Billed as the world's first "opera band," Amici Forever consists of five photogenic, classically trained opera singers who blend contemporary pop with traditional opera. Sopranos Jo Appleby (England) and Tsakane Valentine (South Africa), along with tenors Geoff Sewell (New Zealand) and David Habbin (England) and bass baritone Nick Garrett (England), met while training and performing at some of the world's finest venues. The initial idea was hatched by Sewell, who counts Elvis Presley as an influence, and fleshed out by the remaining members. Their mutual interest in the genres of classical and pop led them to a contract with Arista Associated Labels, and a debut at the U.K.'s major rugby union final and the FA Cup Final, where they sang the national anthem. Producer Nick Patrick (Gipsy Kings, Tina Turner, and Marvin Gaye) was brought in to helm their debut album. Opera Band was released worldwide on January 13, 2004. ~ James Christopher Monger