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Winter Wonderland Concerts Anticipation is always part of the fun of attending Irish Tenor concerts and so it was at the Christmas Spectacular performances at Lowell Auditorium despite the prediction of a blizzard, which did, in fact, materialize.

Those who braved wind, snow and often near impassible roads to see the Tenors on Saturday had to be true fans indeed, but there were apparently a lot, because the auditorium was nearly full.

When you're lucky enough to be seeing two concerts in a row, as in this case, you realize the selections are going to be largely the same. But still...the anticipation is always there and always richly rewarded as Ronan Tynan, Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright appear to thunderous applause.

It's worth noting that "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," first on both programs, was as fresh and new Saturday as it was on Friday, with the spontaneous quality so typical of this particular trio. They never disappoint, be it the first or last concert of the tour.

I thought Ronan seemed somewhat more subdued than his usual, boisterous self on Friday, but he seemed to recover and was in fine form on Saturday.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Foggy Dew," both the song itself and the way Finbar sang it. But I have to admit to being a lover of story songs. Anthony's "The West's Awake" and Ronan's "A Song for Ireland" were also pleasing. I felt that, while certainly not in keeping with the season, many people like something new and most want to hear at least some "Irish" from the Irish Tenors.

I won't go into the other selections, as others have already done that, except to say that "Fairytale of New York" is truly fun and all three Tenors seem to enjoy it. The audience loves it and I'm always delighted to have them include it.

From beginning to end, both concerts were a joy and the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Gail
Litchfield, Maine