Today’s musical world is well-acquainted with the image of the three elegant men of Il Volo, conquering millions of fans at prestigious venues like the Arena di Verona or achieving resounding victories at Sanremo. However, few know that before achieving such radiant glory, member Ignazio Boschetto once stood at a fateful threshold that could have completely extinguished his musical dreams. It is the story of a 15-year-old Sicilian boy facing the most difficult phase for any aspiring singer: the vocal break.
Puberty Shock and Doubts
At age 15, as his peers began experiencing physical changes, Ignazio found himself in an ironic situation for a young singer. His voice became unstable, uncontrollable, and lost its inherent clarity. In professional circles, this is often considered the “make or break” stage for male vocalists. Many around him at the time began to doubt the Sicilian boy’s ability to move forward, with some even advising him to seek a different path.
A Fateful Encounter with Maestro Bertocchi
Amidst anxiety and despair, a turning point occurred when Ignazio met Maestro Bertocchi. Instead of offering conventional theoretical advice or asking the young student to stop singing to protect his vocal cords, this conductor made an observation that surprised everyone.
With the eyes of a seasoned expert, Maestro Bertocchi did not focus on the missed notes or temporary off-key moments caused by physiological changes. He saw a “raw diamond” hidden behind the awkwardness of puberty. Maestro Bertocchi firmly asserted that this vocal change was not a sign of the end, but rather the beginning of a great Tenor voice of the future.
A Prophecy That Changed a Destiny
Maestro Bertocchi’s guidance did not stop at encouraging words. He directly taught Ignazio how to “live with” and master his new voice:
-
Listening to the body: He helped Ignazio understand the changes in his body and how to adapt to a new vocal range.
-
Breath control techniques: The secrets of managing airflow—which later became Ignazio’s sharpest weapon—were honed during this very period.
-
Maintaining faith: Most importantly, he taught the boy to believe in himself even when the sounds produced were not as desired.
Resilience in Silence at a Small Village
Ignazio’s success today is a testament to the perfect combination of natural talent and personal resilience. Instead of giving up, he chose to continue practicing in silence at a small village in Sicily. He did not abandon his “breaking voice,” accepting the harshest challenges to refine himself before reaching the world stage.
The understanding of a teacher and the relentless effort of a student saved an outstanding talent. Without the right guidance during his most vulnerable moments, the world might have lost an irreplaceable piece of Il Volo.
A Message of Faith and Art
The story of Ignazio Boschetto’s youth is deeply human and serves as a valuable lesson for anyone pursuing a passion. It reminds us that behind the splendor of today’s stage are years of challenges, doubts, and the presence of silent benefactors.
For fans, Ignazio is not just a singer with superlative technique, but a symbol of the fighting spirit and absolute faith in genuine art. “Never stop singing when your voice is breaking, because that might be the moment a legend begins to form”.