How to describe it, when the best gets better. It's not an easy task. Yesterday, at his concert, the last of the fall tour, Anthony Kearns surpassed himself. It was a marvelous afternoon, and a fitting climax to his 2003 solo concerts. Our Lady of Mercy Academy is a lovely venue, set on a picturesque campus, bursting with sunshine and fall colors. A fitting prelude to a spectacular performance. Anthony has been in great voice for the entire tour, but yesterday, it seemed stronger, richer, and more beautiful. The songlist remained basically the same. But certain pieces stood out, for their beauty, their expertise, and the fact that they will remain in one's mind (and heart), for quite some time. At the top of my list has to be the absolutely perfect "My Heart and I." Anthony's ringing high notes, and the depth and breadth of the feeling he injected into the song, make it one of the most glorious memories of the past few months. I hope he never takes it out of his program. "E Lucevan le Stelle" was superb, and made me long for the day when Anthony conquers the opera world. It will happen. And another aria - "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz", was full of emotion, and magnificently sung. "Mattinata" was again a great success, due to the expansive accompaniment that Patrick provided and the full, meaty tones that came from the Kearns throat. We also heard "Off to Philadelphia", an audience favorite, "Phil the Fluther", "The Palatine's Daughter", and of course..."Danny Boy." One of the priests I spoke with after the concert, echoed my sentiment that we didn't want to hear anyone but Anthony sing "Danny Boy." The duets were highlights of the program. "Friendship" was a huge hit, and "Bould Gendarmes" brought laughter and much applause. But it was the haunting performance of "We'll Gather Lilacs in the Spring" which has remained in my memory, and I can still hear the artful combination of Patrick's lovely speaking voice, and Anthony's soft vocal echo of the words. It was truly extraordinary. As an unexpected bonus, Anthony sang "one for the road"..."Granada." It brought down the house, as it always does. So, during the course of the afternoon, without any boasting or bravado, we heard some of the range of Anthony Kearns' repertoire. From "Gentle Maiden" to "Granada", through Opera, Operetta, and in four languages. Well done, Mr. Kearns!
It's almost as difficult to find more wonderful things to say about Patrick Healy, that haven't already been said. He spoke lovingly of the Nuns at the religious school he attended, and managed to fit the hilarious story of Tosca and the trampolene into the mix, as well. His bravura accompaniments to "Mattinata", and "Granada", and his sweet singing of the "Castle of Dramore", proved again what a consummate musician he is. The promoters of this concert walked around through the audience during intermission, wanting to meet those of us who had come from other states. They were properly impressed with the list, that included Connecticut, Michigan, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey, as well as New York, itself. But those of us who came those distances don't think it's such a big deal. A concert such as this one, is worth the trip from anywhere.
by Berta Calechman
Our Lady of Mercy Academy
Syosset, Long Island
November 2, 2003