Review: Il Volo Shines in Return to Cleveland at Playhouse Square

Il Volo Credit: Courtesy Hector Rodriguez

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I entered the Key Bank State Theatre on Sunday night to see the Operatic trio, Il Volo, live in concert. The “Pop Opera” group — consisting of Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto and Piero Barone — have been on a massive international tour spanning everywhere from Brazil to Spain to Italy. The North American swing brought them to downtown Cleveland on this mid-March weekend after a long two and a half years away.

As the throngs of people filed into the theatre, there was a buzz of excitement and electricity in the air. Conversations filled the lobby with people speaking in the familiar midwestern dialect but also peppered with fluent Italian all around me. Audience members dressed in their finest evening wear, mixed in with die-hard Il Volo fans wearing their favorite tour T-shirts. I had a feeling I was in for more than your traditional Opera experience.

I took my seat and as the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, the silhouettes of the trio appeared. The crowd immediately erupted with shrieks, whistles and applause as the stage lights fell on them and they began their first song.

Set against a backdrop of illuminated Grecian columns, most likely a nod to their recent PBS special at the Temple of Concordia in Sicily, Il Volo treated the crowd of adoring fans to a night full of Italian opera classics such as “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” and contemporary standards like “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. There were also a few covers of Simon and Grafunkel including the classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” But by far the fan favorites were the trio’s original songs.

There were many standing ovations throughout the duration of the two-hour show but the title track of their latest album “Ad Astra” brought one of the most uproarious crowd reactions and almost everyone in the theater was out of their seats.

Each song was gorgeously performed, with the backing of a full orchestra complete with a harpist. The night was a classical musician’s dream, but was full of contemporary flair and artistry. Each member’s unique and powerful voice was showcased beautifully in each song. Gianluca with the smooth and full baritone, Ignazio’s dramatic and theatrical vocal range and Piero’s measured and powerful tenor, their three voices together made for a breathtaking performance.

At one point, singer Cecille Sordoni joined the trio on stage to perform a duet as well as a solo performance of “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. That brought the house down.

With all of that considered, at times I still managed to forget that I was at a (Pop)Opera show because the audience treated Il Volo as bonafide popstars. Cries and screams coming from many of the female fans at various moments throughout the evening were met with gratitude from the trio. There was constant playful banter between the group and the crowd, and you can tell that they truly have a great relationship with their fans, many of whom have been with them since the beginning of their 16-year career. Ignazio recognized one such fan in the front row and knelt down to give her a hug.

The bond between the three long time group members was palpable as well. The loving and fun energy between the three of them made the performance that much more engaging as they took the audience on a musical journey through time and genres.

As the crescendo of Il Volo’s voices climaxed on the encore song and the audience again rose to their feet for the last time, the thunderous applause echoed throughout the theater, and I saw what their fans saw. A group of teenagers who 16 years ago came together to make a mark on the world of Pop-Opera, and who now at thirty something have done just that. Bravo.

Find Marissa on instagram at @marissam.art and her website marissam.art.

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