Il Volo Pays Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti at “Pavarotti 90” With an Emotional Performance at the Arena di Verona

On November 5, 2025, Italian television audiences were treated to a special celebration of one of the greatest figures in opera history as “Pavarotti 90” aired on Canale 5. Recorded at the Arena di Verona on September 30, the star-studded event brought together celebrated performers to honor Luciano Pavarotti — including Il Volo, who delivered two memorable performances during the evening.

Hosted by Michelle Hunziker, the event recalled the spirit of Pavarotti & Friends, the charity music series organized by Pavarotti and his second wife, Nicoletta Mantovani, from 1992 to 2003 to support humanitarian causes.

For Il Volo, however, the evening carried a particularly personal meaning. Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble have repeatedly spoken about Pavarotti as an important inspiration in their musical journey.

Il Volo Opens With “Capolavoro”

One of the evening’s special moments came when Il Volo joined three sopranos — Marion Battistelli, Carmen Gianattasio and Giulia Mazzola — for a performance of “Capolavoro.”

Michelle Hunziker introduced the six singers, describing the performance as a special moment inspired by the tradition of Pavarotti & Friends. As Il Volo walked onto the stage, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause before joining the three sopranos for the song.

After the performance, Hunziker remained on stage to speak with the trio.

The conversation quickly became personal when she recalled meeting Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca when they were still very young.

She remembered sharing the stage with them at Wetten Das in Germany in 2013 and noted how much their lives had changed since then.

In particular, she congratulated Ignazio on becoming a father.

Ignazio on Fatherhood: “Every Sacrifice Is Worth It”

Asked about life as a new father, Ignazio admitted that he was no longer getting much sleep.

But what might once have sounded like a daunting prospect had taken on an entirely different meaning for him.

He explained that before becoming a father, someone might imagine the sleepless nights as a negative part of parenthood. Once the baby arrives, however, everything changes.

Even when he has to wake up, watch his child or give him milk in the morning, Ignazio said the sacrifices ultimately feel worthwhile.

It was a warm and intimate moment in an evening largely devoted to music and the legacy of Pavarotti.

“Pavarotti Inspired Us”

Hunziker then asked the three singers what it meant to perform in an event honoring Luciano Pavarotti.

For Gianluca, the answer was clear: it was a great privilege.

He reflected on Pavarotti’s extraordinary contribution to opera and his ability to take the genre beyond the traditional theater setting and introduce it to huge audiences around the world.

Gianluca also mentioned Maestro Andrea Bocelli, another artist who helped bring this musical world to a wider public.

For Il Volo, continuing to introduce this music to younger generations is something they hope to do for the rest of their lives.

Piero added an equally personal reflection. The trio never had the opportunity to meet Pavarotti, but they considered him one of the artists who inspired them to pursue the path they ultimately chose.

Their goal, Piero explained, is to carry that inspiration forward by performing with love, passion and a smile.

The audience responded with applause.

A Surprise Conductor for “Granada”

 

The evening had another major surprise in store.

Hunziker sent Il Volo back to the center of the stage for a second performance, this time of “Granada.”

The song was conducted by legendary tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo, who stepped onto the podium and warmly embraced the three members of Il Volo.

Domingo conducted the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra for the performance, giving Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca the opportunity to sing under the direction of one of the most celebrated figures in the world of opera.

The performance ended with prolonged applause and bows from both Il Volo and Domingo.

It was one of the night’s most striking moments.

“An Emotional Evening”

After the performance, the members of Il Volo reflected on what the tribute meant to them.

Ignazio described the evening as emotional because Pavarotti represents so much to the trio.

For him, Pavarotti was an inspiration and one of those artists who taught them not to put limits on music or on musical taste.

Gianluca emphasized the importance of remembering a man who had moved audiences around the world. He said that, for as long as they live, Il Volo will continue striving to carry this music forward through their voices — including for younger generations.

Piero offered a simple tribute to the man who helped bring opera to the general public:

“The man who brought opera to the general public, thank you, Luciano!”

A Legacy That Continues Across Generations

The tribute also featured heartfelt reflections from the three sopranos who performed alongside Il Volo.

Carmen Gianattasio later shared her memories of the Arena di Verona evening, expressing her happiness at reliving the event with Il Volo, Mariam Battistelli and Giulia Mazzola.

She described Pavarotti’s art, humanity and voice as qualities that continue to accompany, inspire and unite people across generations.

That sentiment captured the spirit of the entire evening.

Pavarotti 90 was not simply a celebration of a legendary tenor’s career. It was also a reminder of how his influence continues to reach artists who came after him — including three young Italian singers who built their own musical journey around many of the traditions he helped bring to audiences everywhere.

For Il Volo, standing on the stage of the Arena di Verona to honor Pavarotti was therefore more than another major television performance.

It was a chance to acknowledge one of the artists who helped inspire them in the first place.

And with “Capolavoro,” “Granada,” the voices of Il Volo, three acclaimed sopranos and the direction of Plácido Domingo, the tribute created a memorable evening dedicated to a man whose voice and legacy continue to resonate.

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