Derry's singing priests 'still amazed' by global success
Two chart-topping Derry priests are looking to recreate theNew albir debut success when their second album is released next week.
Brothers Frs Eugene and Martin O'Hagan, who form two-thirds of singing sensations The Priest's along with Fr David Delargy from Ballymena, say that, while sales of their new album are not the most important thing, they remain 'apprehensive and anxious' about it.
The brothers are currently busy promoting 'Harmony' and took time out of their hectic schedules to talk to the 'Journal' about their experiences in the last year.
Earlier this year The Priests went into Abbey Road Studios to record some of their album and revealed that the album will hold some surprises for fans.
"There are more classical pieces on this album and there is a performance of 'We Will Never Walk Alone' which is very uplifting," Fr Martin said.
'Harmony' also includes a composition by The Priests and they are looking forward to get the fan's feedback about it.
Fr Eugene added: "Harmony is in a very similar vein to our first album and we have stayed with the same type of music. We performed a lot of it last week to an audience and the feedback was very, very positive."
Their performance at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral was filmed for American TV station PBS and is due to be aired in Spring 2010, although the brothers hope it will also be released on DVD at some stage in the future.
They were joined on stage by some local talent, including soprano Margaret Keys and pianist Ruth McGinley.
"It was a fantastic experience. It was a beautiful setting and the place was absolutely packed out with people. It went very well."
The Priests are fitting in as many live performances as possible, although they remain full-time in their parishes in Co. Antrim.
"We did a concert in Australia and a mini-tour in the UK and Ireland. Those were fantastic, particularly those which brought us back to home soil", Fr Eugene said.
The brothers revealed they often feel like ambassadors for the city, particularly when they are talking to journalists from overseas.
"We were in Rome for a day earlier this week and they were so interested in our background, finding out about Derry and Northern Ireland and how we are emerging after the troubles and what is happening here now.
It is good to be able to promote our city and it was no accident that two talented performers from Derry joined us on stage in Liverpool. Our city is so well known for it's musical talent and we have a great calibre and history of performers."
Still amazed
The brothers say they are 'still amazed' by the reaction they get and feel very flattered when people know who they are.
"Some people are surprised we are not a bit more distracted by it all. We have the benefit of when we are not doing this being back in our parishes and with family and friends who keep us on an even keel" Fr Martin said.
"We are at home in Derry often seeing our family and friends, that helps to keep things real and keeps them grounded."
The brothers could not be drawn on whether there are any plans for them to perform in Derry but are 'hopeful' something will be organised in the future.
"We have been toying with all kind of possibilities for this album, including a mini tour of UK and Ireland. We are not involved in the cold front of negotiation about where we will perform, but we have had personal discussions with our management about it and we are hopeful there will be a gig or so in the Millennium Forum."
However, Fr Eugene stressed that is yet to be confirmed.
One thing the brother's are sure of is that they will be at home on Christmas day for a traditional family dinner.
"It will be a busy time for us but we all have our chores to do at home on Christmas day, be it cooking stuffing or carving the turkey. Although someone else can do the washing up - we're not too fond of that."
The Priests will be on The Late Late Show this evening and 'Harmony' is available on Monday.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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