Photo Flash: Tenor Anthony Kearns Teams Up With ONE Campaign to Benefit U.S. Troops

The VIP musical wine reception on Thurs., October 20, 2011, hosted by the ONE Campaign at the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington, D.C. for the USO and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, was a triumphant success. This was the first time that the ONE Campaign teamed up with Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns for the USO, and the second time the New Zealand Embassy hosted Kearns for a military benefit. (The last time was Christmas 2010).

Mr. Kearns, who is gaining a reputation as " Washington 's Tenor," moved the audience with a stirring rendition of the New Zealand love song, "Pokarekare Ana," a beautiful folk song composed around the time of World War One. He sang the song in Maori and dedicated it to the "All Blacks" rugby team (crowned world champions) since his beloved Irish team unfortunately fell short this year.

Ambassador Mike Moore said that he couldn't have imagined "a more perfect evening," as Anthony Kearns and Patrick Healy (accompanist) gave of their tremendous time and talent for two noble American military causes. He added that "voices like Anthony's inspire people all around the world," and that the Embassy was so pleased to have Anthony share his songs of inspiration and hope.

Mr. Kearns sang a mix of classical, Irish and inspirational songs including "Red is the Rose," "Kitty Me Love," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from Les Miserables, "Glocca Morra," and the beautiful "Ave Maria" which he dedicated to the troops.

Kearns also sang "Roses of Picardy" - a World War I-era song made famous by Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and John McCormack - penned by British officer Frederic Weatherly in 1916 and set to music by Haydn Wood. He closed the program with "I'll Walk Beside You" by composer Alan Murray, "God Bless America ," and "I'll Be Seeing You" as the grand finale of the concert.

The second annual benefit featuring Mr. Kearns was organized by the Embassy of New Zealand in conjunction with Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, LLC. The USO and the VVMF are 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organizations.