Anthony Kearns began his mid-winter tour with a magnificent concert at the Keswick Theater, in Glenside, Pa. At least 3/4 of the concert was brand new!
He began with a haunting "Lagan Love." This piece seems to me to personify Irish music; Anthony sang it with such beauty and emotion that the audience responded to him immediately. As the evening continued, Anthony went from strength to strength, following songs like the delightful "Off To Philadelphia" with a lovely German lied "Standchen" by Schubert.
There were a few old favorites like "Phil The Fluther," "Trottin' to the Fair," a gorgeous "Love Thee Dearest," and my favorite, "Terence's Farewell." But most of the program was new-and very impressive. Anthony ended the first half with an absolutely spectacular "Salut Demeure" from Faust. I don't think I've ever heard him sing it better. The climactic high C was full, ringing, clear as a bell, and right on the mark.
The second half brought more surprises such as a lovely Fritz Kreisler song, "The Old Refrain," a pensive "As I Sit Here," and a tour-de-force for Anthony called "The Pallatine's Daughter." He also sang "Mattinata" and "Because You're Mine" as a tribute to Mario Lanza since we were in Philadelphia, Lanza's birthplace.
By far, the most fabulous surprise of all was the inclusion of "E Lucevan Le Stelle" from Tosca, which Anthony said was "For the girls." To say he sang it gloriously would be an understatement. His voice sounded rich, plangent, and expressive; and the mood of the aria suited him. I think in the future this role will be a great one for him. As an encore Anthony sang the "Hills of Home," and it really suits his voice. The loving way he and Patrick "connect" is a joy to see and hear.
The irrepressible Mr. Healy was his usual lively self. He had new stories which were extremly funny, and two new songs, one of which, "Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage Mrs. Worthington" by Noel Coward, was a perfect Patrick Healy song. The beautiful and expansive way he accompanied Anthony during the evening, especially on his own wondrous composition, again proved what a consummate musician he is.
This was an ambitious and difficult program, but Anthony sang it effortlessly. He has surely worked hard, but he made it look easy. The Tenor from Kiltealy, and the man named Patrick Healy, are truly a dream team.