Barbara Cook Honored: Best Ending to Begin 2012

Following a cocktail and supper, and as a small bottle of the bubbly chills, I tried (again!) to call the sister to wish her well in the new year.  Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather when she actually answered the phone. We had a nice chat and I learned that she's been inflicted with "shingles" for 3 weeks and in a lot of pain. I know that pain, having had shingles in my 30s long before there were any treatment options available.  From everything she told me it seems she's getting good care, so that's a relief.

The little bottle of the bubbly continues to chill, so I sat down to read a few fave bloggers and happened to come upon this wonderful gem. The finale of the Kennedy Center Honors, saluting my all-time fave lyric soprano, Barbara Cook.  Barbara, looking radiant, is seated in the guest of honor section flanked by the president and first lady, Yo-Yo Ma, Neil Diamond, Meryl Streep and more.

The talent on stage left me speechless.  Each time the camera locked on Barbara I couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind as she listened to the songs she introduced in so many shows, and re-invented in concerts.

To my mind the show ends as it should - with the entire cast performing the finale from Candide. The look on Barbara's face says it all. I can think of no finer way to ring in the new year, than with this tribute.

But let me stop rambling and let you view what I think is the best video to end 2011.

Side note: the sound is out of sync on the final 1/3 of the video. Still worthwhile viewing.

The bubbly ought to be chilled enough by now.  See you next year.

And so it goes.
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