SFEMS founder Ken Johnson took great pleasure in his annual Christmas caroling parties. This is a favorite story he told about one of those outings. Bob Dawson included it in his 1994 tribute to Ken for the SFEMS newsletter.
Each year, Ken’s caroling excursions trod different San Francisco neighborhoods, some of which proved more congenial and receptive than others. Near the top of the “others” list was Pacific Heights, The City’s elite district on upper Broadway, whose palatial brick mansions are set well back off the streets behind walls and iron gates. Ken and a group of friends were caroling there one year, and the residents—if they even heard them—had been as chilly as the December night, showing no interest whatsoever in their singing.
Finally the carolers spied a potential audience. Up at the top of one stately palace, a burly figure was visible out on a third-floor balcony, perhaps watching passing ships cruise through the Golden Gate below. It was an audience of one, but a live audience nonetheless. The ensemble trundled over as close as they could get to the residence and offered up a rousing, ragged rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” To their astonishment, the Santa silhouette on the balcony actually applauded them. Heartened, they launched into their favorites: “Joy to the World” and “Lo, How a Rose.” Again, to the carolers’ delight, the big man clapped enthusiastically. And then, something truly miraculous happened. He began to sing himself, “O Holy Night,” in a tenor so vast and bright that it floodlit the whole dark street. There was no mistaking the voice. “It was Pavarotti,” Ken concluded the tale, his voice rich with wonder at the special providences of a shared musical life.
