ZION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
September 27, 2009
Irish actor Pierce Brosnan has never made a movie in or about
Prince Edward Island.
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw has never written a play
in or about Prince Edward Island.
Irish author James Joyce has never written a novel in or about Prince
Edward Island, however none of that now matters very much because...
Irish tenor Anthony Kearns HAS sung in AND about Prince Edward Island!!
Anthony with his accompanist Patrick Healy made their first
appearance in Canada's smallest province Sunday September 27th,at
7:00PM. By 7:05 they had captivated their first audience member by
singing "Happy Birthday" to the emcee. Anthony and Patrick then turned
their attentions to the rest of the audience, and had them enthralled in
very short order.
A press release for Anthony stated,"His concerts hold great appeal for
audiences of vast and varied ages and ethnicities." This certainly held true
for this concert. A young lady of nineteen made the trip from Toronto
to see Anthony. A young eighty-nine year old gentleman wasn't going
to be denied the chance to see and hear Ireland's Finest Tenor either.
English-Canadians, French-Canadians, and immigrants from Ireland,
Scotland, England, Germany and Holland filled the church and all
gave each and every song a rousing round of applause, with several
standing ovations. Between "Happy Birthday" and the finale "Grenada"
was an incredible cross-section of Anthony's huge repertoire. From
classical to Broadway musicals to songs written by Patrick for Anthony
to a hymn to, of course, Irish favourites. No one, NO ONE sings "Danny Boy"
better than Anthony.Even though he probably sings it at every concert,
somehow he still puts his entire heart into it. One selection that he
has probably never sung before, wowed the audience,"The Island Hymn"
written by Lucy Maud Montgomery author of the "Anne of Green Gables"
series of books. It is PEI's patriotic song and Anthony performed it
flawlessly...of course!!
Most in attendance know of Anthony from his work with The Irish
Tenors. They weren't prepared for the warmth of Patrick's charm
and showmanship. He told us how lucky we are to be living in the
"Land of Anne", he sang a couple of solos, and a duet or two and all
loved him. BUTTT, what EVERYONE was talking about after the
concert was his story of the understudy trying to stab the heroine
in the opera "Carmen". He was hilarious and had everyone in stitches.
With all the laughter I couldn't believe I was in a Presbyterian Church
in Charlottetown on a Sunday evening!! If Patrick ever decides to do
stand-up ,there are going to be a few comedians looking for work!!
Though it was Anthony's and Patrick's third concert in three nights,
over a VERY circuitous route, it certainly didn't show. They stayed for a
Meet and Greet which gave many the chance to show their appreciation
for a tremendous concert, the likes of which PEI had never seen before...
but hopefully will see again. Both Anthony and Patrick said they would
like to return to Prince Edward Island, and judging by the many
comments after the concert, it would seem PEI would like both
Anthony and Patrick to return.
Some of the comments I heard...and overheard!!
"I wish he had sung more Irish songs."
"I wish he had sung more classical."
"I wish he had sung more Broadway songs."
"I wish he had sung more hymns."
Honest!!, they are quotes from four different people!!
"I've always HATED "Danny Boy"...until now!! Did you hear HIM sing
"Danny Boy??!!"
"That was absolutely brilliant!! I'll be first in line next time" (That from
a husband who was dragged to the concert,and almost backed
out at the last minute)
"Granada itself was worth the price of admission."
"Ican'tbreathewhenhesings!!"
"I was wondering why they were having a second intermission,
then I looked at my watch and realised it was the end. I couldn't
believe I had been sitting there for over two hours"
"Yer not his biggest fan, I"MM his biggest fan!!"
"Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and all those other places he's
been, and I get to sit 20 feet from him in Zion Church in Charlottetown
for $45.00!!" (Said by a lady shaking her head in disbelief.)
It seemed the quotes about Patrick, and there were many, all started
the same way..."That Patrick...!!!
Gordon Lloyd
