Finbar Wright

Finbar Wright earned his greatest recognition beyond Irish shores by stepping into the role left vacant by John McDermott in the Irish Tenors, yet he had already built a devoted following across his homeland for performances that spanned both classical and popular material. Born on September 26, 1957, in Kinsdale, County Cork, he grew up on a farm in Ballinspittle as one of several siblings in a musically inclined household and started piano lessons when he turned six. At sixteen he resolved to enter the priesthood and received ordination at twenty-two; four years afterward he committed himself seriously to vocal study at the Cork School of Music. In 1986 he collected multiple prizes at Dublin’s Feis Ceoil festival, and the following year, sensing his earlier religious vocation had diminished, he departed the clergy to intensify his musical training. After performing in Don Giovanni at the Wexford Opera Festival he launched his professional career in 1989, presenting recitals throughout Ireland and collaborating with various orchestras. Beginning with the 1991 release Because, he issued a succession of albums that wove together opera and oratorio selections, Irish ballads, and modern pop songs, steadily broadening his appeal at home. His second effort, 1992’s Whatever You Believe, reached the top of the Irish charts after the material gained exposure on Music of the Night, the television program he hosted. The 1993 live recording A Tribute to John McCormack, the 1995 album Lift the Wings, and 1997’s I Give My Heart each achieved strong sales as well. Although invited to join the original lineup of the Irish Tenors, contractual commitments prevented him from accepting at the time. When John McDermott left the ensemble in 2000 ahead of an upcoming tour, Wright was free to take his place as a permanent member and has since appeared on every subsequent group recording.