Il Divo is a new vocal concept featuring 4 internationally renowned young male singers who apply operatic technique and virtuosity to the interpretation of romantic songs from the popular repertoire, with full orchestral accompaniment. In 2001, an idea was conceived for a mould breaking quartet: 4 exceptional young men with formally trained voices who could take popular songs, old and new, to another level where the historic rift between pop and classical music is finally healed. The band were born in December 2003 after a worldwide search and christened Il Divo Note: this is an Italian word meaning ‘Divine Performer - or a male Diva’. Their multi-national identity reflects the universal appeal of the music. Rehearsals and recording sessions took place during the first half of 2004 in London, where all of Il Divo currently live. Some of their songs will be familiar like Regresa A Mi (or ‘Unbreak My Heart’ by Toni Braxton),‘Nella Fantasia’ (based on Gabriel’s Oboe from Ennio Morricone’s penned score of The Mission) and ‘A Mi Manera’ (Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’). What makes them soar is the heartstopping quality of the vocal performances and arrangements. Il Divo remind us that great arias and classic pop songs are but two sides of the same coin. The 4 principals share the lead throughout, combining to deliver choruses whose awesome power is matched by their tonal delicacy. Passion and restraint they show to be an irresistible aphrodisiac. Reflecting the multi-national character of the group, the songs are not all sung in English - but drift between Spanish, English and Italian. However they are worded, all use the emotional Esperanto of love. | |||