Fifteen years into their career, IL Volo - the Italian trio that’s redefined classical crossover pop - continue to push the boundaries of their genre with Ad Astra (International Edition). This latest album, a standout in their discography, features 16 tracks that bridge the worlds of opera, classical symphonics, and contemporary pop. It features 11 previously unreleased songs, a first for Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble. These tracks showcase their ability to modernize and reinterpret classics while staying true to who they are. Among the highlights is “Now We Are Free,” the hauntingly majestic theme from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, originally composed by Hans Zimmer. The trio’s lush harmonies breathe new life into this cinematic masterpiece, transforming it into a sweeping vocal experience.

IL Volo’s gift for reimagining timeless music is on full display with their renditions of “The Sound Of Silence” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” a song that’s been covered ad nauseum but still comes across magical here. These American classics are reworked with dramatic new arrangements, blending symphonic grandeur with the trio’s emotionally charged delivery. A standout moment on the album is their collaboration with internationally acclaimed South African soprano Pretty Yende on “Amazing Grace.” Yende’s crystalline vocals merge beautifully with IL Volo’s rich tones, resulting in a rendition that’s both reverent and fresh. The group also revisits their hit single “Capolavoro,” this time offering an English-language version that introduces the track to a wider audience while retaining its emotional depth.

Each track on Ad Astra feels carefully crafted to reflect the trio’s unique dynamic. Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca bring their distinct vocal personalities to every song, yet their harmonies remain seamless, a testament to their years of work and shared vision. This balance of individuality and unity has been a cornerstone of IL Volo’s global success, and it’s in full force here. Beyond the album, fans can look forward to Il Volo In The Valley Of The Temples, a new PBS concert special airing November 29. Filmed in Sicily, the performance captures the trio amidst breathtaking ancient ruins, delivering songs from Ad Astra with the kind of visual and vocal drama that has made their live shows unforgettable. With Ad Astra, IL Volo doesn’t just mark a milestone, they set a new benchmark for the classical crossover scene. From cinematic themes to beloved standards, the album is a journey through music’s most universal expressions, led by three voices that continue to go beyond borders and styles.