HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH
DeWITT, NY
NOVEMBER 18, 2007
It's a wonderful feeling to know there's still another Anthony Kearns concert
ahead of you, so the drive from Albany to Syracuse, while progressively
colder, (and another 236 miles), was a happy one.
Holy Cross is a perfectly lovely church. Much smaller than the previous
night's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, it was nonetheless warm,
inviting, and very welcoming. The pews were upholstered! What a wonderful
surprise!! The altar was small, but bedecked with flowers, and Anthony stood
at the top of three steps which led up to it. But because the church was so
cozy, the audience was very close to the singer, and it was almost as if
Anthony and Patrick were entertaining in our living rooms. If you have a
grand piano in your living room, and your guests wear tails when they
come to visit!
The concert was essentially the same as Albany's, with some notable
exceptions. Karen always speaks very highly of the choir she belongs
to, and of its director, Ernie Camerota. Well, she didn't exaggerate.
The choir is wonderful, with some excellent voices. Anthony even
remarked that there were some very good voices there......and Karen's.
Of course he was joking, but after a marvelous "Isle of Hope, Isle of
Tears", during which the choir accompanied him, Anthony remarked
that he was speechless at how good they were. But first they opened
the concert with Verdi's famous chorus, "Va Pensiero," from Nabucco.
I was already impressed. Ernie must be a terrific director, to pull all
those voices together so beautifully. I know from personal experience,
how difficult it is. After that, Ernie welcomed Anthony and Patrick to
the stage, and to DeWitt, and Anthony again began with a beautiful
"Standchen." The songlist went along as it had previously, with "My
Love is Like a Red, Red Rose" shining like a beacon. But the difference
was, that the intimacy of this church brought Anthony's voice closer
to his audience, and as a result, the top notes rang out even more
plangently, the soft notes - a trademark of his- were even lovelier,
and his facial expressions were more visible, and funnier.
"McBreen's Heifer" was even more delightful, as was "The Bould
Gendarmes." Back in the program, as a special request, was the
sublimely beautiful "Bring Him Home." As far as I'm concerned,
there are no words to describe how exquisitely Anthony sings this
song, and I don't think I'll ever hear it sung better. My favorites the
day before, were still my favorites. "My Snowy Breasted Pearl"
would have made John McCormack envious, but proud of the
man who is usurping his crown. "Apres Un Reve" was sensual, and
full of the wanting, of unfulfilled love. "A Father's Prayer" was gorgeously
sung, and brought tears to many eyes. Patrick has indeed penned a
jewel of a song, and together he and Anthony have created a
masterpiece. As on the previous night, the Italian songs were a
huge hit, and brought the roaring crowd to its feet, as did a sensational
"Granada" in which Anthony showcased the great artistry of Patrick,
playing without sheet music, by the way. Patrick again gave us the
Donkey Serenade story, and this time, he embellished it as only
he can. The DeWitt audience, just like the Albany audience, was
crying with laughter. During the interval, I spoke with one of the
choir members, and she said they had a special surprise planned for
the second half. And indeed they did. The entire choir took its
place onstage, and accompanied Patrick in a great version of
"Modern Major General" from Pirates of Penzance! And they were
terrific! How wonderful to be able to do this piece with one of the
world's foremost interpreters of Gilbert and Sullivan! Even Karen
was quiet, as she accepted all the applause! And the smiles on
everyone's faces were worth whatever it took to learn this song
to Patrick's satisfaction. It was a perfectly wonderful concert,
a wonderfully perfect one! Kudos to Karen Randall for having the
desire to bring the men to DeWitt.......and the tenacity to keep
hammering at the powers that be, to make the concert a reality!
This afternoon there was a sit-down meet & greet, with wines,
soft drinks, punch, and a variety of hors d'oeuvres. Anthony and
Patrick, as they always do, graciously stayed until almost everyone
had a chance to speak to them, have programmes signed, or have
a picture taken. Even the caterer asked for an autograph! And at
the very end, before he left, Anthony took the time to talk with a
young singer, a budding tenor, giving him some advice, and
generously chatting warmly with him. It was a wonderful afternoon.
Thanks to Karen, Ernie, and all who helped put this concert together.
As a former boss, and good friend would have said, "ya done swell."
Thank you for the new program, Anthony and Patrick. And thank you
for all the beauty you've shared during the past month. Safe home.
Berta Calechman
