Well, the summer music season is over. This was a great year for outdoor concerts. The highlight was a string of cool evenings, sitting on the patio listening to the sweet strains of the Three Tenors, while watching the acrobatic choreography of the famous Bat-shoi Ballet Troupe. They soared above every night at dusk, entertaining the sellout crowds (sometimes exceeding two people!). There was one tiny little junior ballerina, trying to keep up with the more experienced performers, who made us laugh “con gusto”. Who knew eating mosquitoes could be so graceful and mesmerizing and yet so comical?

But, back to the Three Tenors, who provided the musical accompaniment. This year, we were blessed with exceptional talent. Singing his flute-like arias for which he is famous was Thrushido Domingo. Oh, how his notes soared! Never quivering, always on key with the purest tones ever! Joining him for the Act II Duet, was Jose Cardinales. While Jose does not have the range of Domingo, his song has a fullness and richness that compliments the high reaches of his associate. And then, in Act III, the Grand Finale! Joining the duo in a surprise performance was none other than Luciano Doverati! His rhythmic cooing acted as a percussional counter point to the beautiful melodies of the others.

In addition to their operatic standard hits (“Where is My Mate?” “There be Bugs!” and “I Need a Bath!”), they introduced many new “pop” numbers. My new favorite song is “My Song is Louder Than Your Song”. This magical number pitted the singers against each other in a “round-robin” fashion, increasing the volume in a controlled “ascendo” until the entire forest was filled with the cacophony.

And all the while, the Bat-shoi, kept time with their incredible airborne dance.

Sadly, the season is now ended. The seating has been brought inside, the evenings too cool and dark for outdoor indulgence. But, it is the absence of evening song that I miss the most.

That, and the popcorn.