Press Release

1/29 /00-- Press Release from the Producers and PBS regarding the Irish Tenors Live from Belfast Show

THE IRISH TENORS LINEUP CHANGED FOR THE
NEW PBS SPECIAL FROM BELFAST


New York, NY (January 29, 2000) The producers of The Irish Tenors, TV Matters, Radius Television and PBS today announced a last minute cast change on the upcoming February 5th production The Irish Tenors Live from Belfast which is scheduled for PBS broadcast beginning in early March.

Due to the recent death of his mother, beloved tenor John McDermott has requested that he be replaced in the new music special. The sad news of the bereavement and McDermott's understandable inability to give the production his full time and emotional commitment was received in a letter to the producers on January 21st. Rather than risk the quality of the performance McDermott preferred that his role be filled by another vocalist for this performance.

Stepping in to replace McDermott is a tenor well known to the Irish public. Finbar Wright is a highly accomplished singer, recording artist and television personality whose warm tenor voice has thrilled Irish audiences in a long and distinguished career.

The Belfast concert will unite Finbar Wright with his two colleagues and countrymen, Ronan Tynan and Anthony Kearns whose television and recording careers were launched by PBS's 1999 hit, The Irish Tenors. Commenting on the turn of events, Tynan and Kearns released a statement saying, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to John at this time. We are pleased that a singer of the caliber of Finbar Wright was able to clear his schedule to step in at this late moment and perform with us."

McDermott stated, "I wish Finbar and my friends Ronan and Anthony the best of luck and I am certain that the Tenors will put on a great show for the people of Belfast and for the PBS television audience here in the USA."

The Irish Tenors Live From Belfast will be recorded in front of a live audience at The Waterfront, Belfast on Saturday February 5th, 2000.