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2007 BENEFIT GALA
Michael Amante - ENCORE Michael Amante first made his mark at Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano in 2004 as the first artist to perform in the Great Stone Church in over two hundred years. Dubbed "the golden-voiced tenor" by The New York Post, Mr. Amante is considered one of the most versatile and gifted performers able to sing in a variety of languages including, Italian, Spanish, Polish, French, German and Latin. He regularly records and performs in a vast array of styles including Classical, Italian, Pop/Rock, Gospel and Broadway with a flair, finesse and finely crafted artistry that puts this virtuoso vocalist firmly in his own class. Michael Amante grew up in Syracuse, New York, one of five children. Michael began singing in Catholic school when he was six, discovering his true potential while singing in the church choir. As a teenager, he was in demand with local bands. His career has taken him into the opera house and the musical theater. Amante, however, is not only a performing artist, but also a gourmet chef, having recipes published in Pasta magazine. Currently, Michael has recorded a new album which is targeted for release late September 2007. It will breathe romance and is sure to be another chart topper. Amante resides in New York City with his wife and three children.
The
Orange County Register It was a magical moment, when the sun's final rosy rays lit the historic ruins of The Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Michael Amante sang the famous "Nissun Dorma" tenor aria from Puccini's "Turandot" to 550 rapt listeners Friday, Sept. 14. Amante, who gained accolades in 2004 as the first artist in 200 years to perform in The Great Stone Church, explained that the mission holds special significance for him because it's where his parents were married. "Romantico, The Romance of the Mission 2007," which netted $230,000 toward the restoration of the mission's south wing, honored fervent mission supporter Erma Jean Tracy. Mission Preservation Foundation member Connie Spenuzzathanked Tracy and the family foundation for "ensuring that many generations of children will continue to understand California history and appreciate our 'Jewel of the Missions.'" Tracy later said, "I love the mission. My late husband Tom's funeral, my daughter Katherine's wedding and my grandson Shane's christening were all here." The ringing of the Mission bells drew guests into the inner courtyard, where elegant rectangular tables dressed in red linens and overlaid with black sequined Chantilly lace awaited along with red rose-garlanded candelabras and garden box floral centerpieces. Thanks to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and Southern Wines & Spirits, the gala's hors d'oeuvres, dinner, wait staff, wines, and liquors were all donated. The gorgeous $16,900 "Natalie Tara" platinum and 18k gold diamond necklace opportunity prize from Traditional Jewelers in Fashion Island was won by mission supporter Rich Nagby for wife Diane. Guests departed with Amante's new CD and "The Chronicles of California's Queen Calafia," a 15th century myth of a little-known warrior queen and her role as California's namesake, compliments of organizing editor Dr. Mozelle Sukut. Event highlight: The beautiful sounds of Drew Tretick's electric violin filling the gala reception with the haunting "Time to Say Goodbye." |
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