Ireland meets Aggieland in a merry flurry of holiday festivity tonight. Considered one of the most renowned tenors in the world, tenor Ronan Tynan has performed around the globe with the Irish Tenors and is well-known for his performances of “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace” at former President Ronald Reagan’s funeral. He will perform such classic Christmas songs as “Silent Night” and “Sleigh Ride” at 7:30 tonight in Rudder Theatre.
“Tynan brings to A&M the renowned flair and wonderful voice people associate with him as well as an incredible performance. We’re lucky to have him for our Christmas concert, as a few days afterward, he’ll be performing in New York City for the Radio City Music Hall,” said Alex Bushunow, student committee chairman for MSC OPAS and senior civil engineering major.
Ronan Tynan is in high demand and draws in audiences everywhere, said MSC OPAS president Anne Black.
“Our audiences love tenors. Mr. Tynan was very high on past audience surveys, and we thought he would be the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” Black said. “He has performed many times at the White House and is a favorite of George Bush, Sr.”
Those attending the event can expect all of their favorite Christmas songs but with a new approach from a man who has inspired many.
“Ticket buyers can expect a phenomenal Christmas concert by one of the finest tenors in the world. Mr. Tynan will share stories during the concert and talk about the songs he is singing. He is very funny as well,” Black said.
The concert will be a blend of Tynan’s classic songs and traditional Christmas carols and hymns.
“Audiences can expect breathtaking renditions of traditional Christmas songs as well as his famous portrayals of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Ave Maria.’ Tynan is a treat to all who are able to come see him and is a must-see this holiday season,” Bushunow said.
Tynan was born in Kilkenny, Ireland with phocomelia, which caused him to have a lower limb disability. Prior to his career as a musician, Tynan won international track and field events before representing Ireland in the 1984 and 1988 Paralympics, where he won four gold medals, two silvers and one bronze.
Later, Tynan began his singing career with the Irish Tenors and soon burst onto the musical scene as a solo artist. He performed in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy to ease America’s burden of hardship and has helped celebrate the 80th birthday of former President George Bush.
“Ronan Tynan’s ability as both a singer and a motivational speaker goes hand-in-hand. As a performer, his experience in life has helped him become well-received all over the world. His story is incredible with lots of events to draw upon and allows him to help those struggling in their lives,” Bushunow said.
Tickets will be sold at the MSC Box Office or online at http://opas.tamu.edu. Those who “like” MSC OPAS on Facebook will receive a $5 discount.