Singer Michael Amante Plays the Van Wezel 3/2

Affectionately known as the "People's Tenor," Michael Amante has been crowned "Prince of High C's" for his remarkable ability to hit and sustain with ease, one of the highest notes of a tenor's voice. With Michael's long history of singing popular Rock and Gospel music, coupled with extensive classical Bel-Canto training, he is able to sing even higher with a strength and mastery rarely heard anywhere in the world. Amante's artistry drew its highest praise from none other than Luciano Pavarotti, who recognized his unique talent after he first experienced Michael's vocal prowess. Joining the ranks of high-class commentators was opera legend Franco Corelli, with whom Michael trained, saying that Michael was "one of the greatest voices I'd ever heard." Legendary vocal superstar Tony Bennett will "guarantee you" that Michael Amante is "the next Mario Lanza," further commenting during Amante's performance: "That's the most beautiful singing I've heard in years." A New York Times reporter described Amante as exhibiting "both the voice and charisma of a crossover star".

With a combination of suave all- American good looks, romantic charm, and emotionally charged singing Michael has wowed audiences everywhere, including PBS Television, for which he received an Emmy Nomination. Apart from his thrilling High C's, Michael's signature is versatility. From the Phantom's Music of the Night to Puccini's La Bohéme, it's all on his playlist. On stage, Michael exhibits the rare talent common to singers who bring grandeur to their material: he inhabits a song, as surely as a gifted stage or screen actor becomes a character, giving it a life of its own. Backed by a 22-piece orchestra, Amante's new program honors Pavarotti with the romantic love songs and arias that have touched our hearts including "Nessun Dorma," "Mamma," and "O Soave Fanciulla". "Love must be a vital part of who we are and how we view life," Michael says, "It colors our world view, and it is the greatest of the gifts we receive and the most precious gift we can give those around us."

Ticket prices range from $10 to $60. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. This show is sponsored by Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton.