It was while dining at celebrity-eatery Rao's that music industry legend Charles Koppelman discovered more than just fabulous pasta.he found America's newest opera tenor, Michael Amante . A Monday night regular, performing to the restaurant's often-influential crowd, Michael Amante had no idea the music executive was there that night. Koppelman was impressed -- so much so that he signed the young singer on the spot. Within days, Amante was in the studio recording his debut, self-titled CD with legendary producer Phil Ramone.

Featuring favorite operatic arias from Rigoletto , Turandot , La Boheme and Aida as well as popular Italian songs such as "O Sole Mio" and "Non Ti Scordar di Me," the album introduces a soaring new love song "Ho Bisogno d'amore " (I Have a Need for Love) that showcases the all-American exuberance, the Italian soul and the sheer beauty of Amante's singing.

"A swashbuckling Italian tenor [who] exhibits both the voice and charisma of a crossover star." The New York Times