MANN CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS
Philadelphia, PA
August 3, 2006
The Irish Tenors-Here to Stay
As Finbar states at the beginning of the evening, and Anthony
reiterates at its close, Messers Kearns, Wright, and Scully ARE
The Irish Tenors. So make no mistake about it. The Tenors are back,
and they're here to stay! And to answer the question on the lips of
every Irish Tenor fan, the "new kid on the block"- tenor Karl Scully - is
a most worthy addition to the group, and has assumed his place
with grace and style. Understandably nervous at his first entrance,
he showed some tentativeness, but soon left that behind, to give as
professional performance as I've ever seen. The scuttlebut was that
Karl had a lovely, lyric tenor voice, and would fit in just fine, alongside
Finbar and Anthony. I'm very happy to say that it's all true. Karl has
a vibrant lower register, with a good vocal technique. But it's in his
soaring top notes that he really takes control of the stage. His
choice of solo pieces highlighted his strengths, as well as adding
a depth of feeling to the lyrics, especially in the beautifully sung
"The Water is Wide" and "Lift the Wings" from Riverdance. And
since an Irish Tenor's resume must include "must have fun, and
play well with others," he easily joined in the joviality, camaraderie,
and all-around tomfoolery of his two "uncles"- Uncle Anthony, and
Uncle Finbar, who beamed with pleasure as the audience let Karl
know he was a hit. In fact, all three men were in superlative voice,
singing gorgeously in temperatures which rivaled that of Death Valley!
Anthony's first solo, was an exquisite "She Mov'd Through the
Fair," a piece he said he first sang several years ago, as a young
fellow. (!!) He has worked diligently to present a heartfelt, deeply moving,
and wonderfully sung "Old Bog Road." Finbar's solo choices included
a really beautiful "Isle of Innisfree" and "South of the Border" which
no one does better. There's nothing left to say about it, except "OLE!"
The trios included "The Town I Loved So Well" which I don't think has
ever been sung better, the raucous "Whiskey in the Jar," "Irish Rover,"
the :"Courtin' Medley," a lyrical "Dublin Saunter," and a spectacular
"Amigos Para Siempre," an Andrew Lloyd Webber gem which ended
with Anthony singing an absolutely stunning high C! They brought
back "Maire's Wedding/I Know My Love", with its tricky beat and lyrics.
Much better than the last time they performed it, which I believe may
have been 2002, it's very close to being right on the money. And
since no Tenor concert could conclude without "Danny Boy," Danny
was there too, along with a stirring "America The Beautiful."
The standing audience cheered, and yelled out for "More, More."
Arnie Roth, as usual, was the wind beneath the Tenors' wings, giving
support-moral and musical-and drawing lovely tones from his orchestra.
So yes, Anthony, Finbar, and now Karl, you ARE The Irish Tenors.
And nobody should be unclear about that!
Berta Calechman
