The Irish Tenors

August 25, 2008

Their eight bestselling albums have brought them a huge and dedicated following, and their unprecedented five PBS specials have taken them into homes and hearts all over the globe.  And now, for one night only, the world-famous Irish Tenors are coming to Artpark! 

Few vocalists are capable of the bright, ringing tone and high-wire, not to mention high C, performance skills that denote a tenor. In 1998, three such artists were called upon to sing together, backed by a 60-piece orchestra, at the Royal Dublin Society. The three were Anthony Kearns, John McDermott and Ronan Tynan. (In an interesting twist, future Irish Tenor Finbar Wright was the first to be approached but was unable to participate due to previous professional obligations.)

Not long afterward, a recording of this landmark concert was broadcast in the U.S. on PBS. The response was electric. In March of 1999 the group mounted their first stateside tour, drawing 15,000 rapturous fans to Madison Square Garden during their New York City stop and selling out other major venues along the journey west. The enduring nature of their appeal was made clear when The Irish Tenors and Home For Christmas each spent more than two years in the upper reaches of Billboard's World Music and Classical charts.

In February of 2000, McDermott chose to leave the group following the death of his mother, opening the door for Wright to step into the lineup. The newly reconstituted Irish Tenors went on to record Live From Belfast, on which they were ably supported by the 67-member Warsaw Symphonia, with McDermott serving as a surprise gues. This was succeeded in 2001 by Ellis Island, a concept album based on the history of immigration in America that featured moving narration from actor Martin Sheen.

By the fall of 2004, with We Three Kings and Heritage also under their belts, The Irish Tenors were nearing household-name status, a designation cemented by appearances on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Live With Regis And Kelly," "20/20" and "A&E Breakfast With The Arts," among other popular television programs.

Additionally, they've proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with such songs as "My Heart Will Go On" (made famous by Celine Dion), "Fairytale Of New York" (previously recorded by Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues) and even Jimmy Kennedy's "South Of The Border" (Down Mexico Way). These songs live comfortably in their repertoire alongside "Danny Boy", "My Wild Irish Rose" and "Fields Of Athenry!"

Later in 2004, it was announced that McDermott would re-join The Irish Tenors, replacing Ronan Tynan, who had departed to focus on his solo career.  When McDermott announced that he wished to take a break from touring in 2006, Scully was invited to join the supergroup. 

Visit The Irish Tenors online at http://www.theirishtenors.info/