The Irish Tenors are three powerful solo artists whose ensemble work evokes the deepest emotions of their homeland in a bottomless repertoire. Their Wolf Trap concert unites traditional, religious and classical songs with the requisite tomfoolery for an unforgettable evening of melodies and merriment.
Anthony Kearns, the spokesman, has been with The Irish Tenors since their conception in 1998. He shares the stage with “Renaissance Man” Finbar Wright, a poet, songwriter and photographer, and Karl Scully, who spells his trio engagements with operatic roles. All three have won multiple competitions and boast extensive training.
Their magnificent voices and remarkable stage presence shine through on their popular recordings. Fans will be pleased to learn that the groundwork is under way for their next CD. While all lead busy lives as soloists, they tour the United States as a trio three times annually, notably during the Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day seasons and in the summer.
“We’re planned something for everyone in a typical mixture beginning with the Irish songs we’re noted for,” Kearns says. “They’ll hear old romantic numbers, comic songs, beautiful ballads like ‘The West’s Awake’ and the poignant ‘Grace’ that tugs at the heartstrings.
“‘Grace’ is the story of Grace Gifford, who married her sweetheart, Joseph Plunkett, in prison an hour before he was shot to death for fighting for Irish freedom. I believe that Irish songs draw tears from the most hardened listeners because they combine beautiful melodies with the history of Ireland and how its people suffered thousands of years in famine and poverty. Much of our music is a historical record of what actually took place.”
Kearns has earned many fans in the United States who celebrate his birthday every Aug. 17, not with the usual presents, but with contributions to the various causes he supports that enable young singers to launch careers of their own.
He and his colleagues are grateful for the opportunity to share their music with people worldwide. Kearns promises that in addition to the beloved traditional songs, The Irish Tenors will illuminate the Filene Center stage with popular, classical and light opera numbers served up with witty patter.
“We want the Wolf Trap audience to enjoy every moment, inhale each note they hear, weep during the poignant moments and even burst out with a few ‘Yee-haws,’” he says. “They’ll go home remembering a round-the-world trip to Ireland in music.”
(If you go: The Irish Tenors, Anthony Kearns, Karl Scully and Finbar Wright, in concert, at 8 p.m. Sunday; Wolf Trap Filene Center; $36 to $52 in-house, $22 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org)
