2010MechanicsHallReview

Anthony Kearns

A Decade of Marvelous Music Celebrated at

Mechanic's Hall, Worcester, MA

May 2, 2010

Review by

Melissa Lynch Hoffmann

Professional photos by

Thomas Fitzsimmons

Anthony Kearns

Courtesy of The Wexford Institute

Full gallery coming soon!

Above: reception photo by Tom Lynch

In April 2000, a young Irish tenor walked onto the stage of Mechanics Hall to make his U.S. solo concert debut. By all accounts, his performance was a hit. And on May 2, 2010, that same tenor – looking not much older than that younger version of himself – came back to the Hall, in downtown Worcester, Mass., to celebrate ten years of singing, touring and success in America.

The “anniversary” concert was a benefit for Mechanics Hall itself and Children’s Friend, Inc., the oldest children’s services agency in Central Massachusetts. Anthony Kearns, along with long-time accompanist Patrick Healy, did both organizations proud. This reviewer has seen Anthony in concert twice before (three times if you count his two-song cameo at Tanglewood last summer) but his voice on Sunday was unparalleled.

This is, however, the first time I have seen Anthony perform with the delightful Paddy Healy. His skill as an accompanist goes without saying – there’s a reason Anthony has toured with him for well over a decade. But it’s his other skill – as a raconteur – that had the audience in tears of laughter. From the story about the dead duck at the vet, to the one about the visually-impaired opera chorus member whose ill-timed entrance very nearly brought down the house, Paddy certainly defied his own definition of himself – as having “no entertainment value.” The audience definitely disagreed with that description.

That audience, comprising long-time fans and those who have never heard Anthony sing before, was extremely receptive and appreciative. And it was clear that both performers were thrilled to be on the stage doing what they do best.

For Anthony, that meant singing across his wide-ranging repertoire, from the Irish “ditties” -- “Kitty Me Love,” “McBreen’s Heifer” (which also had the audience in stitches) -- to the standards -- “The Old House,” in honor of John Count McCormack (who performed that same song at Mechanics Hall 90 years ago, Anthony said) “I’ll See You Again” – and, for lack of a better term, the big ones -- “Funiculi, Funicula,” “La Donne E Mobile” (the afternoon’s fourth encore).

With such a selection, it’s impossible to choose a favorite moment, but right at the top has to be “Ave Maria,” which was absolutely stunning, along with “She Moved Through the Fair,” sung with such ease that it looked nearly effortless.

To the casual observer, an artist of Anthony’s caliber simply opens his mouth and sings. But that is not the case – to be able to present such powerful high notes without looking like it’s work, to pull that note back in a seamless decrescendo, to have such control over even the softest of lines – this takes work. It is clear that Anthony is not one to rest on his laurels, but continually works at keeping his voice in top shape.

My father, a classically trained singer himself (and probably the toughest critic I know) was incredibly impressed by Anthony’s performance. “That man is in such good vocal health,” I heard him say. “He can do anything with that voice.”

Following the concert, Anthony and Patrick were kind enough to spend time greeting fans and signing autographs.

For me, this time truly provided the highlight of the day: my daughter Michaela, the youngest fan present (at age 8 – almost 9!) was very excited to meet the man of the hour and was beaming when he spent time talking to her and having pictures taken. I’ve always admired how gracious Anthony is with his fans, but seeing just how kind he was to my little girl was the icing on the cake.