Versatile tenor joins Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra at Tilles Center for Special Olympics Benefit Gala, November 5 at 3 P.M.
Those privileged few who get to eat at Rao's East Harlem restaurant have heard him. So has Pope John Paul II, President Bill Clinton, esteemed tenor Luciano Pavarotti, Governor George Pataki and Senator Alfonse D'Amato to name a few.Fortunately for us, however, Maestro Louis Panaccuilli of The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, has also heard him. And he has invited tenor Michael Amante to join them when the orchestra performs its 12th Annual Special Olympics Gala Benefit at The Tilles Center for Performing Arts on November 5.
Ideal voice for ideal musical program
Frank Sinatra lovers and Broadway enthusiasts rarely find that they have purchased the same tickets as opera lovers. But because Mr. Amante is a true crossover star, he can raise goosebumps and "bravos!" after an opera aria and still make others swoon as he sings songs made famous by ol' blue eyes."Michael Amante is a very, very fine tenor," says Maestra Panaccuilli. "The program for our gala benefit for the Special Olympics, "Touched By A Tenor," ranges from Broadway and movie tunes all the way through high opera. Michael is capable of singing opera with tremendous ease and with an incredible range but is just as comfortable with Frank Sinatra as he is Puccini."The program will include songs from movies such as "Be My Love," made popular by Mario Lanza, and "More," originally sung by Sergio Franchi, says the maestro. From Broadway, Mr. Amante will sing "Maria" from "West Side Story," "If Ever I Would Leave You" from "Camelot," and two songs from "Phantom," "All I Ask of You," and "Music of the Night."And from the popular venue, Michael Amante will follow up an orchestral tribute to ol' blue eyes with "All The Way." For some members of the audience, however, the "piece de resistance" will be his operatic numbers such as Puccini's beautiful arias "Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot" and "Chek Gelida Manina" (Your Cold Little Hand) from "La Boheme.""He will also perform the Neopolitan classic 'O Sole Mio' that has been made famous from Caruso to Pavarotti, including by tenor Richard Tucker in the '50s," says conductor Panaccuilli, "as well as another Neopolitan favorite 'Core 'ngrato.'" He adds that, "This is one of our biggest opportunities [where we get to] work with a singer such as Michael and present this kind of music to our audience."
A concert of record
According to Maestro Panacciulli, this gala benefit concert will be taped by Long Island's PBS television station, WLIW, for airing next year. In addition, Michael Amante's manager, Sonny Grosso (known to many as the cop-turned-screen writer of "The French Connection" fame) says that the tenor's very first CD will include his performance at this benefit.Mr. Grosso expects the audience will be thrilled with this very special event. "Michael has just recently appeared in Chicago and the organizers said the audience wouldn't let him off the stage."Mr. Grosso is also a fan of Maestro Panaccuilli. "I think they will make a marvelous combination. They are both spectacular. In addition, they are also looking for a female vocalist to join Michael for two songs, "Time To Say Goodbye" and a song from "Phantom of the Opera."
All for a special cause
This year's benefit is so special ,it is easy to overlook that it's all for very a good local cause. According to Nancy Mariano, executive director of a branch of the Long Island Special Olympics, this annual gala has contributed over $135,000 in the last 11 years to the organization."One of the rules of the organization is that there be absolutely no fees for the athletes," she explains. "These contributions go a long way toward the expenses of transportation, medals, uniforms, travel and training for the athletes.Ms. Mariano continues that the organization offers 22 sports, including basketball, gymnastics, equestrian competitions, aquatics, and track and field. "The money from the concert helps pay for uniforms and training. The athletes train for eight weeks in their specific sport each year. And we also run a summer camp."They could not accomplish what they do without additional help, she adds. "We have over 10,000 volunteers on Long Island who are actively involved in the Special Olympics. They are generous with their time, but they get back more than they give. The athletes are so loving and feel so deeply for those that help. When the athletes are in a race, it is not unusual to see an athlete fall down and another stop to help their fellow runner get up."Ms. Mariano, others from the organization and Long Island special athletes will attend the concert. "When they come to the concert, there is always some heartfelt piece or a little something during the event so that people know why they are there."Special Olympics Benefit Gala is 3 P.M. Sunday, November 5 at Tilles Center, Route 25A Brookville. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors and adults. For tickets call the Tilles box office at (516)-299-3100.
