Eisemann Center
Richardson, TX
October 28, 2005
We had a ball in Dallas this weekend. Vincent had dinner with
us prior to the concert and we all had a great visit with Anthony
and Patrick afterwards with hugs all around. The concert was
just beautiful, totally different from what he'd done in Monroe.
It was much more intimate than with a full orchestra behind him
but hearing him with full orchestra is still something that I'll never
forget. The Executive Director of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra
and her husband had come over with us - we had made plans earlier
to meet a couple from Houston that we met last year when
they came to Monroe for Anthony's concert. She is also a big fan
of Anthony's and we'd made advance arrangements for them to
attend the cocktail party at the Armstrong's after the Monroe
performance to meet Anthony and Patrick. She had not met
Vincent until dinner, so they also enjoyed visiting.
Loved "Serenade" - it's always been one of my favorites and I
used to play it on the piano many, many years ago. Romberg is
one of my favorites anyway and that piece seems to be written
for Anthony's voice since it really gives him a chance to show
off his range. I'm particularly fond of his more operatic work
because of the ranges that they require and I do love to watch
the control that he has over his vibrato. He's really got
that mastered and the effect is just stunning.
I cried through "A Father's Prayer." It was so pretty and really
brought back a lot of very sweet memories of holding my two
sons. You could hear a pin drop in that concert hall while he
was singing that number. In fact, you could hear a pin drop
during the entire performance - not the usual coughing or moving
around, which is the "kiss of death" for a performer.
I always dread hearing that first cough because I know the
audience is getting bored with the program and there was
certainly none of that at this concert. In fact, I'd say the crowd,
largely composed of people who'd never heard him, was mesmerized.
The first 7 rows was packed with his fans. That was obvious
from the reaction and standing ovations he received throughout
the concert.
Patrick was his usual charming self and really had the audience
eating out of the palm of his hand. He's such a unique talent
himself, which I think showed in "A Father's Prayer." His
interludes are so entertaining and just bring a perfect intimacy
to the whole concert, whether they're performing as a duo or
with a full symphonic orchestra. By the time the concert is over,
you feel like they're old friends and you just can't wait
to see them again.
All in all, just a beautiful weekend with old friends!
Tommy Usrey
President & CEO
Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
