Brooklnrev - Page: 1 of 1

St. Michael's Church in Brooklyn is a lovely church, currently undergoing
renovation - hence the "fundraiser" starring The Irish Tenors. Father Patrick
Burns is a charming, affable man, who has a long association with the Tenors,
both individually, and as a group. So he was able to pull off a concert in the
church, just two weeks before St. Patrick's Day. Had I given it some thought,
I would have remembered that Father Pat packs a lot into his presentations.
Consequently, as in previous years, there were several performers who
appeared, before the Tenors actually sang. I will only say that the most moving
moment was the presentation of a "St. Michael's Angel" award, posthumously,
to State Trooper (and parishioner) John McKenna, who was killed last August,
at the age of 30, in Fallujah. There was a beautiful slide show, showing
Capt. McKenna from early age, up to the present, with his parents, and his lovely
family. It was heartbreaking. His family was there to accept the award.

The concert. The men did admirably, under the circumstances. There was no
orchestra, just pre-recorded music, mostly from the "Sacred" album, with
Arnie conducting the men. The Tenors were in wonderful voice. They began
with "The Harp that Once Through Tara's Halls", and although I could hardly
hear the first half performers, or the speakers, the mens' voices rang out
marvelously. There was no time for joking, or much camaraderie, but there
were touching moments, as Anthony gave Karl a pat on the shoulder, before Karl
began the first solo, "Song for Ireland." I think Karl was a tiny bit nervous, but
once he adjusted to the mikes, and the accoustics, he was wonderful. And the
packed church showed its appreciation. Finbar followed with "I'll Take You
Home Again, Kathleen", and the audience was overjoyed. There were audible
sighs, and applause even before he began to sing. He too, was in magnificent
voice, and it was beautifully sung. We did get a bonus, as Anthony then came
out and sang his glorious "Lord's Prayer." There is nothing left to say about
the exquisite way he sings the Our Father. Well, maybe a very soft "amen."
And that piece truly got the loudest and longest applause. Also, Anthony and
Karl sang a really lovely "Panis Angelicus." I was glad to finally hear this, as
it had been promised at Christmas, but didn't materialize. They shook hands
after the duet was finished. The Tenors dedicated "Hail Glorious St. Patrick"
to Capt. McKenna, and "Danny Boy" to the other honoree, Sr. Lorna Colin.
There were beautiful performances of "Fields of Athenry", "Amazing Grace"
(which was really terrific), and a subdued version of "Whiskey in the Jar." All too
soon, it was over. Anthony said "all good things must come to an end."
But honestly, not this soon. The Tenors performed for just over an hour.
I was disappointed. Maybe it was my fault for not remembering that this
might not be your "usual Irish Tenor concert." But for those who only
attended one or two concerts this tour, not several, as some did, this seemed
like short shrift, and only served to whet the appetite for more.

Berta Calechman