Ronan Tynan – one of the great tenor voices in the world – is returning to Medina. Tynan will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, at historic St. Mary RC Church, once again presented by the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc.
While widely known as a world-class tenor, Tynan is a much more complex and fascinating individual. His life story is as varied as the seasons, full of both tragedy and inspiring triumphs.
Ronan Tynan has performed at many celebrated and historic events around the world – President Reagan’s funeral as well as the inauguration and funeral of President George H.W. Bush. His booming voice has echoed out in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall and the Washington National Cathedral; across the National Mall and at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict.
Despite this incredible fame, few know the rest of his remarkable story – he is a medical doctor, Paralympian, recording artist, motivational speaker, and more. Often, it is the sum total of his life experiences that allows him to connect and bond with an audience like few other performers.
Born on a farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Tynan was born with lower leg deformities. Despite this setback, his parents always encouraged him to do anything he wanted to do. His drive and motivation comes from the loving environment in which he was raised. His parents never let his disability stand in his way. He attended an all-boys boarding school and vigorously competed in athletic activities.
A motorcycle accident at age 21 claimed both Tynan’s legs below the knee, but out of this apparent tragedy came great triumph. He went on to compete as a double amputee and win 18 gold medals and set 14 world records in the Paralympics Games from 1981 to 1984. If that were not enough, he studied medicine and became a medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports medicine.
By the time he pondered singing, his life was already one of incredible accomplishment. When he was 30 years old, Tynan began to study voice while still in medical school. The year was 1993, and he was in his fifth year of medical school.
By 1998, after establishing himself as an award-winning tenor, Dr. Tynan had joined Irish tenors Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright and went on to legendary fame across the globe. Audiences the world over flocked to hear this trio. However, after six years, Tynan left the group to begin his solo career.
Today, Tynan continues with his career, entertaining sold-out audiences in churches, theaters and concert halls around the globe. He is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the U.S., presenting nearly 50 speeches annually for major international corporations and organizations. Before his appearance in Medina this October, Tynan will perform in New Orleans and shortly thereafter in Boston.
“The 2016 concert was one of the most incredible events I have ever witnessed, most certainly in Medina,” said Chris Busch, President of ORG. “He’s a warm and friendly man – very kind and genuine. He has enormous presence. It is quite true what has been said about his ability to connect with an audience – never have I seen an audience so thrilled and so moved. I’ve attended many concert events in my life, but experiencing Ronan Tynan is very special.”
At that concert event, Tynan delighted a capacity crowd of over 600 fans, many of whom traveled to Medina from across western New York and around the United States.
Tynan performed for three hours, captivating the audience with his voice, his humor and personal stories of his life growing up in Ireland.
One of the highlights of the evening in 2016 came as Tynan recalled a story of how he came to sing “Over the Rainbow” at a military event, honoring several Vietnam veterans. One of the vets – a retired colonel and Medal of Honor recipient – recounted how that very song inspired him and his men throughout the conflict and helped bring everyone home alive. Tynan dedicated the song to all military personnel and first responders and recognized any present in the audience. The emotionally charged performance brought the crowd to their feet with thunderous applause.
“Tickets are selling quickly,” said Busch. “If you have any thought of attending this event, do not hesitate to purchase your tickets now. It will sell out. This is your chance to experience a concert event of a lifetime in a truly magnificent setting.”
Tickets are $45 each ($50 at the door) and are available at online medinaalive.com. All seats are general admission. Doors open at 7 p.m. There are a limited number of specially-priced, premium front-row seats available. For premium seat information, call 590-0699.
