World-renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns of PBS super-group, The Irish Tenors is making a special trip to Kings Park’s St. Joseph’s Parish. On Friday, December 2nd, Anthony Kearns will perform with accompanist David George and the St Joseph’s Chamber Choir, starting at 7:30 PM. Mr. Kearns made time in his insanely busy schedule, to call Smithtown Today’s Editor, all the way from Ireland, before a flight for an intimate interview all about the upcoming St Joseph’s Parish concert.
Now living in the U.S., Mr. Kearns recently performed with other major stars in a Veterans Day special airing on TV, radio and online called “America Salutes You” this weekend. Smithtown Today readers can catch a glimpse what to expect on December 2nd. (Check listings).
Q: The Kings Park community has a long and beloved Irish Culture, which volunteers work very hard to conserve. Does the history of St. Joseph Parish and Irish-American population of Kings Park have anything to do with your choosing to perform there? If not, would you mind elaborating on how you select choirs and locations to perform with/within?
A: It had been a long time since I had been back to New York to perform a concert in a solo capacity. I have Friends around Long Island and wanted to visit. So we put some calls out, and that’s when we discovered St. Joseph Parish. The church itself is so beautiful and the Irish-American community in Kings Park is so deep rooted that it just felt like a perfect arena to begin the Celebration of Christmas.Just last week, I came to visit with the Ministry and Choir director. The Parish was kind enough to allow me to attend the Mass. I was invited to the altar to sing a hymn at the end and was truly humbled by the round of applause afterwards. I knew immediately we would all work well together and put on a beautiful concert.
Q: You will be performing Irish songs in addition to holiday favorites and a few popular melodies with the choir… How do you select the repertoire for concerts? Do you look to please the audience or maybe surprise them with something not too well-known?
A: This Concert is unique in so many ways… It’s a holiday kick off for me. The following day I fly out to California to start our Christmas/Holiday Tour with the Irish Tenors. So the music will be a mix of some very well known Irish favorites and beautiful, not-so-well known Irish melodies, holiday favorites, inspirational songs, and perhaps a few classical arias.
Q: You’ve performed Tribute concerts for US Military and our Veterans, You’ve helped raise awareness for clean drinking water, performed various memorial concerts commemorating events like 9/11 and Pearl Harbor Day. Now You’re making a donation to St. Joseph Parish. Do you make it a point to give back to each community you visit?
A: I try to give when I can. If I can, I try to help raise awareness for important causes, like clean drinking water or perform for memorials and tributes such as America Salutes You which is airing nationally now. I know the costs associated with putting together a concert like this one at St. Joseph’s Parish. Just bringing a piano in alone is a huge expense… so the least I could to do for the Parish is to make a contribution… as I am truly grateful for the way they all have welcomed and accommodated me.
Q: What was it like performing a Pre-Mass Concert for Pope Francis?
A: It was a wonderful experience. There were at least a million people in the crowd and I got to perform for the Pope, who gave me a blessing standing five feet away. In fact, I think I brought a little luck of the Irish with me at that Concert, because the Pope drew Ireland for his 2018 visit, shortly after.
Q: Can you give us a sneak peak into what we can all look forward to Next week in Kings Park.
A: Well, yes! Danny Boy and I heard the Bells will make the repertoire for the evening. I believe I may perform one or two arias from Operas and some Christmas favorites
Tickets for Friday’s concert are priced between $30 (general Addmission) and $40 (VIP Meet and Greet) and available online via event brite or by calling St. Jospeh’s Parish. Call Deanna at 631-269-6635 ext 218
St. Joseph’s Church is located at 59 Church St in Kings Park