By ANNE MIDGETTE [NY Times, 30 January 2006]

The standing ovation began before the concert did. When Marilyn Horne walked onto the stage on Friday night, the audience at Zankel Hall rose to its feet and stayed there, applauding.

"I suppose you've all heard by now," Ms. Horne said, as soon as she could be heard, and paused for effect. "Nathan Lane has laryngitis."