The Priests
Three Northern Irish middle-aged priests - brothers Father Martin and Father Eugene O'Hagan, along with school friend Father David Delargy - who signed a global recording deal in 2008 with Sony BMG, made an extraordinary debut concert in one of the world's most historic cathedrals, and is now available to own on DVD for the first time.
Before a packed audience of hundreds of adoring fans and US TV camera, The Priests performed soaring renditions of Catholic classics such as Ave Maria, Pie Jesu and Panis Angelicus as well as classical Irish songs in an hour long concert at Armagh Cathedral, Northern Ireland. Their outstanding harmonies won ecstatic applause from an audience comprising of all denominations.
The Priests' self-titled debut album was released in autumn 2008 in more than 40 countries across the globe. The Armagh concert was broadcast coast to coast in the US and recordings for the album were made along with two Vatican choirs in St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Following the Armagh concert Father Eugene O'Hagan commented, "Tonight was one of the most moving of my life. It was just fantastic to receive such a reception from a wonderfully appreciative audience".
Father Martin said, "If we can truly reach out to the world through the music then we feel we will have bought some pleasure to people and lifted their hearts".
Father David, who counts Tina Turner and Sting among his musical favourites added, "What has happened to us since we signed to Sony BMG is just beyond the wildest dreams of any of us. We all feel we are on an extraordinary journey."
The Priests signed a unique recording contract less than a year ago, which ensure that their day jobs will never be interrupted, no matter what the scale of their musical success. Their priestly duties are enshrined in a contract which includes a clause freeing them from any promotional or recording commitments - parish duties always take precedence. "Weddings, funerals, baptisms - all of these things must go on and will always come first for us" says Father Eugene.
Spotted by Sony BMG talent scouts less than 12 months ago, their debut album is already a record breaker, officially being the fastest selling debut by a classical act. The album sold over a million copies worldwide in just 7 weeks, achieving platinum status in the UK, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand and outstandingly the album is 5 times platinum in their native Ireland. The album was produced by music legend Mike Hedges, the man responsible for hit albums by U2 and Manic Street Preachers.
The Priests in Concert at Armagh Cathedral is available on DVD from 30th March 2009.