Il Volo is an Italian Opera trio from Sicily. The amazingly young group in their teens has strong tenor voices that got America’s attention after one of the best guest performances in the history of American Idol singing ‘O Sole Mio’ last year. They formed in 2009 and were received in their native country very well performing with some of the biggest international superstars in their short history. The group consists of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble. They are now set for their second U.S. tour which will be coming through Cincinnati.

Il Volo is produced by long time industry veteran Tony Renis who discovered the boys two years ago along with Grammy  winning producer Humberto Gatica who has worked with Michael Bublé, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. Il Volo has already been certified platinum in their home country.

Amy caught up with Gianluca Ginoble this week by phone to discuss Ginoble’s love of touring and the fact that he gets to do what he loves every day. He is just learning English but he is able to provide a little insight to the band’s grueling tour schedule. Come check out Il Volo at Riverbend on Friday night for an uplifting performance.

Amy: I know you were introduced to opera from family members growing up in Italy. How important is family tradition to you?

Gianluca: My family is the most important thing because my Grandpa is my inspiration. It was him that introduced me to this kind of music. But I love others as well like Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra. I love opera, I love other kinds of music too. To me family is the most important thing.

Amy: You guys are going to start a long tour being away from home. Is it hard being on the road being away from friends and family or what is the hardest part for you?

Gianluca: When I am home, I can’t wait to do another tour because this is now my life. For me, it is like funny work because this is my passion. I am doing what I love to do, but when I am on tour I can’t wait to come back to my house and my home because I miss the family, my Grandpa. My Grandma died six months ago and for me it was an amazing pain. He was very important for me.

Amy: I am sorry to hear that. Are there any places on the tour in the United States that you are specifically looking forward to playing, the location or the venue?

Gianluca: Yes, yes, yes. My favorite city is Los Angeles. New York as well, but Los Angeles is the city of the dreams and the star, the Walk of Fame, the Oscars. For me it is the best city.

Amy: What has been your rehearsal process for the tour? What has that been like for you?

Gianluca: We have prepared with eight or nine hour rehearsals daily.

Amy: Every day?

Gianluca: Yes because this is our first concert and we are preparing. When we have the sound check before the concert it is just twenty minutes or thirty minutes so we have major rehearsals to get ready.

Amy: How do you take care of your voices?

Gianluca: Yes always, our voices are the most important thing.

Amy: Do you ever see the band crossing over to pop music or do you think you will stay with opera?

Gianluca: I don’t know. We are open to many things. We did an American tour and it was wonderful, amazing because there were teenagers everywhere and in the U.S., in Miami, Los Angeles, New York and this is beautiful because it was our goal and this is a dream come true.

Amy: Where do you see yourself or the band in ten more years?

Gianluca: I don’t know. I hope all this can continue in this way but life is unpredictable.

Amy: What is your favorite song to sing and perform?

Gianluca: Smile, a Charlie Chaplin song.

Amy: What can the fans look forward to in Cincinnati at the show?

Gianluca: It is going to be a very beautiful show with more surprises. We have changed some things and I think it is going to be amazing. We have three new songs which are a surprise.

Amy: How do stay connected to your fans with Facebook or Twitter?

Gianluca: Always, always. I update my fans, our fans. I am always doing “Greetings from…” I upload the pictures.

Amy: What are you looking forward to the most on the tour?

Gianluca: The most beautiful thing is to meet the fans. When I look at the people and they are happy and when they listen to our singing and we can make them happy it is just beautiful.