TenorTapings - Page: 1 of 1

It was a beautiful May evening when my husband and I left Bunclody
for our trip to Bray, County Wicklow, for the Friday taping of the Tenors for
Irish tv. When we arrived at Ardmore Studios, there was a great feeling
of anticipation and excitement as to how the evening was going unfold.
My husband (not a fan) was with me to see how a tv programme was
put together, but yet wanted to see for himself what these guys were
about and how did they have such an affect on not only his beloved,
but all the people gathered outside in the beautiful evening sun.
The people gathered were of all ages and nationalities. When we were
brought into the studio the first thing noticed was the beautiful sets
and also the extreme heat.

Bill Hughes, the director, came out to welcome everyone and then
introduced Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and the new kid on the block,
Karl Scully, to a tremendous applause from the audience. It was then we
found out that Andrew Lloyd Webber was guest that evening and a great
cheer from all present got the show off to a great start.

First to sing was Anthony with Love Changes Everything, a song he was
very comfortable with. Karl then came and sang Music of the Night, and
for many people it was their first time hearing this magical and powerful
voice. Andrew Lloyd Webber then joined Anthony on the couch for a
chat, followed by the Tenors accompanied by Lloyd Webber on the piano
with Any Dream Will Do. Finbar then sang one of his favourite songs,
Cant Help Falling In Love, followed by Karl with Losing my Mind. At this
stage, my beloved was in great spirits and really enjoying the show.

Next the three together did a fabulous version of The Town I Loved So Well
and then we were provided with bottled water and a chance to stretch just
for a makeup touch up. I got a chance to talk with Anthony's mum and
sisters at this point as we were all sitting together.

Anthony then sang If I Loved You and Stand by Me, which again he did
a great job and really enjoyed these numbers. Finbar sang one of my
favourites, Tennessee Waltz and just by luck had to redo, due to a
technical fault. The Tenors together sang a Time For Us and then the
beautiful and much loved Vincent. Each one putting 100% into the song
which was felt by all. With the Lloyd Webber shows in mind, Karl sang
Send In The Clowns and again all present felt the emotion from the
newest member of the group. Our evening then ended with Finbar singing
Arrivederci Roma, a song Finbar loves to perform and all the audience
really enjoyed and joined in.

We were very lucky to meet the Tenors and had photographs taken with
them, and I really feel this is what makes seeing these guys and meeting
with them so personal . They all were so polite and generous with their
time even though they were tired, which makes it all worth while.

On our return journey to Bunclody, my dearest decided he was going to
accompany my parents and I the following evening to another taping .
Let's just say he was very impressed and looking forward to watching
the shows on TV over the next few weeks.

On the following night we were treated to another spectacular evening
with each Tenor singing songs that were suitable for their individual
styles and voices. Anthony did a terrific version of the Garth Brookes
hit If Tomorrow Never Comes, a song he says he sang in his early days.
He also got to sing The First of May, and a beautiful rendition of Unchained
Melody. Finbar sang the Beatles hit Let it be, and a heartwarming version
of Wonder Child, a song he recently included in his solo tour. Karl sang
one of the all time favourites, My Lagan Love, accompanied by a harpist.
We got an opportunity to hear an up and coming star, Peter Grant, with
a Frank Sinatra style voice, singing The best is Yet to Come and On
Days Like These. A voice you would not believe came from a nineteen
year old. Anthony, Finbar and Karl then sang Perfect Day and it put
an end to a perfect evening. Again we got to meet with the Tenors and
we then set off for home.

This programme when it will be shown will introduce the Tenors great
voices to a much wider audience, and show how well they adapt to singing
all forms of song. After all, we all need some music and song in our lives,
and some of us were lucky to get the chance to see how a great
programme was put together and realize how hard it is on all involved.

Long Live The Tenors.

Bravo

Gemma Danagher Judge
Bunclody, Wexford
Ireland