WILLIAMSBURG, VA.
OCTOBER 27, 2006
Encore, Mr. Kearns, Encore!
The return of Anthony Kearns to St. Bede Catholic Church was
another spectacular success. The church looked lovely with the
fall arrangements flanking the stage and the more formal bouquets
in the Commons area for the reception. Again this year we had a
rainy evening but this time it was more like a “soft” Irish rain.
Much has been said about THE cold and I will admit that it gave me
a few anxious moments. I need not have worried. This man is a
professional to his fingertips and a little bug is not going to infringe
on his commitments. The audience members who didn’t know
about it were stunned when Patrick Healy told the “bubonic plague”
story near the end of the evening.
By now the fall song list is well known but our evening included
Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria which were specially requested
and especially graciously performed. I was waiting to hear A
Father’s Prayer and was thrilled to my toes at the touchingly
beautiful delivery. Vienna Mine which opened the second half
was fantastic. Mattinata, another favorite of mine was divine.
All the girls, Kitty of Coleraine, Eileen Og, Kitty, Me Love, the
Darlin’ Girl from Clare, and The Palatine’s Daughter, were all
given their just due, and we stopped at the Sally Gardens on
the way to the Little Grey Home in the West.
Handel’s Where Ere You Walk displayed the mastery of oratorio
which has won Mr. Kearns two Dermot Troy trophies. Vainment
Ma Bien Aimee was un chef d’oeuvre! The Friendship duet was
delightfully lighthearted and charming. To the Children and
Danny Boy were sung with tender and dramatic poignancy.
he standing ovation for the Irish classic was answered with a
superb O Sole Mio, which elicited SO #2 which in turn was
rewarded with a fabulous rendition of Because You’re Mine.
The audience rose yet again and applauded as the men left
the stage, and we were so sorry that it was over, but oh so
happy that we had come to experience this performance.
I would be remiss if I did not include Patrick Healy’s contributions
to the evening-what a raconteur! He thoroughly entertained us
with his stories as well as his songs, the Spinning Wheel and the
Modern Major General. His accompaniment is skilled and
completely attuned to Anthony’s style and delivery. I can’t
say enough superlatives about this erudite and delightful
gentleman. Anthony is indeed fortunate to be associated
with Patrick and their devotion to each other is quite evident.
The champagne reception following the recital was attended by
about 160 of our 1,000 plus guests. Our ever gracious stars
signed programs and CDs until the last person in line had been
greeted, regaled and satisfied. I was exhausted and I know they
were as well. It was such a bittersweet moment a little while
later when these talented gentlemen left and I realized that
the night was at an end.
Ann Loker
ST. BEDE CATHOLIC CHURCH