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Band of Liberty performs with renowned tenor Michael Amante

  • Published
  • By SrA Mickey Ireland
  • USAF Band of Liberty
Boston, MA --  Despite the rain and threat of thunderstorms, hundreds of music lovers found their way to City Hall Plaza on July 23rd for a memorable Band of Liberty concert that featured internationally acclaimed tenor Michael Amante. A versatile musician who defies category, Amante brought his artistry and vocal pyrotechnics to a wide array of musical styles; including opera arias, traditional Italian songs, Broadway hits and American rock n' roll. 

The Band of Liberty began the concert with a short set of traditional concert band pieces including works by Jacques Offenbach, Leroy Anderson and John Philip Sousa. 1st Lieutenant David Alpar, the band's commander and conductor, then welcomed 14-year old violin prodigy Pei-Wen Liao to the stage to perform Jules Massenet's "Meditation" and Vittorio Monti's flashy showpiece "Czardas" with the band. After a standing ovation and a rousing march, Mr. Amante stepped on stage and proceeded to dazzle the audience for well over an hour. Whether it was a classic aria such as Puccini's "Nessun Dorma"; Dean Martin's 1950's hit "Sway" or the ever-popular "Music of the Night", Mr. Amante soared on the wings of his natural artistry and astounding vocal range. A proud supporter of the military and veterans affairs, Mr. Amante dedicated the moving "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables to all the soldiers, sailors and airmen currently deployed around the world. 

A New York native who began singing at a very early age, Mr. Amante burst onto the scene in 2002 by topping the Billboard Midline Classical charts with his self-titled debut album. Numerous high-profile engagements followed, including performances at Lincoln Center, Caesar's Palace and Madison Square Garden. In the course of touring the world, Amante has performed for three former U.S. Presidents; Pope John Paul II; UN Secretary General Kofi Annan; opera legend Luciano Pavarotti and numerous other dignitaries and celebrities. With five albums now under his belt, Amante has distinguished himself as a force to be reckoned with in genres ranging from opera to jazz to Broadway.

1st Lieutenant Alpar and the Band of Liberty will be returning to the stage at City Hall Plaza on Wednesday, August 13th at 7 pm, this time joined by Grammy-winning recording artist Crystal Gayle. The concert, sponsored by Boston Parks and Recreation, is free and open to the public.