Timothy O’Leary (right) has taken the United States opera scene by storm as the recently-appointed general director of the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. O’Leary previously worked in New York City as a part of the management at the New York City Opera and was the first managing director of Gotham Chamber … [Read more...] about Irish American Director to Helm Washington National Opera
Music
Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas
By Bob Lydon
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
Bing Crosby was once considered the greatest crooner of all and his recording of "White Christmas" remains the best-selling single of all time, with an estimated 100 million copies sold world-wide. And yet the distortion of Bing Crosby's accomplishments and reputation has been as remarkable as his career. Here, we debunk many of the myths that have circulated since the singer's … [Read more...] about Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
By Thomas Hauser, Contributor
The world has been enriched by many distinctly Irish songs. “Danny Boy” and “MacNamara’s Band” are among the diverse offerings. But no song is more deeply embedded in hearts than “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” The history of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” begins with Chauncey Olcott. Olcott’s mother, Margaret Doyle, was born in Ireland. In the 1840s, when she was eight, her … [Read more...] about When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Ireland’s Poet Patriots Is a Musical Experience Not to Be Missed
Ireland’s Poet-Patriots: A Musical History, which premiered last year in San Francisco to correspond with the centenary of the 1916 Rising, is coming to Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral on October 12. The one-night performance will illuminate 140 years of Irish history, featuring the inspired words of 12 Irish poets and patriots set to music by American composer Richard B. … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Poet Patriots Is a Musical Experience Not to Be Missed
Irish Rep Honors Sondheim
The Irish Repertory Theatre celebrated its 2017 gala at the New York Town Hall in June. The evening, “Sondheim at Seven,” recognized the work of one of America’s greatest musical artists, Stephen Sondheim. Angela Lansbury introduced this one-night-only musical revue which included as many hit songs as could fit into 90 minutes. A galaxy of Broadway stars performed selections … [Read more...] about Irish Rep Honors Sondheim