Medina will host famous tenor Ronan Tynan for concert in September 2016
Ronan Tynan
MEDINA – The Orleans Renaissance Group has worked to promote cultural events and preservation projects in the community for more than decade, putting on first-rate concerts highlighted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the world-renown a cappella quartet, Anonymous 4.
The ORG, a volunteer-led group based in Medina, has announced its biggest event to date: a concert on Sept. 17, 2016 featuring Ronan Tynan, an internationally acclaimed Irish tenor, who also is a recording artist, physician and champion disabled athlete.
The concert will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which was largely built by the Irish community in the early 1900s.
“The thought of this incredible Irish tenor performing in an old Irish parish was exciting to think about,” said Chris Busch, president of the ORG. “Not since Medina’s own great tenor, William McGrath, has this community experienced a voice of such rich beauty.”
ORG leaders were brainstorming ideas for upcoming events, when Tim Cooper, owner of Cooper Funeral Home, suggested reaching out to Tynan.
“After some further conversations with Ronan’s people, we decided to make it happen,” Busch said. “The night will be historic – for ORG, the parish and the community.”
Tynan has sung at funeral for Ronald Reagan, during the World Series at Yankee Stadium and many concert halls across the United States and internationally.
“The Orleans Renaissance Group is both pleased and proud to be bringing this world-class performer to Western New York,” Busch said. “We are equally thrilled to be hold this landmark concert event in historic St. Mary Church – a soaring gothic beauty and an old Irish parish.”
Provided photo – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina will host the concert on Sept. 17, 2016.
A Sony recording artist, he has released more than 10 titles, 4 of which have achieved platinum status. Additionally, between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and 14 world records while participating in the Paralympics. Nine of his records still stand.
Tynan has performed for four U.S. Presidents including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and as single soloist at the funeral for Ronald Reagan. Tynan has sung for two Popes, Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica and Pope Benedict at the Concert of Hope. (Click here for more on Tynan.)
Busch said ORG has been working to bring Tynan to Medina for about a year.
The late William McGrath was a world-famous opera singer who was born in Medina and attended Medina High School and St. Mary Church. He attended Juilliard on a scholarship and was immediately placed in the graduate school because of his ability.
He sang with the Metropolitan Opera for many years and was well-known to Medinians and around the world.
“Ronan Tynan in Medina will be a historic event for the area,” Busch said. “All eyes will be on our community and people will be visiting Medina from miles around. We’ve already sold tickets from as far away as California for this event.”
Though the concert is a year away, ORG is offering special advance pre-sale tickets through Dec. 31 at the reduced price of $35 each, general seating. For more information, click here.
