Author: LuceStellare

Morning Has Broken ~ Song of Praise

Morning has broken, like the first morning.

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

 

Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlight from heaven.

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass.

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,

Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

 

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning.

Born of the one light Eden saw play.

Praise with elation, praise every morning;

God’s recreation of the new day.

 

Morning has broken, like the first morning.

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

By Eleanor Farjeon

 

IL Volo Miami: Be the Love, Share the Love, We are Love

After the show is over, after the applause fades away, after the cameras are still and long after the tour moves on, dedicated IL Volo fans often speak of a sensation of buoyancy that lingers. Some fans are so captivated by the experience that they seek out a way to stay connected. A few fans become empowered with the need to share the experience on a personal page in Facebook or on a blog. Even fewer are able to meet the challenge of organizing a fan club via social media. One of the most prominent and user-friendly communication hubs for networking is Twitter. Anyone can have one or more accounts. As an innovative tool for communication, it is a smart, useful and immediate way in which large amounts of formerly disunited people can form a group around one common idea. “ILVOLOMIAMI” are one of those fan networks prominent on Twitter. Some months ago, I became a follower of their Twitter account. After not too long, they became a follower of mine. We’ve had several friendly on-line exchanges about IL Volo or whatever comes to mind. Over the course of several weeks, I started to consider who was behind the curtain. Who are these fans who bring the fans to IL Volo and IL Volo to the fans? I contacted the leaders and asked if we could arrange to have a conversation with the goal of writing this article all about ILVOLOMIAMI.

~ Diana & Gaby ~

The principal managers are Diana, Gaby, two administrators and a crowd of contributors. They also maintain an account on Instagram and a page on Facebook. Diana started the club two years ago and annually arranges a Miami area get-together for the local members. According to Diana, “Gaby became a member in September after being enchanted with them at the Meet and Greet in Tampa 2013. Then she became VP in February 2014.” Gaby resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Gaby, “ became an official Ilvolover as soon as I heard them sing the first song live at the concert in Tampa back in September.  I had always admired them before because of their talent & specifically because of how real, humble and sweet you would see them towards fans & the things I would read about them in regards to their families as well. It was thanks to my younger sister Rebecca who introduced me to this IL Volo world that I am here today and I’m very thankful for it.”

This is an all volunteer home-based organization that maintains an on-line link continually monitoring and conversing with 10K followers of which they are currently following 10.1K. They have sent out 58+K tweets. When a fan chooses to follow on Twitter, the designation changes to member. As stated by Diana, “We are known as “ILVOLOMIAMI”and “ILVOLOMIAMI OWFC”. The OFWC stands for Official World Fan Club because everyone who follows us on Twitter or any social media is considered a MiamiIlVolover.” Membership in this fan club is extensive and international in scope. “ILVOLOMIAMI is a highly respected fan club in which all three members of ILVOLO follow. Diana prides herself in knowing that Gianluca Ginoble followed ILVOLOMIAMI as #227, which equals 11 since Feb 6, 2012. That happens to be Gianluca’s favorite number since he was born February 11. Soon Piero Barone followed in June 2012 and Ignazio Boschetto followed in July that same year. Making ILVOLOMIAMI the first fan club to be followed by all three members of ILVOLO.”

I asked Diana and Gaby to write a biography for the readers:

“Diana: Born in Jersey City New Jersey. Nationality American Colombian

Graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and Marketing. Currently pursing a career in nursing. I am a proud Catholic who loves to share my faith with all. Married to JC Velasquez for 15 years and have two daughters that I like to call “Mini- ILVolovers” Juliana and Daniella. Became a die hard fan of IlVOLO in July of 2012 after watching the PBS Detroit ILVolo Takes Flight. Founder and President of ILVOLOMIAMI and always has a 30 second commercial on ILVOLO ready to go at a moments notice.

My life verse is

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)”

Gaby

“I was born in Brooklyn, NY of Ecuadorian parents & very proudly call myself Ecuadorian (although I was not born there) and American. My parents decided to move us back to Ecuador and I basically finished all my studies there and graduated in Ecuador as a Clinical Psychologist. The most rewarding job I had was to work with children with Down Syndrome & with refugees in Ecuador. I moved back to the States three years ago & live in Atlanta, and currently work with the State of Georgia.

I’m passionate about social issues, especially women and girls empowerment, refugees, immigration, human rights among a few.

I also of course have my lighter side, I love to dance, especially my Flamenco dance, I love music, singing, reading books and watching a good movie. I’m not married and don’t have children but I love my two nieces & nephew as if they were my own. God, family and my friends are the most important things in my life. I firmly believe that no amount of money or love from another person will ever make you feel complete if you aren’t happy with yourself & love yourself first.”

The immediate impressions of Diana and Gaby are energetic, smart, passionate, educated, wholesome and spiritual. The message of their club is that fans are embraced and welcomed as members of the IL Volo extended family. Humans are highly social by nature and have a need to congregate and share experiences. Fans are recognized and celebrated for becoming a part of a larger purpose. The philosophy of “ILVOLOMIAMI” is: Be the Love, Share the Love, We are Love. They are skillfully, purposefully crafting a culture of inclusiveness based in the larger social message of IL Volo: We Are Love.

Diana and crew are here to support IL Volo and the fans. Fans come to the club for acceptance, to have a voice, be recognized and be acknowledged. From Diana, “One aspect of ILVOLOMIAMI that is very important to us is the respect we have within other fan clubs. We have built strong bonds with other Il Volo Fan Clubs and are continuously working to promote the message of We Are Love, so that all may feel welcomed and a part of something greater than themselves.”

The critical ingredient to their success as communicators and managers is that their work is faith-based. Their motivation to serve the community is largely derived from the strength of belief in God/Love. I attach God to Love as I could not discern a difference in meaning. This is not God in the abstract, but a sensation that God/Love is present and the source. The greater purpose is to empower others with Love.

~ IL Volo ~

Based on the amount of attention and time given to IL Volo and the fans, I asked Diana and Gaby if they had a sense of what fans need to know about IL Volo. Was there something in all the tweets and moments that was being overlooked? Something the general public could be aware of? The response was that their private lives are to be respected. Refrain from gossip or judgement. Mistakes will happen but above all else, respect their private lives.

Of Gianluca Ginoble, they sensed an old soul, a gentle man who is a listener by nature. “What I love about Gianluca is that he is a perfectionist and will let you know when taking a picture which is “his good side!”” Gaby stated that “he observes everything and takes it all in before he says anything and speaks directly from the heart.”

In Piero Barone, Gaby says “ has this approachable sense to him, I feel like you can become instant friends with him and that he will give his friendship whole heartily.” He will greet you as “Ciao bella”.

In Ignazio Boschetto, a tender heart who’s gift is shyness, “however he is such a loving person and treats everyone like a delicate flower by giving gentle one arm hugs as though not to break you.” Gaby followed up with, “Ignazio although shy is a sweetheart, it’s no wonder many fans call him the Teddy bear of the three.”

As Diana says, “They all have the magnetism that draws you to them and when they look at you for the brief moment, you are all they see, you are captivated and a surreal feeling overcomes you [as] though you are dreaming this moment is actually happening.”

~Family & Faith ~

The key to IL Volo success is strongly attributed to their culture. Italian culture in general upholds the foundation of life to be in family and faith. Their parents and extended families are a source of support, comfort and acceptance. They can return to the nest for solace and security. On a weekly, if not daily basis fans are often sent photos from the family gathered around the table. Italy is 90% Catholic. Piero demonstrates his faith in the practice of wearing the cross over his voice box. Without a word, he sends the message that he is asking for protection and singing through his faith. He has said several times, the gift of song and IL Volo are because of God.

The familiarity and ease with which IL Volo share their lives, family and friends with the expansive international audience is notable. I’ve come to understand that IL Volo see us as a larger part of their extended family. If we accept them, they accept us and share the connection. Fans feel included, welcomed and cherished. The source seems to be an unconscious understanding of the guidance of a higher power. Diana and Gaby are part of the extended family and transmit this philosophy. At the heart of it all, is a heart of Love. This is a blessing to be shared.

Florida and Miami have become a special place for IL Volo with two PBS Specials filmed at The Jackie Gleason Theater at Miami Beach and numerous sold out concerts. They traveled to Disney World in Orlando Florid to be a part of the Christmas Special aired on Christmas Day 2013. Miami is a culturally rich city and the gateway to the Americas. This is the Southern Melting Pot and an influential cultural crossroad. According to Diana, “IL Volo will be taping April 22 for the show Sabado Gigante, a Spanish Variety Entertainment show based out of Miami. IL Volo have been nominated as Top Latin Album Artist of the Year, Duo or Group and Top Pop Album Artist of the Year, Duo or Group. Latin Billboard Award Ceremonies April 21 – 24.

~ Conclusion ~

I came away from the conversation dazzled by the warmth, energy and sincerity of Diana and Gaby. They were eager to tell their story and share their thoughts. The belief in God and a higher purpose surrounding their activities was present. There was a sense of happiness as a way of life in their voices. The key to their success is a collaborative, inclusive communication style that reflects directly to the goal of unity. They are successful at transmitting their internal foundation of strong spiritual values and an unshakeable belief in a higher power from them and IL Volo. “ILVOLOMIAMI” and IL Volo have in common the ability to see what is unique in each person and celebrate that unconditionally. Their mutual motivations are fueled by patient welcoming happiness. Slowly and with great care they are transforming lives. Be the Love, Share the Love, We are Love.

As written by Frances Wychorski

Il Volo at Wallingford CT, September 29, 2013

*While this review is a bit dated, it’s a chronicle of attendance to Il Volo concerts.

This has been my third Il Volo concert attendance in two years. The first was at the BOA Pavilion, Boston MA in September 2012. The second was BOA Pavilion, Boston MA September 14, 2013. The last performance was so extraordinary an event, that I followed my heart and purchased a ticket for the 2nd concert held in New England in 2013. I am fortunate to live a reasonable driving distance to both venues. This was the last show in the USA on this extensive tour of the Americas.

To have Il Volo (IV) in front of you moving, swaying and singing is to be in a bit of a dream. They live and breathe Italian style in every move, wiggle and wink. IV are sophisticated, playful, curious, but most of all warm in heart. However, the first impression after the opening number was they were subdued not tired but a little low in energy. Barone, who seems to always be in motion, only wiggled lightly to the beat of the music. Unlike the previous concerts, IV took a ten minute break after the first hour and came back even more mellow and sweet in song.

Ginoble’s body language in song is gritty, he plants his feet firmly on the floorboards and leans into his voice. Known as the philosopher of the group for his frequent contemplations on Twitter, I was impressed when he made a social statement to the audience about the purpose of their tour and the banner of “We Are Love”. It’s not just a song, but a way to live life. But, Boschetto’s infectious sense of humor pervaded. During Ginoble’s solo performance of “Night and Day”, Barone and Boschetto appeared on stage behind him and started to slow dance as two lovers caught up in the magic of the song. It was hilarious! Ginoble kept going, stayed focused and gave us a fabulous performance.

Barone was stunning in his performance of “Non Peude Se” and “Where do I Begin”. Where I appreciate his technical skill, tonight he took a step deeper into his emotional range and presented the mortification of a pierced heart and later on that of one in delirious joy. His voice rippled around the theater. The man behind me said all night, “they are all remarkable, but he gives just a bit more.”

If I never see another show in my life, I can say that twice I witnessed an Italian Art being crafted at the moment. I did capture the song on video for an addition to my personal library. Something happened during the recording I cannot explain. No matter what I did, I could not focus on Piero. He remained as a blurred image in the camera. There are lights of green and red all around him, but the camera refused to bring him into focus. The audio is magnificent. Curious how the camera conveyed that one only needed to hear this to recognize brilliance. The lights in the lens reflected that brilliance and surrounded him with the glow of passion and growth. I confess to a mysterious admiration of his presence, he is a cat, a sleek, unusual pixie. However, I have come to understand that Piero can be extraordinarily endearing in unexpected ways. When he realized there was a camera projecting their image onto a larger screen for the folks sitting up in back, he leaned in, examined the lens, looked at the image, looked back, winked away and leaned in to kiss the lens kissing us through it. All at once, he is a cat, curious, unpredictable and a sweetheart. To me he will ever more be piccioncino. My little lovebird.

Boschetto once again displayed a rambling sort of humor that although scripted, veers into nuttiness at any moment. È il mio biscottino. My little cookie. His voice was clear and crisp, he sings such bittersweet melodies and managed to draw tears from me during “Memory”. He reduced Barone to giggles several times calling him Mr. Red Glasses, running to the extreme back of the theater to find his “Maria” and being called Igna by the guys. After escorting his Maria safely to her chair, he came back and did a theatrical roll up onto the stage. There is a giddiness about him that is infectious. In body and spirit, he often reminds me of an otter.

As I read their tweets and watch the bits of video shared with fans, they do act like brothers, one minute bopping each other around, the next serious and supportive. One person in line for the meet and greet was recognized by the organizer as being at her fifth show. Il Volo does that. I was dazzled at the Boston performance only a few weeks ago. So much happened in one night that I simply had to see them again.