Global Stars

IN NOVEMBER 2008 three priests from Northern Ireland released an album of sacred music that has become an international sensation. The Priests has sold almost two million copies and has been performed by the trio at concerts all over the world. Yet the three singers still put their parishes before the demands of celebrity. This is not another ‘boy band’ who live for their moment of fame, but a group whose music is deeply rooted in their personal lives and the priesthood.



Fathers Eugene (49) and Martin O’Hagan (46) are brothers from County Derry, while Father David Delargy (45) is from Ballymena, County Antrim. The three went to the same secondary school in the 1970s and began singing together at the annual school musical. As it happened they shared an interest in God as well as music. They entered seminary firstly in Belfast, where their musical talent was developed by an inspiring teacher, Frank Caper. Eugene would go on to study at the Irish College in Rome for seven years. Martin and David, classmates as seminarians, followed later.



In Rome their gift was recognised by the Vatican’s master of ceremonies, Monsignor John Magee. He would invite them to sing at papal liturgies during the pontificate of John Paul II. It was particularly gratifying for the trio that, a quarter of a century later, part of their album was recorded at the Vatican.



Following ordination, the priests returned to ministries in the Belfast area, and they continued to sing, becoming leads with the Cappella Caeciliana choir. Fr. Eugene had studied Canon Law and became a member of the marriage tribunal for the region. He is also the administrator of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan. Fr. Martin became a Diocesan Adviser for Religious Education, supporting teachers in their role as catechists. He now ministers at the parish of Cushendun. Fr. David is the Parish Priest of Hannahstown.



Ten years ago a power sharing agreement in Northern Ireland brought to an end a bloody conflict which had claimed over 3,000 lives. Tensions still remain between the largely Catholic nationalists who would like a united Ireland and the Protestant unionists who identify with Britain. For the three priests, the appeal for good relations between nationalist and unionist has always been made through the kind of music which transcends all differences. Their audiences make no distinction between the Lutheran Bach and the Catholic Mozart.





God’s greatest hits





In April 2008, Belfast based musician Liam Bradley brought the trio to the attention of Nick Raphael, head of Epic records, a division of the international giant Sony BMG. Bradley had recognised something special, “Unlike a pop group which is manufactured, no one was discovered in this case. These guys were always there, they were always talented”. Within days the singing priests were flown to London and offered a contract. Sony would invest a reported one million pounds to produce and promote an album of ‘God’s greatest hits’. For their part, the priests insisted that the venture would not substantially interfere with their parish work. They also stipulated that a share of any profits would go to charities, including those which support the retired priests of their own diocese. On April 23, the contract was signed at a photo-call outside Westminster Cathedral.



Then came the serious business of producing a world-class album, called The Priests, which was recorded over a six month period at studios in County Antrim, at Windmill Lane in Dublin (home to U2), as well as Rome. The producer, Mike Hedges, had previously worked with the likes of U2, Dido and the Manic Street Preachers. From a management perspective the three priests presented far fewer challenges than your average rock-stars. As Sally Herbert, the co-producer, noted, “There are no tantrums, there are no rude words. It’s great. It’s very easy going; there’s no storming out… it makes a big change!”



An American PBS concert was recorded in Armagh Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic primate of all Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady. The one hour programme was transmitted last December by 354 TV stations in the United States, and has since been released on DVD. The broadcast brought the album to an American market without the trio having to tour Stateside. A clip from the concert which features the priests singing Lloyd-Webber’s Pie Jesu became one of the most viewed links on YouTube over the past year.  



Throughout the preparations, a camera crew from British broadcaster ITV shadowed the priests’ every move, from day-to-day life in the parish, to the recording studio and their travels. The subsequent documentary is a fascinating portrayal of the work that goes into producing a chart-topping album. In one touching scene, Fr. Martin visits an elderly resident at a nursing home in his parish and sings Amazing Grace. The patient is clearly in prayer as he listens to Newton’s hymn of praise for God’s mercy.



The album itself has fourteen tacks including Schubert’s Ave Maria and Cesar Franck’s Panis Angelicus. There are songs in English, Spanish, German, Italian, Latin and Irish, reflecting the breadth of the intended audience. Uniquely for a debut album, The Priests was released simultaneously in 32 countries worldwide. It has sold particularly well in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Canada and Spain. In December 2008 the album scooped the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Selling UK Debut for a Classical Act’.





Positive reviews





Since the album’s release the group has performed at venues around the world. The many press, TV and radio interviews that accompany these concerts are a unique opportunity to bring the stories of three real life priests to a wider audience. In what Pope Benedict XVI has declared to be the ‘Year of the Priest’, there are hardly better ambassadors for the Catholic priesthood in the English-speaking world today.



In Time magazine William Lee Adams wrote, “They sing like angels: their powerful voices blend effortlessly to create harmonies rich with emotion”. (July 30, 2008) A reviewer of their performance at the National Concert Hall in Dublin noted that, “an unusual sincerity floats across the entire presentation, where sensitivity and taste in interpretation play a rewardingly vital role”. (Pat O’Kelly, Irish Independent, March 30, 2009).



Writing for the Irish Independent, Mary Kenny attributed the priests’ success not just to their voices, but to their adherence to the Catholic ‘brand’ (April 28, 2008). Whereas a few decades ago it was trendy for priests to dress down, these priests wear a traditional clerical suit. The post Vatican II Church was, she claims, misguided in abandoning the visible signs of its identity and distinctive musical heritage. These singers embrace that tradition, and because they dress like priests, have an instant recognition factor among Catholics all around the globe.  



However the success of this album is due to something much less sinister than branding. These men have been singing together for 35 years. Their music making is essentially rooted in a desire, as priests, to communicate the Gospel. With The Priests these clergymen found a way to proclaim the good news to an audience far wider than their own parishes.





An interview





Eugene O’Hagan and I were fellow seminarians at the Irish College in Rome all those years ago. He was only too glad to give this interview for readers of the Messenger when I caught up with him recently. The conversation took place during preparations for a new album which is due for release in November.





 Fr. O’Hagan, were you surprised by the success of The Priests?



We have been very pleasantly surprised and thrilled by the success of our debut album and by the very positive and encouraging feedback we have received from all over the world. At home in Ireland the album has gone platinum seven times, which is little short of amazing.  People have loved the songs, the harmonies and the fact that three priests can make a serious contribution to music not just at home but abroad.



How do you imagine people listening to the album?



I imagine people listening to the music in their kitchens, on their iPods, in the car, on the radio and in quiet moments. We are delighted that some of our fellow priests have used it in prayer services, at Mass, or as background music in churches when people drop in for a visit. What’s interesting is that many who have no particular affiliation to the Catholic Church are listening to the music too.



Is it difficult to balance the music business with ministry in a parish?



It is a constant challenge. We never thought making the album would attract such interest, and we never expected the album to be so successful. As a result we have had to deal with the unexpected. Our parishioners have been so supportive and encouraging. Our bishops and fellow clergy too have been really supportive and have helped in so many practical ways. Our Sony contract ensures that if there’s ever a conflict of interests then our priestly responsibilities take precedence.



Of your concert performances to date, which has been the most memorable?



The Belfast concert in the Odyssey Arena was very special for us. It was our homecoming concert in one of the largest venues in Northern Ireland. Over 5000 people attended, which gave us a real thrill even if we were a little more nervous than at our other concerts. Perhaps a few extra nerves were no bad thing. All our friends were there, our parishioners, our families, our colleague priests with many of their parishioners from all areas of Belfast.



You are a member of the marriage tribunal in Belfast. What is your advice for a happy marriage?



Well, I’ve worked in the marriage tribunal for nineteen years and have had occasion to talk to many people about the highs and lows of married life. Like any vocation, like the priesthood, marriage is not always going to be a bed of roses. Sometimes our expectations are unrealistically high. Mutual respect, patience, a spirit of forgiveness, a sense of humour, honesty, and a love that grows and matures are some of the ingredients of a happy marriage.



You live a very busy life. What do you do to relax?



I go for a regular swim to keep in shape and keep those pounds at bay. I enjoy the company of friends, a good chat, a nice meal and a glass of wine.



What will your new album be like?  



It’s going to be like our first album with some favourites, an international dimension given the interest that has grown up since we released album No.1, and some new material. We hope everyone likes it.