Il Volo delivered an emotional and unforgettable moment as they performed the classic carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” at the Christmas Theater in Athens in 2025.
The performance quickly moved the audience, with many fans describing it as one of the most beautiful versions of the song they have ever heard.
As the trio’s voices rose together, the theater filled with joy, faith, and the true spirit of Christmas. When Ignazio Boschetto reached the soaring high notes, it felt as if the music itself lifted the room, leaving some listeners imagining angel wings spreading behind the stage.
The Italian trio — Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble — brought their signature harmony and powerful vocals to the beloved hymn, giving it new life while honoring its long history.
Their heartfelt interpretation turned the traditional carol into a deeply moving experience, blending reverence with celebration. The audience responded with long applause, clearly touched by the emotion and beauty of the performance.
“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a traditional French Christmas carol that dates back to the eighteenth century. Originally known as “Les anges dans nos campagnes,” the song is inspired by the Bible verse Luke 2:14, which tells of angels praising God at the birth of Christ. The famous refrain, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” comes directly from this verse and is one of the few Latin lines still widely sung by congregations today.
The carol reflects a powerful image of heaven and earth singing together. In the lyrics, angels begin the song in the sky, while the mountains echo back in response, symbolizing the whole world joining in celebration. Over time, the hymn traveled from France to North America and appeared in many hymnals, including The United Methodist Hymnal. The English version most people know today was translated by James Chadwick in the 19th century.
By choosing this song, Il Volo connected their performance to centuries of Christmas tradition. Their Athens concert captured not only the beauty of the melody but also the deeper message of the carol — an invitation to come together and celebrate the birth of Christ with joy. For many in attendance, it was more than just a concert moment; it was a reminder of why this song continues to be loved around the world every Christmas season.
