“The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens,” is an old Irish proverb. Having heard “The Twelve Irish Tenors” sing recently it gives one pause to wonder if the writer of the proverb would object too much if the words “when the twelve Irish tenors sing” were added to the end of the proverb.
Branson, Missouri the “live music show capital of the world,” has music shows of just about every type, but even in Branson, this show stands out. Although they dance a “jig” or two and there is a little humor, “what happens” in this show is the presentation of some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear not only in Branson but anywhere.
“What happens” with the first notes of their first number, “Danny Boy,” is that the audience realizes they are in for a special entertainment experience. From that number to their last, the sheer beauty, power and harmony of their singing entertains, inspires and amazes.
The “Twelve Irish Tenors” must all have Irish heritage and over half of them are actually from Ireland. Arguably, each of the twelve could be successful as a soloist in their own right, but what is inarguable is “what happens” when their voices are combined.
The show covers Irish favorites such as “Danny Boy,” “Cockles and Mussels,” “Sweet Rosie O’ Grady” and “Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” some of the most inspirational songs ever written such as “You Raised Me Up,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “I Believe, ” as well as “Funiculi Funicula,” “O Solo Mio,” “Nessum Dorma,” “Unchained Melody,” “Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a Glenn Miller Medley and many more. And, although the range and variety of the music covered is impressive, even more so is manner in which they are presented.
The Neapolitan song “O Solo Mio,” was written in 1898 and has been performed by many artists in that language over the years. Elvis Presley did a version of the song in English entitled “It’s Now or Never.” The shows presentation of this classic, featuring Jonathon Fisk Hill is a unique powerful performance that is a show highlight.
The very next number, “Toreador” featuring a unique duet by Brian Walker and Seph Stanek was another highlight followed by a powerful and beautiful performance of “You Raise Me Up” featuring Brian Walker on the fiddle and Ron Remeke on the vocal which was yet another show highlight and therein lies the strength, power and beauty of this show.
From the beginning to the end it is one amazing performance after another covering just about every music genre. It makes no difference if the song is an Irish folksong like “Phil the Flutter’s Ball,” an old favorite such as “Unchained Melody,” the aria “Nessun Dorma,” or a song that was recorded by the Beatles on their first album, “Twist and Shout.”
Although it has been said previously, the strong powerful voices of the Twelve Irish Tenors coupled with the unique and varied way in which each number is performed makes it worth repeating. This show has “some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear not only in Branson, but anywhere.”
“The Twelve Irish Tenors” are currently appearing at the Branson Variety Theatre. To purchase tickets for this show or to get more information on this show or any other Branson show, attraction, or accommodation please contact the Branson Tourism Center by phone at 1-800-785-1550 or on line by clicking here
