PROFILE
The Priests are Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy; three practicing Roman Catholic Priests from Northern Ireland who grew up singing together while studying for the priesthood, and all joined by their shared faith and passion for music. In an amazing twist of fate, after a recording the priests had previously made landed on the desk of Epic Records MD Nick Raphael, they were signed on the spot; giving The Priests a worldwide audience to spread their music, with their debut album The Priests being released in Ireland on 14th November 2008.
Uniquely for a debut album The Priests was released simultaneously in more than 30 countries, including mainland Europe, USA, Argentina and the Philippines, fulfilling an unprecedented global demand. Additionally, the three have stipulated that a percentage of the proceeds from record sales will go to a charity or charities of their choice.
Featuring a collection of spiritually inspired tracks such as “Pie Jesu”, “Ave Maria”, “Panis Angelicus” as well as great classical arias and traditional Irish tracks and blessings, the album showcases the passion and exquisite harmonies of The Priests. The album was produced by Mike Hedges, whose previous work includes best-selling albums by U2 and Manic Street Preachers. The album, featuring the Choir of Philharmonic Academy of Rome, was recorded in Ireland and in the Choir Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. The choral arrangements are by the choir’s Spanish born director, Mons Pablo Colino, the Emeritus Director of the Cappella Giulia choir in St Peter’s Basilica.
The Priests is not only an album of awe-inspiring music but a celebration of faith, spirituality, tolerance, love and the power of the human spirit - already a record breaker, officially being the fastest-selling debut by a classical act. The album has sold over a million copies worldwide, achieving platinum status in the UK, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand and outstandingly, the album is over 5 times platinum in Ireland.
The Priests’ soaring harmonies took centre stage at a spectacular concert at Ireland’s historic St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, in mid 2008 which was broadcast coast to coast on the United States PBS network that autumn. In the UK, ITV shot a major TV documentary on The Priests following their every move since the day they signed with Sony Music. They also featured in Time Magazine along with a photo shoot with coveted photographer David Bailey.
Filmed by acclaimed director Chris Cowey the special concert - The Priests in Concert at Armagh Cathedral was released on DVD in March 2009 to coincide with Easter, and includes the full 60-minute concert, 52 minutes of additional songs from the Concert, original EPK, and exclusive footage of The Priests recording “Pie Jesu” and “Ave Maria” in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Following later in 2009, The Priests release their second album Harmony, in November.
