Kicking off…
Summer’s here and the time is right for planning to enjoy Queens Symphony Orchestra’s 2004 Concerts on the Green — the free summer parks series at one of the best outdoor venues in the borough, the George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park.
Kicking off the traditional summer concert season is Michael Amante on Thursday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. Amante rewrites the book on anybody’s idea of what a tenor can be. The New York Times declared that this “swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and charisma of a crossover star” while Queens native Tony Bennett hails him as “the new Mario Lanza.”
Throw in some Jon Bon Jovi with Amante’s movie-star looks, his operatic debonair and his old-world finesse and it should come as no surprise that Amante first made his voice known by soaring over the sounds of heavy metal bands in rock clubs.
Italian-American Amante has recorded for Medalist Entertainment, produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. His career has taken him church choir singing and local rock bands where his pure natural tenor voice could cover versions of the killer hits of Kansas, Foreigner and Journey, into the opera house and musical theatre, where he has sung leading roles in “La Boheme” and “Madama Butterfly,” as well as “West Side Story,” “Grease” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” among other professional accomplishments.
Amante has also performed in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Shea Stadium for the New York Mets, has been featured on NBC’s coverage of the New York Columbus Day Parade and appears on the soundtrack of the film “While My Pretty One Sleeps.” Visit his Web site, www.michaelamante.com, for additional touring dates and publicity photos.
Amante said “Whether I’m singing for a party of 10 or an audience of 10,000, it’s always the same — singing is like a prayer. I love being a tenor in the opera, but it’s a very small world and I want to share this beautiful music with everyone.”
The following is the complete schedule of QSO’s 2004 Concerts on the Green. The George Seuffert Bandshell provides bench seating and free parking for your convenience and is located just off the Woodhaven Boulevard entrance to Forest Park (just beyond the historic Muller Carousel).
“Michael Amante in Concert” Thursday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. Forest Park
This is a special concert presented in partnership with Forest Park. Come hear the amazing vocal stylings of tenor Michael Amante with guest conductor Herbert Bernstein and QSO Resident Conductor George Garrett Keast.
“A Taste of Opera” Wednesday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. St. John’s University; Sunday, Aug. 8, 4 p.m. Forest Park
This is the perfect concert coupling of the summer. If you love opera, than you’ll love hearing selections of famous opera arias and orchestral overtures. Featuring QSO Music Director Arthur Fagen and opera soloists TBA.
“The Rising Stars of Tomorrow” Sunday, Aug. 15, 4 p.m. Forest Park
Be one of the first to experience the next generation of stars. QSO will feature the young, local talented musicians of Queens on their way to becoming the next great classical performers. QSO Music Director Arthur Fagen conducting.
Information and directions are available at: www.queenssymphony.org.
