performance as it was a more pop culture genre.
To learn more about the three members of Il Volo, please read the CleveRock interview on our website: HERE!
Il Volo introduced the wonderful guest opera performer, Cecilia Sordoni, who added an extraordinary touch to the show. During a special performance, Cecilia joined the trio on stage, showcasing her remarkable operatic talents. She wore a stunning, body-hugging glimmering gown that complemented the trio’s formal attire. Bartoli also performed a powerful solo rendition of the timeless classic “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman“, capturing the essence of this beautiful anthem to the power of love.
The symphony orchestra was nothing short of exceptional, filling the air with the rich, full sound of a grand ensemble. Alongside the traditional orchestral instruments, they seamlessly incorporated rock standards with drums, bass guitar, and percussion, adding a dynamic layer to the performance. The addition of piano and harp further elevated the sound, rounding out the experience in a beautifully harmonious way.
They did a mix of songs that included the well-known Frank Sinatra tune “My Way” and Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A special moment occurred when they asked the audience to turn on their cell phone lights. The theatre was lit with sparkling lights, and the audience swayed them to the beautiful song “Alleluia”. This performance was joyful, spiritual, and uplifting, with its soaring melodies and harmonies, it was the perfect song for this trio.
Il Volo performed over 25 songs without an intermission, creating a truly transformational evening of music. The trio’s unique vocal chemistry allowed them to connect with the audience on a deeply personal level, drawing everyone into the emotion and intensity of their performance.
The three members of Il Volo appeared on the popular Italian talent show, “Ti Lascio Una Canzone” (I Leave You A Song) in May of 2009, where they performed the classic Neapolitan standard, “O Sole Mio”. The amazing rendition they performed began their journey to the worldwide success they have now had for 16 years. Il Volo has released 12 albums in that time. This trio has learned two additional languages, English and Spanish (and currently learning a third: French), adding to their already great communication skills during their live performances.
Bravo! Bravo, Il Volo!
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