THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2008 ~ 5:30 to 7:30 ~ LHC COURTYARD
Live Lawrence !Traveling Cafe Presented: Enchanting Evening of Music with acclaimed baritone Robert Honeysucker, the Boston Pops 4th of July Esplanade soloist and acclaimed Irish harpist and singer Aine Minogue PBS Celtic Sojourn and Out of Ireland performer.
Attended by about 100 listeners under a tented courtyard, the concert was delightful. Despite the drenching rain shower prior to the concert start- a rainbow broke out over the Merrimack River at concert time as people wandered into the courtyard to witness one of the more delightful events of the summer. Aine Minogue played the Celtic harp and interspersed her music with Irish folklore and tales and customs. She described various harp styles and customs and indicated the importance of the harp symbol to the Irish. Minogue's gentle, lovely and very beautiful music was the tonic to relax guests at the end of the day.
Robert Honeysucker,baritone, Miho Sato, soprano,along with the terrific pianist, Lindsay Albert sent chills through the audience. To be so close to this calibre of voice and song was a once in a lifetime chance! Music pieces were from Secchi, Bellini, Donaudy, Mozart, Puccini and Verdi.
Mr Honeysucker introduced each song to the audience - describing the action that was taking place in the opera during which the song was performed. Chilling was his solo, Credo from Othello! Regardless of one's feelings about opera, when Honeysucker and Miho Sato performed the duet from Aida, Ciel! Mio Padre - everyone was moved - even my two-year old granddaughter - you could not take your eyes off the performers and you could not help but feel the emotion in the music!
The accompaniest, Lindsay Albert, provided all the drama and emotion needed to keep everyone committed to the performances. She was just marvelous - outside, under a tent, playing on a keyboard on a damp evening - she performed like the professional she is. Bravo!
The concert was funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Lawrence by means of the cultural program, Live Lawrence! Traveling Cafe Series
See the Eagle Tribune article: http://www.eagletribune.com/archivesearch/local_story_231011515.html
The next Traveling Cafe will be held in two weeks, August 28, at 56 Island Street in the Essex Arts Center Courtyard. Music by Roots Nation; food for purchase by Mill City Gourmet and products for sale by Rose and Dove