June McDonnell talks to the popular singer Finbar Wright, ahead of his Irish tour

 

Recently I had the pleasure of chatting to Cork-born and world renowned tenor, Finbar Wright, before he embarks on a nationwide tour. The tour opens in the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny on Saturday 4th February.
He is bubbling with enthusiasm and anticipation to get back out performing live again, and meeting up with his loyal legion of fans.

Other venues on the tour include University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Saturday, 11th February, Cork Opera House on Saturday, 18th February, Town Hall Theatre, Galway, on Saturday, 25th February and ending in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Thursday, 2nd March. As these will be Finbar’s first performances in three years due to Covid restrictions, the shows are attracting huge interest.

Also appearing with Finbar each night will be legendary uilleann piper, Ronan Browne, who will bring another dimension to the concerts. Ronan is steeped in music, and a grandson of the great Delia Murphy.
With a powerful voice and a unique ability to cross music genres, a night of beautiful ballads, Irish songs and operatic arias is promised, a mix of song to please all tastes.

Ever since he released his first album ‘Because’ in 1990, Finbar has become not just a household name in Ireland, but across the world. He has recorded and performed with famous names ranging from Montserrat Caballe, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Bryn Terfel to rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis.

He was invited to record an official anthem for the Arsenal soccer club in 1998, with their well-known player Ian Wright giving the history of the club. This request really amused Finbar, and he thoroughly enjoyed the oportunity.
His wide range of performances and recordings illustrate just how diverse and flexible he can be.

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own