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The opening concert of the Irish Tenors' St. Patrick's Day mini tour took place Saturday night, March 13, in Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA. It was a somewhat ragged, but full-of-fun evening, due in part to the fact that the Tenors and the orchestra could have used a wee bit more rehearsal. There were mishaps from everyone-false starts, missed cues, forgotten words. There was even a misplaced horn entrance at the beginning of "Isle of Hope." Maestro Roth stopped the orchestra, turned around to the audience, and said, "that was a beautiful horn solo, but let's try it again, with the violins, too." But the Tenors and the audience seemed to be having such a good time; no one seemed to mind the disorder. That being said let me also say that the men were in superb voice. The concert was basically the Heritage CD, with a few "golden oldies" thrown in.

To open the concert, Maestro Arnie led a stirring, and very moving "Mise Eire." I like hearing it "up front", instead of after intermission. It enhances its importance. Maestro Arnie does get a beautiful sound from his orchestra. And as usual he was very attuned to his singers. The Tenors came out to "The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls", and followed with a gorgeous "Red is the Rose." Their voices blend so well. It's not always a given that beautiful individual voices will blend successfully. Having sung some of these songs too many times to count, it makes sense that the guys would try to find ways to keep them fresh. So what they've done is occasionally switch vocal lines, and verses. And it works wonderfully. So in a beautifully done "Danny Boy", for instance, the first verse, usually sung by Anthony, was sung by Ronan. Anthony sang the verse that Finbar usually sings. It's a good touch, and it shows their versatility.

Everyone knows the songlist, so I won't go through it song by song, but rather, pick out a few highlights. "The Parting Glass" is one of my favorite songs that the Tenors sing. It was just lovely, and evocative of a tender parting of friends. "Golden Jubilee" was rollicking good fun, with Finbar a tempting colleen, as Anthony sang "come over here, auld sweetheart dear, and hear what I've to say." "Whiskey in the Jar" was raucous and joyful, with Ronan leading the "yee-haws". But as usual, it was the incredible "My Heart Will Go On" that stopped the show. Beginning with Finbar's velvet speaking voice doing the introduction, each tenor's singing and exemplary diction, brought home the beauty of the words and music. It was an unforgettable experience. The "new" solos were wonderful. "Little Brigid Flynn" showed us some of Finbar's funny side. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen him so animated. From hands on hips, pouting because "no one's looking after me", to his sensual swaying and vocal silk in "South of the Border", Finbar ran the gamut of emotions, and it was great. Ronan's "Song for Ireland" was gently, and sweetly sung. And "Grandfather's Emigrant Eyes" was very moving, and wonderfully sung. And as Ronan said "don't take it for granted", there were teary eyes in the audience. What is left to say about "Grace"???? Anthony's voice seems to get richer and more beautiful each time I hear it. And the vocal technique that allows him to sing the long vocal line in one breath, makes it a very stylish song, as well.

" The West's Awake" is stunning! It's a powerful song, magnificently sung. And, as he's sung it several times now, it's as much a part of Anthony's voice as the Emerald Isle. "Glorious St. Patrick" closed the show, and St Patrick might have been a little chagrinned at the cheat sheets on the floor. But with the sound of those three exquisite voices doing musical PR for their country, no one minded too much.

by Berta Calechman