Bayshore07revanthonykearns

From the outside, St. Patrick's Church is a large, imposing building. But inside,
the church is intimate, and decorated in an almost Byzantine style. It reminded
me of Marrakech. It was packed Saturday night, for Anthony's second concert
on his spring tour. The concert on Saturday had a slightly different format, as
Anthony was assisted by The Hibernian Singers. The Hibernian Singers,
conducted by Christopher Bilella, have traveled worldwide, and sung with
some very famous names. They recently sang at the Vatican, and are on their
way to Vienna. Having heard them sing with Anthony many times, I can honestly
say this was their best singing. They sang a beautiful and varied selection of
songs. My favorite was a combination of "I Believe" and Gounod's "Ave Maria."
It was truly wonderful. In the past I've sometimes felt that "I Believe" is kind
of a hokey song, but not in this arrangement. It worked so well with the Ave
Maria, and the voices were lovely. They sang an arrangement of "I Dreamt I
Dwelt in Marble Halls" from The Irish Ring, using just the womens' voices,
and it was sweet and serene. Also using just the womens' voices, they sang
a very moving "Bless This House." They also sang Brendan Graham's "You

Raise Me Up," the famous "Va Pensiero" from Verdi's opera "Nabucco",
and reprised their fabulous "Salute to the Armed Forces" Medley. Their
voices soared through all those disparate songs. Christopher Bilella is a
fine conductor. Watching his strong beat, I could also see his musicality,
and the caring way he led his singers.

Anthony again began his program with "Sweet Vale of Avoca," and it's such
a lovely piece, especially since Avoca is one of my favorite places in Ireland.
He followed with "Trottin' to the Fair." As on the previous night, "The Snowy
Breasted Pearl" was almost unbearably beautiful. I saw a few people wipe
away tears, at its close. "Torna a Surriento" was an unqualified success.
I've found that audiences love to hear Anthony sing arias and Italian songs.
He has that "ping" in his voice that signifies an extraordinary tenor, and
transcends his being Irish, or anything else. "Una Furtiva Lagrima" again
brought down the house, as did "Dein ist mein Ganzes Herz." I brought with
me to the concert, a well-known NY stage director, who had not heard Anthony
in a couple of years. Since New Yorkers are by and large blase, I was struck
by the "WOW" that came from my friend's mouth after Anthony finished his
arias. Sometimes ya just can't help yourself!!!!! My friend was also hugely
impressed with "A Father's Prayer", and bought the CD, without any coaxing
from me! After "A Father's Prayer," Anthony announced that they were going
to do another piece which Patrick had written, a duet, which would rival the
brilliance and fame of The Pearl Fishers duet! And with tongue firmly in
cheek, they launched into "Friendship." It was marvelous, and although
it may not be as famous as The Pearl Fishers, it is a gem, and each time
they sing it, it's just a little more exaggerated....and such fun! Because
of the participation of the Hibernians, Patrick's pieces were shortened
a little. We had a truncated version of "And Her Mother Came Too" and a
newer version of Church bulletins. Patrick has added some new "typos"
and the audience laughed delightedly. I am sorry that the audience
couldn't have heard Patrick's story about The Donkey Serenade, that he'd
done the night before. It's riotously funny, and I would've liked to hear it
again, myself. I hope he keeps it in his repertoire.

The concert ended with Anthony singing a magnificent "Granada", after
which our wonderful host, Ronnie Allen, announced that Anthony would
sing with The Hibernians, and Patrick would join the choir! So.......we had
a momentous "first." Patrick Healy took his place in the front row of the
chorus, next to Ronnie, and joined Anthony and the standing audience in
"God Bless America." It was a spectacular end to a great evening!

Berta Calechman