Academy of the Holy Names hosts Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan

By KATHLEEN LAMANNA- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Students at the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany had the opportunity to perform and interact with an internationally-recognized performer Nov. 6-7.

Dr. Ronan Tynan, best-known as a member of The Irish Tenors singing trio, came to AHN to give a motivational speech to the students and hold master classes for young vocalists who were about to perform in the school's production of "The Sound of Music."

A native of Ireland, Dr. Tynan spoke to the students about how "he had to go over many obstacles on his way to achievement," reported head of school Mary Anne Vigliante. "The message of his life is hugely motivational and moving for young people."

Ms. Vigliante was referring to the fact that the singer had both of his legs amputated as a young adult: A congenital disorder had caused his legs to be underdeveloped at birth, and then a severe car accident injured his back. However, he overcame those physical hardships, winning multiple medals in track and field at the summer Paralympics.

Dr. Tynan later went on to become an orthopedic doctor. After being encouraged to pursue singing, he won numerous singing competitions and joined The Irish Tenors in 1998, singing with Anthony Kearns and John McDermott (and, later, Finbar Wright). Dr. Tynan also became familiar to Americans when he began singing "God Bless America" at New York Yankees baseball games -- including in the aftermath of 9/11.

In his address to the AHN students, Dr. Tynan "really emphasized that you have to love what you're doing," said Holy Names freshman Elizabeth Larrabee, who played Baroness Schraeder in the school's production of "The Sound of Music." "He also said to do everything with joy."

Dr. Tynan made a guest appearance in the musical production, stepping in to sing the song "Edelweiss." The song is scripted to be sung by Captain Von Trapp during the concert sequence.

"The cast moved to the side and Ronan Tynan moved in from the side of the stage," said Ms. Vigliante. Dr. Tynan also appeared with the students at the end of the performance during a curtain call.

In addition to the cameo in the show, Dr. Tynan did a brief pre-show concert with a number of AHN students.

AHN's performance of "The Sound of Music" marked the 50th anniversary of the motion picture version of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical. The musical, based on the life of the Von Trapp family, has a special significance for Holy Names, which hosted several concerts by the Trapp Family Singers in 1954.

Dr. Tynan himself also has a connection with AHN, having performed there once before.[[In-content Ad]]